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
Office Location
Ventura City Hall
501 Poli Street, 2nd floor, Room 205
Ventura, CA 93001
Business hours
Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
(excluding holidays and every other Friday)
Contact Information
- Estelle Bussa, Economic Development Manager – (805) 677-3947
- Cary Glenn, ED Management Analyst – (805) 677-3958
Business Licensing
501 Poli St, Room 107
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 658-4715
BL@cityofventura.ca.gov
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
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.
- BAP Loan Information (please read before completing pre-application)
- BAP Loan Program Pre-Application
Partner Organizations
Ventura Chamber of Commerce
505 Poli St, Suite 200
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 643-7222
The Ventura Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization dedicated to helping local companies grow their business by taking lead in programs and efforts that help create a strong local economy and making Ventura a great place to do business. View webpage
Economic Development Collaborative
4001 Mission Oaks Blvd, Suite A-1
Camarillo, CA, 93012
(805) 384-1800
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 a 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. View webpage
Women's Economic Ventures
290 Maple Court, Suite 268
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 667-8004
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 are open to both men and women. View webpage
SCORE - Ventura County
516 Pennsfield Place, Suite 206
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
(805) 204-6022
SCORE is a nationwide, nonprofit 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. View webpage
Ventura County Economic Development Association
P.O. Box 2744
Camarillo, CA 93011
(805) 676-1332
VCEDA is a 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. View webpage
Additional Resources
Board of Equalization
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 they have been mistreated in the tax process. View webpage
GoBiz
1325 J St, Suite 1800
Sacramento, CA
(877) 345-4633
The Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) serves as the State of California's leader for job growth and economic development efforts. GoBiz offers a range of services to business owners including: attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection, permit assistance, regulatory guidance, small business assistance, international trade development, assistance with state government, and much more! View webpage
LoopNet
Commercial Real Estate
Search Tool
LoopNet is a mobile and online real estate marketplace search engine that connects tenants and investors to commercial real estate available for lease or sale.
View webpage
Workforce Development Board
855 Partridge Dr
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 477-5306
The Workforce Development Board administers federal funds in Ventura County and provides employment services and training to job seekers and business consulting, recruitment services, and workforce services to employers. View webpage
USBA
330 N. Brand, Suite 1200
Glendale, CA 91203
(818) 552-3201
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office (LADO) serves Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties. This tri-county service area is the nation's top international trade and manufacturing center. LADO is also first in lending nationally to minority and women-owned businesses, and active in government contracting. View webpage
The U.S. Small Business Administration provides assistances primarily through its four programmatic functions:
- Access to Capital (Business Financing)
- Entrepreneurial Development (Education, Information, Technical Assistance, and Training)
- Government Contracting (Federal Procurement)
- Advocacy (Voice for Small Business)
Ventura County Environmental
Health Division
800 S. Victoria Ave, 3rd floor
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 654-2813
The Environmental Health Division protects public health and the environment by ensuring conformance with State laws and County ordinances pertaining to a wide variety of environmental health programs such as: food, protection, hazardous materials, hazardous waste, individual sewage disposal systems, land use, medical waste, ocean water quality monitoring, recreation health, solid waste, underground fuel tanks, and vector control. An equally important function of the Environmental Health Division is to provide timely advice and information to the public, businesses, and other governmental agencies.
View webpage