Start & Grow Your Business

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City of Ventura Economic Development Division

The Economic Development Division takes a proactive role in supporting local businesses, from startups to major corporations. City staff works individually with companies to build and grow their business through assistance with the permitting process, connections to financing, and providing a one-stop source of information and problem-solving.

We are here to help your business succeed! Let us be your first stop when considering:

  • Business tenant improvements
  • Where you can locate your business (Zoning)
  • Arranging pre-applicant meetings with key City staff
  • Business financing resources

Business hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (excluding holidays and every other Friday)

Office Location: Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli Street, 2nd floor, room 205 

Business Licensing

Whether you’re relocating your business to Ventura or starting a new business, our friendly Business Tax Office professionals will happily walk you through the application and/or renewal process.

Business Assistance Program (BAP) 

Administered through the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), the City of Ventura Business Assistance Program (BAP) offers three separate loan options with a focus on small business and micro enterprises, revitalization of the city’s older commercial district, and supporting commercial property owners with code compliance.

Partner Organizations 

Ventura Chamber of Commerce 

The Ventura Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization dedicated to helping local companies grow their business by taking the lead in programs and efforts that help create a strong local economy and making Ventura a great place to do business.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC)

A private nonprofit, the EDC was founded in 1996 with funding from the County of Ventura, the 10 cities in the county and key private-sector companies to provide a pathway to business growth, economic prosperity and high quality of life for all. Today, in partnership with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the EDC is regional asset for economic vitality in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties, giving businesses, community partners and civic leaders the resources they need to succeed.

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV)

WEV, established in 1991, offers programs that combine classroom training, capital and individual technical assistance to support the small business entrepreneur through start-up, stabilization and growth phases. Most services are provided in Spanish and English and open to both women and men.

SCORE

SCORE is a nationwide, non-profit 501(c)(3) volunteer organization dedicated to mentoring and assisting small business owners. The Ventura County Chapter of SCORE was founded in 1971 and boasts over 60 retired business owners and managers who volunteer their experience and knowledge to help established business owners and potential business owners achieve success.

Ventura County Economic Development Association (VCEDA)

VCEDA is membership organization and “regional voice of business on issues affecting the economy” in Ventura County and California. VCEDA is focused on stimulating the economy through advocacy and positive working relationships with key national, state and local public, private, and nonprofit leaders. VCEDA is funded by membership dues and sponsorships. In return, VCEDA provides leadership, advocacy, intelligence, networking and the support necessary for success in today’s business climate.

Additional Business Resources

  1. Board of Equalization
  2. GoBiz
  3. LoopNet
  4. Small Business Administration
  5. USBA
  6. VC Environmental Health
  7. Workforce Development Board

Board of Equalization - http://www.boe.ca.gov/

Taxes can be complex and complicated. The Board of Equalization is a public agency charged with tax administration and fee collection in the state of California in the United States. They help develop regulations or tax implementations that come out of the Legislature; as well as handle appeals for people that feel that they have been mistreated in the tax process.