Start to license tattoos for associates (5)
I believe the answer is:
links
'for associates' is the definition.
('link' can be a synonym of 'associate')
'start to license tattoos' is the wordplay.
'start to' suggests taking the first letters.
'tattoos' becomes 'inks' (ink can mean a tattoo).
The initial letter of 'license' is 'l'.
'l'+'inks'='LINKS'
(Other definitions for links that I've seen before include "Connects, ties in" , "(Seaside) golf course - connections" , "Golf-course" , "Shore-side golf course - connects" , "Ties; golf course" .)