Let's say you want to open a new retail store. Where do you start? What permits do you need? How long is this going to take? Those might be some of the first questions that come to mind when you begin this entrepreneurial endeavor. 

Well, as your Economic Development team we want to make this process as straight forward as possible, so we created a new resource to help you answer these questions in an easy to follow, step-by-step Retail Store Guide. 

We've created the new business guide resource to build on the information already provided in the Business Roadmap. These curated guides will give you the information you need to start a specific type of business. The Retail Store Guide covers everything from developing a business plan, to downtown Santa Cruz specific requirements such as parking deficiency and Downtown Association fees, to hiring employees and accessing funding through our Facade Improvement and Commercial Signage Grant Programs. 

You can view the Guide here on our website or download a PDF version to print out or view offline. The PDF version includes space to write down tasks needing to be accomplished, a checklist of steps to take for each phase of starting your business, and information about various resources to help you conduct market research, find a location, and receive one-on-one free business plan assistance through the Small Business Development Center. 

We will continue to release new guides for specific types of businesses such as Freelancers, Home-based businesses, Restaurants, Breweries and more in the coming months.

If you have questions about the Retail Guide, how to start a business, or anything business or City Hall related don't hesitate to send us an email, give us a call (831) 420-5150, tweet us, or visit us in person (337 Locust Street). Seriously, we're here to help and we want to make sure you have all the information you need to make your business goals a reality.