Microbusiness License FAQs

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General

• What is a microbusiness license?
• Article XIV, Section 2 outlines the intent of a microbusiness license as a cannabis business that will operate on a smaller scale then medical or comprehensive licenses and that the majority owner(s) must meet certain and specific qualifications to be eligible. In addition, a microbusiness license is designed to provide a path to facility ownership for individuals who might not otherwise easily access that opportunity.
• What types of microbusiness licenses are available?
• There are two types of microbusiness licenses available: microbusiness dispensary licenses and microbusiness wholesale licenses. A microbusiness dispensary facility is licensed to engage in the process of dispensing marijuana product for medical or adult use. A microbusiness wholesale facility is licensed to engage in the process of cultivating and/or manufacturing marijuana product for medical or adult use. If cultivating, a microbusiness wholesale facility may cultivate up to 250 flowering plants at any given time.
• How many microbusiness licenses are being issued?
• In October of 2023, the Department issued six microbusiness licenses in each of the eight Missouri congressional districts, for a total of 48 microbusiness licenses. Of the six in each district, two are microbusiness dispensaries, and four are wholesale facilities. The Department will issue an additional 48 in 2024, and another 48 in 2025. Time periods for those application windows will be announced on the Department website.
• How is a microbusiness license different from existing facility licenses?
• The primary difference is microbusinesses may only purchase marijuana product from other microbusinesses and cannot transfer marijuana product to or from a medical or comprehensive marijuana facility.  A microbusiness wholesale license is allowed to cultivate up to 250 flowering plants at any given time versus a medical or comprehensive license may cultivate up to 30,000 square feet of flowering canopy space.
• What does a microbusiness dispensary license allow me to do?
• Under Article XIV, Section 2.2(18), a "Microbusiness dispensary facility" means a facility licensed by the department to acquire, process, package, store on site or off site, sell, transport to or from, and deliver marijuana, marijuana seeds, marijuana vegetative cuttings (also known as clones), marijuana-infused products, and drug paraphernalia used to administer marijuana as provided for in this section to a consumer, qualifying patient, or primary caregiver, as defined in this Article, anywhere on the licensed property or to any address as directed by the consumer, qualifying patient, or primary caregiver and, consistent with the limitations of this Article and as otherwise allowed by law, a microbusiness wholesale facility, or a marijuana testing facility. Microbusiness dispensary facilities may receive transaction orders at the dispensary directly from the consumer in person, by phone, or via the internet, including from a third party. A microbusiness dispensary facility's authority to process marijuana shall include the creation of pre-rolls.
• What does a microbusiness wholesale license allow me to do?
• Under Article XIV, Section 2.2(19) a "Microbusiness wholesale facility" means a facility licensed by the department to acquire, cultivate, process, package, store on site or off site, manufacture, transport to or from, deliver, and sell marijuana, marijuana seeds, marijuana vegetative cuttings (also known as clones), and marijuana-infused products to a microbusiness dispensary facility, other microbusiness wholesale facility, or marijuana testing facility. A microbusiness wholesale facility may cultivate up to 250 flowering marijuana plants at any given time. A microbusiness wholesale facility's authority to process marijuana shall include the creation of pre-rolls and infused pre-rolls.
• Can I have a consumer personal cultivation identification card and a microbusiness license?
• Yes. Individuals may possess both a microbusiness license and a consumer personal cultivation identification card.  The microbusiness facility location must comply with location requirements listed in 19 CSR 100-1and any zoning requirements of the local government.
• How long are microbusiness licenses valid, and when do they need to be renewed?
• Pursuant to 19 CSR 100-1.060(2)(E), a facility license or certification shall be valid for three (3) years from its date of issuance. Pursuant to 19 CSR 100-1.060(7), renewal requests must be submitted in a department-provided, web-based application system at least thirty (30) days, but no sooner than ninety (90) days, prior to expiration. These requirements apply to all licensees, including microbusinesses. Additional fee information can be found on the Fee Schedule page.
• What are the important dates for the microbusiness application process?
• See the Microbusiness webpage and timeline for important dates.
• Is proof of Missouri residency a requirement?
• No. There is no residency requirement to apply for a microbusiness application.
• Are there any classes or training available to help me apply and be successful? 
• The Chief Equity Officer and Microbusiness Outreach office within the Division of Cannabis Regulation are responsible for establishing public education programming and technical assistance to communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition to provide information and resources to apply for a microbusiness license. Activities include outreach forums, informational events, webinars, digital content, tutorials, printable guides, and checklists. Please visit the Outreach page for event information.
• Since microbusinesses can only do business with other microbusinesses, how will the wholesale licensees connect with the dispensary licensees?
• It is important that microbusiness licensees establish business relationships with one another. A list of currently licensed microbusiness licensees can be found on the Licensed Facilities page on the website.
•  Can I lose federal assistance because I have a microbusiness license?
• Any change in financial status, such as starting a business, may affect your eligibility of federal assistance programs.  Because every situation is different, you should consult with an attorney for legal advice regarding your specific situation.

Ownership

• What does it mean for a microbusiness license to be “owned and operated” by eligible individuals?
• This means majority owners who are eligible individuals must have a level of operational control that would be expected of an owner. The requirement is to prevent exploitation of microbusiness owners and to ensure eligible individuals make decisions for, and profit from, the microbusiness license.  The “owned and operated” requirement does not prohibit microbusiness licensees from entering into management agreements for facility operations, nor does it place more stringent operational requirements on microbusiness owners than comprehensive owners. The microbusiness license must always be majority owned and operated by individuals who meet these eligibility criteria. This means that DCR must continue to monitor the details of microbusiness ownership arrangements, even if they later change, to ensure these licenses remain in compliance.
• Is there any prohibition against spouses holding separate microbusiness licenses?
• No. Spouses may apply for and own separate microbusiness licenses. Please keep in mind that any individual may only be an owner of one microbusiness license at a time and may only appear on one microbusiness application during an application time period.
• Is there an age restriction to have ownership in a microbusiness license?
• No. Any individual may have ownership in a microbusiness license who could have ownership in any other type of business. However, be aware that an owner under the age of twenty-one (21) cannot have access to a marijuana facility. Per 19 CSR 100-1.070(2)(B), owners under twenty-one would not be allowed to possess an agent identification card which is required for owners having access to a marijuana facility.
• If I am an owner of an existing Missouri medical or comprehensive marijuana facility license, can I apply for a Microbusiness license?
• No. An applicant may not have an owner who is also an owner of an existing medical, comprehensive, or another microbusiness marijuana facility license. The term “owner” means an individual or other entity having a financial or voting interest in ten percent or greater of a medical or marijuana facility license. If an owner of an existing medical, comprehensive, or microbusiness facility is listed in the application, the application will be denied.
• Can I be an owner of both a transportation facility and a microbusiness facility?
• Yes. Owners in a transportation facility may also apply for and own a microbusiness facility. If awarded a microbusiness license, the associated transportation license may not be used to circumvent the limitations on sale/transfer of marijuana product between microbusinesses, medical, and comprehensive facilities.
• What are the requirements for microbusiness ownership changes following license issuance?
• Licensees and potential purchasers are required to complete the necessary steps outlined in 19 CSR 100-1.100(2) prior to transferring a license or making changes to ownership. License transfers and changes to ownership are completed through a business change application. Microbusiness licensees submitting a business change application involving a change to ownership must also include eligibility documentation for any new individual whose voting or financial interest will contribute to majority ownership. A business change application may only be submitted after DCR issues its letter verifying the licensee passed Minimum Standards and Eligibility Verification Review. Further, changes to ownership amounting to fifty percent (50%) or more may only be submitted after the licensee’s facility has received approval to operate pursuant to 19 CSR 100-1.100(2)(C). Additional information can be found on the Department website under Business Change Applications and Facility Communications and Guidance.
• Is there a specific type of business structure I need to apply for a microbusiness license?
• No. Business structures can be in almost any form, including sole proprietorship, S-corporation, LLC, and 501(c)(3), LLC, so long as the business structure shows the microbusiness applicant is majority owned by eligible individuals and otherwise qualifies (e.g.: no disqualifying felonies). Due to the law requiring pre-approval of changes in ownership, an applicant cannot have a publicly traded company as an owner. Ownership structure examples can be found on the Application Resources page.
• What if an applicant registers a business structure type with the Secretary of State that is different than what is provided in the application?
• Licensees that register their business with the Secretary of State as a different business structure than what is listed in the application will be in violation of 19 CSR 100-1.100(2)(A) for failure to obtain Department approval prior to transferring their license to a different entity with the same ownership and will be subject to a notice of violation, fines, or other penalties.

Eligibility

• What are microbusiness eligibility requirements, and do I need to meet more than one to apply?
• Applicants must be majority owned and operated by individuals who each meet at least one of the eligibility criteria set forth in Article XIV, Section 2.4(12) and 19 CSR 100-1.190(1)(B)1-5. Please visit the Eligibility Information page for detailed information on each criteria and required documentation.
• What if I do not have the requested documentation to meet an eligibility requirement? Will the division accept additional forms of proof/verification?
• The applicant will be considered eligible if the applicant submits documentation listed in 19 CSR 100-1.060(4). If you believe you are eligible, but do not have the documents listed in 19 CSR 100-1.060(4), the department may consider other proof or verification that demonstrates eligibility.
• What will count toward the net worth requirement of $250,000?
• Per 19 CSR 100-1.160(4)(B)2, applicants claiming a net worth of less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) and low income must submit:
• Sworn financial statements for three (3) of the last ten (10) years, each of which must show net worth of less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000). This includes all marital property, unless applicant provides evidence sufficient to demonstrate that property is not jointly owned; and
• Documentation establishing that the applicant’s household adjusted gross income (AGI) was below two hundred and fifty percent (250%) of the federal poverty guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for at least three (3) of the last ten (10) years. Income for each year claimed may be established by tax returns, paycheck stubs summarizing the full income from the source for the year, W-2s, evidence of job loss, or other documentation sufficient to demonstrate gross income below two hundred and fifty percent (250%) of the federal poverty level during the applicable year.
• What is the “sworn financial statement” need to verify net worth below $250,000?
• Individuals claiming net worth below $250,000 must submit a document listing their assets and liabilities demonstrating a net worth below $250,000. The document must be signed by the individual or the individual’s accountant (or other financial professional who is familiar with the individual’s net worth) and must be notarized (signed in the presence of a notary public). A sample form to assist with net worth calculation can be found on the Application Resources page.
• For spouses that file joint taxes, how will that affect their eligibility?
• For those claiming eligibility under Article XIV, Section 2.4(12)(a) and per 19 CSR 100-1.060(4)(B)2, the Department considers combined net worth and household adjusted gross income of a married couple, unless applicant provides evidence sufficient to demonstrate that property is not jointly owned.
• What defines a household for the determination of gross household income for eligibility under Article XIV, Section 2.4(12)(a) and per 19 CSR 100-1.190(1)(B)1?
• DCR considers your household to be you (the eligible applicant) and your spouse if you're married. Currently, DCR does not consider a non-spouse, such as boyfriend or girlfriend, as contributors toward household income of the eligible applicant. Parents, grandparents, or legal guardians are also not considered contributors toward household income of the applicant, unless the applicant is under the age of 18 at the time of application.
• How should applicants calculate 250% of the federal poverty income guidelines related to the eligibility criteria outlined in 100-1.190(1)(B)1?
• First determine the household number; the number of people living in the same household and being financially supported by the gross household income. Typically, this would include an individual and his/her spouse, children residing in the home, and any other dependents living in the home. This is the same as how the IRS determines household on tax returns. 
• To determine qualifying poverty level, refer to the poverty guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Locate the corresponding year the eligible applicant is claiming the qualifying poverty level and use the number of individuals in the household to determine the poverty level. Multiply the determined poverty level number by 2.5. Compare the 250% poverty level number you calculate to your household income. Your household income should be lower than the 250% poverty level number to qualify.
• How do I establish eligibility for my (or family member’s) arrest, prosecution, or conviction for a non-violent marijuana offense?
• Eligibility for non-violent marijuana offenses only applies to the applicant, the applicant’s parent or guardian, or the applicant’s spouse. A child, stepparent, or other relation’s marijuana offense does not qualify.
• A suspended imposition of sentence (SIS) is the result of being “prosecuted for” an offense, and a suspended execution of sentence (SES) is the result of being “convicted” of an offense. Therefore, non-violent marijuana offenses that resulted in an SIS or SES would qualify.
• An individual is still considered eligible if the arrest, prosecution, or conviction was expunged.
• Marijuana offenses involving provision or distribution of marijuana to a minor or driving under the influence of marijuana do not qualify.
• The arrest, prosecution, or conviction for a non-violent marijuana offense must have occurred on or prior to December 8, 2021.
• Do I need an additional background check for documentation related to eligibility under the criteria for an arrest, prosecution, or conviction of a non-violent marijuana offense if I previously submitted fingerprints to the Department?
• If providing a copy of the relevant FBI background check to demonstrate eligibility for a non-violent marijuana offense, the FBI background check used for eligibility must be completed separately from the FBI background check required for owners or from any previous background check submitted to the Department.
• I got my GED after attending school in a district that was unaccredited at the time. I earned my GED. Can this count toward eligibility as a microbusiness owner?
• No. Article XIV, Section 2 and per 19 CSR 100-1.190(1)(B)5 provide eligibility as a microbusiness owner for individuals who “graduated from a school district that was unaccredited.” The GED, HiSET, or other similar credential is a high school equivalency diploma issued by a state that is not tied to a particular school district.  If you received your GED, you did not graduate from the unaccredited school district.  However, you may be eligible under different criteria, such as having “lived in a zip code containing an unaccredited school district, or similar successor designation, for three of the past five years.”
• How do I determine if a school district is unaccredited?
• A list of qualifying Missouri school districts by year, provided by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), is available on the Eligibility Information page and the Application Resources page. This list provides unaccredited school districts from 1993 – 2023. Per DESE there were no unaccredited schools in Missouri from 2018-2023. Those seeking documentation prior to 1993 may contact the school district directly or the Division of Cannabis Regulation to verify accreditation status of the school district. For individuals residing in a different state, the application must include data from a comparable state authority sufficient to demonstrate the claimed school district was unaccredited at the time of graduation.
• I am claiming the eligibility criteria of net worth of less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) and low income. I work and reside in different states.  Which state do I use to determine poverty level for low income?
• Applicants should reference the state where they reside, not the state in which they work, to determine the applicable poverty level to establish the applicant’s gross household income was below two hundred and fifty percent (250%) of the federal poverty guidelines. Guidelines are located on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Poverty Guidelines website. On the website, select “Spreadsheet Tool to Calculate Different Percentages of the Guidelines” to view the poverty thresholds for each year you would like to claim.

Facility Information

• What are the congressional districts used in the application process?
• Article XIV, Section 2.4(13) requires the Department to distribute licenses by the eight congressional districts in the state of Missouri, as drawn and effective December 6, 2018.
• Is the congressional district based on the residential address of the applicant or the address of the proposed microbusiness facility and how do I determine my district?
• Applicants must choose the congressional district of their proposed facility location. Applicants should use the DCR Location Tool to determine the correct congressional district and GPS coordinates for the proposed microbusiness facility location.
• Do I need to have my facility built out prior to applying?
• No. Applicants are required to provide a proposed facility location and attest that the proposed facility location complies with all the location requirements of 19 CSR 100-1.100(1)(C) or local government as applicable. Additionally, the applicant is required to provide proposed blueprints that outline the entire facility and feature all rooms and areas clearly labeled, including purpose and square footage, camera locations, limited access areas, and access permissions. Blueprint examples can be found on the Application Resources page.
• What should an applicant consider when selecting an entity legal name to be provided in a microbusiness application?
• Applicants should first be aware that the applicant entity legal name will be published to the Department’s website and should consider this if choosing to use their first and last name as the entity legal name. In addition, licensees who register their business with the Secretary of State under a different entity legal name than what is listed in the application will be in violation of 19 CSR 100-1.100(2)(A) for failure to obtain department approval prior to transferring their license to a different entity with the same ownership and will be subject to a notice of violation, fines, or other penalties.
• Can I change the location of my microbusiness facility after a license is awarded?
• Yes, a microbusiness licensee may submit a business change application to move its facility to a location within the congressional district where the license was awarded, subject to department approval. Additional information can be found on the Business Change Applications page.
• Is it a requirement to have a municipal attestation regarding the suitability of the location of the facility?
• No, but the applicant is required to attest that the proposed facility location complies with facility location requirements. It is not required by rule that applicants provide documentation from the local government with jurisdiction over the facility’s location confirming that the proposed location complies with local distance and zoning requirements. If an applicant is awarded a license, DCR will request licensees to provide such documentation to support the licensee’s attestation. As such, applicants are encouraged to engage with local authorities when selecting a proposed location at application.  Please see the following FAQ about what to consider when selecting a location for my microbusiness for important information.
• What should I consider when selecting a location for my microbusiness?
• Applicants are required per 19 CSR 100-1.060(3)(H) to identify a proposed facility location. The applicant is not required to secure this location, but the proposed location must be in compliance with 19 CSR 100-1 and local government requirements. If, during Minimum Standards review, DCR discovers that the proposed location is not compliant with Article XIV, 19 CSR 100-1, or local zoning and/or distance requirements, the licensee could be found to be in violation of 19 CSR 100-1.060(3)(H) and the applicable area of rule for failure to provide a proposed facility location at application that complies. Attesting a proposed location is compliant without ensuring compliance constitutes provision of false or misleading information in the Licensee’s application, which is cause for revocation pursuant to 19 CSR 100-1.020(3)(C). Article XIV, Section 2.5(4) outlines that applicants should work with local, county, and city government to ensure compliance with all local location and zoning requirements. Unless expressly allowed by the local government, no medical or marijuana facility, including any offsite warehouses, shall be sited, at the time of application for license, certification, or local zoning approval, whichever is earlier, within one thousand feet (1,000’) of any then-existing elementary or secondary school, daycare, or church. The method of measuring distances is governed by Article XIV. 
• What if the location identified in the application is found not to be compliant with local government requirements?
• Licensees whose proposed facility location does not comply with the requirements of the local government, will be in violation of 19 CSR 100-1.060(3)(H) and 19 CSR 100-1.100(4)(C) for failure to provide a proposed facility location at application that complies with facility location requirements of the local government and will be subject to a notice of violation, fines, or other penalties. Attesting a proposed location is compliant without ensuring compliance constitutes provision of false or misleading information in the Licensee’s application, which is cause for revocation pursuant to 19 CSR 100-1.020(3)(C).
• Are there size limits or size minimums for microbusiness licensee facilities?
• Per 19 CSR 100-1.160(2)(A)1, each microbusiness wholesale facility utilizing any combination of indoor, outdoor, or greenhouse facilities will be limited to no more than two hundred fifty (250) flowering marijuana plants. The limitation in law is for flowering marijuana plants only; there is no limitation on canopy area or non-flowering marijuana plants.
• Can multiple applicants choose the same property as part of their application? If yes, what would happen if both got chosen?
• Yes. In the event more than one eligible applicant is selected with the same proposed address, the Department will review the circumstances and may permit one of the applicants to change location within the same congressional district or may permit the applicants to share the same location. 19 CSR 100-1.030(3)(A)3 lists the requirements for sharing space with another licensee.
• Can a location be mobile such as a bus?
• No.  A licensee’s facility must be located at an approved location and cannot be mobile.

Application Process

• How do I apply for a microbusiness license?
• Time periods for application windows will be announced on the Department website; applications will only be accepted during these time periods. Applications are only accepted electronically through the online registry portal. Please review the application tutorials for additional assistance navigating the online registry portal and step-by-step guidance to complete and submit a microbusiness application.
• Is there a limit to how many individuals can be listed within an application?
• No. However, any individual or entity can only appear on one application in an application time period.  If multiple applications contain the same individual, all applications listing that individual will be denied.
• Who can I contact if I have questions about eligibility, documents, or if I have trouble submitting my application?
• Please contact the Facility Application Services (FAS) Unit at CannabisFAS@health.mo.gov with any microbusiness application questions.
• Are fingerprints required to be submitted as part of this application? What if I have previously submitted fingerprints to the Department?
• Yes. Fingerprints are required for owners (individuals with 10% or more voting or financial interest). Per 19 CSR 100-1.060(3)(K), fingerprints for disqualifying felony offenses should be submitted within two weeks after the application submission for a state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background check to be conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The Department will provide instructions and guidance for submitting fingerprints to applicants following receipt of their application. Applicants who have previously submitted fingerprints to the Department for a state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background check are not required to submit fingerprints a second time. These individuals should provide the associated TCN when completing the application. Currently a variance in place temporarily postponing the submission requirement.
• How can I ensure my documents remain confidential/proprietary?
• Applicants may inform the Department that documents contain proprietary business information by including a header in the right-hand upper corner of the document that reads “Proprietary Information.” Please visit the Proprietary Information page for more information.
• How will I know if my application is complete or what is my responsibility if additional information is required by the Department?
• Applicants are responsible for submitting a complete and accurate application as set out in 19 CSR 100-1. However, if an application is found to be incomplete, missing information, or additional information is required to determine eligibility during the review process, the Department will send an email request to the email address of the designated contact associated with the application. If requested, the applicant will have three (3) business days to provide the requested information or documents to the Department.

Lottery

• How are microbusinesses selected?
• By law, microbusiness applications are selected via random lottery drawing. To ensure the integrity of the random drawing, the Missouri Lottery will conduct the drawing without reference to the identities of the applicants.
• How does the lottery process work?
• All timely applications submitted with an application fee will be entered into the lottery drawing. Untimely applications or applications without an application fee will be denied. After the application time period closes, applicants will be sorted by congressional districts and license type (wholesale or dispensary) and assigned a sequential applicant identifier within those groups. The designated contact provided in the application will receive an email containing the applicant identifier prior to the drawing.
  All applicants entered in the drawing will be listed in the order drawn within their congressional district. Prior to awarding licenses, the department will review the applications in the order drawn. In the case that an application is denied, or an applicant does not accept an awarded license, the next eligible applicant in that congressional district will be awarded the license.
  
• Can I submit multiple microbusiness applications to improve my chances in the lottery?
• No. Article XIV, Section 2.4(12) is clear that an entity may apply to the Department for and obtain only one license to operate a marijuana microbusiness facility, which may be either a microbusiness dispensary facility or a microbusiness wholesale facility. This means that an individual or entity may only be listed on one application, regardless of the amount of ownership interests. This limitation ensures everyone who applies has an equal chance at a license. If an individual or entity appears on multiple applications, all applications in which the individual or entity appears will be in violation of the rule and will be denied.
• Who conducts the lottery and when will the lottery drawing be held?
• The Missouri Lottery conducts the random drawing, and the results are provided to the Division of Cannabis Regulation. The designated contact will receive an email prior to the lottery drawing containing their lottery applicant identifier.
• Where can I find the results of the drawing, and what information will be provided with the drawing results?
• Random drawing results will be posted to the Department website as soon as they are available and will include a list of the drawing order for each congressional district and license type, including: the application ID, applicant entity name, and address of the proposed facility location for each microbusiness dispensary and microbusiness wholesale applicant. Once the subsequent review period is complete, winners of licenses will be notified by email using the designated contact provided in the application.
• How will I be notified if I am awarded/approved for a microbusiness license, and will there be a deadline to accept the license?
• The Department will send an email notification of approval to the designated contact provided in the application, notifying the applicant that they have been issued a license. License awardees will have 48 hours to confirm they accept the license, pursuant to 19 CSR 100-1.060(6)(D). Failure to accept the license in this time frame may result in deactivation of the license, and the Department may then offer a license to the next eligible applicant. All applicants are encouraged to monitor email closely.
• If my application was among the first drawn applications in a congressional district, does that mean I am guaranteed a license?
• No. The Department will not be able to announce which applicants will be awarded a microbusiness license until each top drawn application has been reviewed to determine if the applicant has satisfied all application criteria to receive a license. Applicants will be reviewed in the order draw within their congressional district. Department staff cannot provide advice or information as to whether a specific application is under review, or the status of the review of a specific application during this process. If your application is under review, the Department may contact you for more information.
• What happens if one of the top drawn applications selected in the drawing is determined to not meet the application requirements necessary to receive a microbusiness license?
• If a drawn application is found to not meet application requirements, the next application from the drawing list will be reviewed. A denial notice containing the reasons for the denial will be issued to applicants determined to not meet application requirements. Any denied applicant may seek review of the denial through the Administrative Hearing Commission or may request a refund of the application fee.
• Why can’t the Department announce the winners immediately after the lottery drawing, and when will I know if I receive a license?
• The Department is required to determine whether the top drawn applicants in the lottery meet application requirements prior to issuing a microbusiness license. Applications will be reviewed as quickly as possible. Please see this FAQ for additional information.
• What would cause a top drawn microbusiness to be denied?
• Prior to issuance of a license, an applicant must be both drawn in the lottery AND meet eligibility requirements. Possible reasons for denial are listed below. This is not a complete list of reasons why a top drawn application may not be awarded a license.
  • The proposed facility location is too close to an existing school, church, or daycare.
  • The application does not demonstrate majority ownership by eligible individuals.
  • An individual or applicant appears on more than one microbusiness application during the application time period.
  • The application is in violation of a rule or Article XIV.
• If my application is denied, can I apply again?
• Yes, applications not chosen by lottery will result in the application being denied. Those applicants may choose to submit a new application during the next application submission time period.

Application Review

• What is the process for ensuring microbusiness applicants met eligibility requirements?
• Prior to issuing licenses and pursuant to 19 CSR 100-1.190, the Department reviews documents that were uploaded with each top drawn microbusiness application to verify that applicants meet the qualifications that were indicated within their application. The Department specifically looks for the documentation listed in 19 CSR 100-1.060(4). If documentation was insufficient to demonstrate eligibility for microbusiness licensure, the Department may allow applicants to supplement their applications with additional documentation. Once applications are resubmitted, the Department reviews all documentation provided with the application to determine whether it was sufficient to demonstrate applicants met license eligibility. Upon issuance of a microbusiness license, the Department will work with each licensee to verify the application documents are accurate. Additionally, the Chief Equity Officer will perform a final review to verify that microbusiness licenses have been issued to eligible individuals, with a report made publicly available, as required under Article XIV, Section 2.4(13).
• What happens if not all required documents were submitted with an application? Can documents be submitted after the fact?
• Applicants are responsible for submitting a complete and accurate application at the time of submission. If your application is one of the top drawn applications in the lottery, the Department will conduct a review for eligibility. If at the time of review, documents are found to be missing/incomplete, or additional information is required; the Department will send a request to the email address of the designated contact associated with the application. For more information on Department requested documents, see here.
• What is the process for verifying that individuals are not listed as having ownership interest in multiple microbusiness applications, and that owners of existing facility licenses are not listed in microbusiness applications?

• The microbusiness application requires applicants to list each individual with an ownership interest and the percent of ownership interest for each individual. The Department compiles a list of names from all applications to ensure no individual is listed on more than one application and then compares this data to currently licensed entities to verify that no individual with an ownership interest in a microbusiness license is an owner of an existing facility license.
• Why is there more than one microbusiness license listed at the same facility address?
• At the time of application, applicants were only required to provide a proposed facility location. The rules do not prohibit multiple applicants from using the same proposed location or licensees from sharing space.
• Can multiple applicants choose the same property as part of their application? If yes, what would happen if both were issued licenses?
• Yes. Following license issuance, DCR will review to further verify compliance with 19 CSR 100-1, including facility location verification. At the time of commencement inspection, pursuant to 19 CSR 100-1.030(3), licensees will be required to demonstrate that the proposed location meets the requirements of rule including sharing space with other licensees. Licensees may submit a business change application to change the facility location. See 19 CSR 100-1.100(2)(D).
• Why do several microbusiness applications list the same designated contact?
• The “Designated Contact” is the applicant’s authorized point of contact for all Department communication regarding the application and license. The designated contact is not required to be an individual in the ownership structure. Licensees may use an attorney or other responsible individual who is not an owner as a designated contact. If the individual is not an owner of multiple microbusinesses, the individual is permitted to be the designated contact for multiple licenses.
• What is Minimum Standards and Eligibility Review?
• With the issuance of a Microbusiness License, DCR’s Bureau of Business Licensing Services (BLS) will perform a review of all documentation and information provided at application to further verify compliance with 19 CSR 100-1 and Article XIV. The licensee’s assigned BLS Specialist will reach out to the Designated Contact for documentation or information to perform this review. Requested documentation should support all information provided at the time of application submission or, if circumstances have changed, licensees should include a detailed explanation of the change.

Fees and Refunds

• What fees are associated with microbusiness?
  • The microbusiness application fee is currently $1,500. Additional fees related to microbusiness licensure can be found on the Fee Schedule page.
• Can I receive a full refund if I’m not awarded a license?
• Yes. Per 19 CSR 100-1.060(2)(B) the application fee will be refunded if the Department determines the microbusiness facility applicant met the criteria to apply for a microbusiness facility license and the applicant has no pending or future legal actions related to the denial of the application. Refunds must be requested by the designated contact by submitting the Microbusiness Application Request form. Refund request periods will begin thirty-one (31) days after the date of the denial but no later than six (6) months after the date of the denial. The Department will post the refund request form on the Fee Schedule page during the refund request period.
• Can I request a refund after the conclusion of a legal process related to the denial of my application? 
• 19 CSR 100-1.060(2)(C) requires refund requests to be submitted within six months of the application denial.  It further states that refunds will not be granted if an applicant has pending, or future legal actions related to the denial of the application.  Once a legal process related to the denial has concluded, there is no prohibition against submitting a refund request. Please note that legal processes may take longer than six months, but if the six months have not lapsed after the conclusion of the legal process, an applicant would still be eligible to submit a refund request.