The City of Goleta is leveling up its support for entrepreneurs with a brand-new Goleta Business Guide and refreshed online tools. Goleta is proud to be a business-friendly city, offering an efficient approach to licensing, resources, and support for entrepreneurs. View the new Business Guide here.
The new Business Guide provides step-by-step assistance for starting and expanding a business—from planning and selecting a business structure, obtaining licenses, finding the right location, and connecting with local business networks. The City also encourages entrepreneurs to contact the Planning and Environmental Review Department before signing a lease to make sure the zoning allows the intended business use—because even the best location won’t work if it’s not zoned for your dream business!
Goleta’s pro-business environment includes:
- Lower business license fees: During the 2024 User Fee update, the regulatory general business license was reduced from $250 to $141, and if your business location is outside City limits, the fee is now only $58. Special business licenses have varying fees.
- One-year Old Town fee waiver: Old Town businesses can take advantage of a one-year business license fee waiver until February 28, 2026. For eligibility and more information, see our webpage here.
- Business recognition program: Celebrating local businesses and their contributions to the community. If you know of a business that deserves to be recognized, submit your nomination here.
- Business directory visibility: Businesses with a physical location in Goleta and an active business license are eligible for a complimentary listing on GoodLandGoodShopping.com, the City’s online business directory. Businesses can update their listing at any time to help residents discover local services, shops, and restaurants. In addition, through the City’s #GoodLandGoodShopping campaign, Goleta highlights a different local business each week on its social media channels. These spotlights help showcase the diverse shops, restaurants, and services in our community. Business owners and residents can submit spotlight suggestions by emailing PIO@CityofGoleta.org.
- Competitive tax environment: Goleta does not charge a general business tax. and we do not have other business-related taxes, such as a utility users tax or a gross receipts tax. For many businesses, this means overall startup and ongoing operating costs are lower compared to neighboring jurisdictions.
Business owners are reminded to check their business license expiration and renew online. Visit the City’s Business License Program or contact businesslicense@cityofgoleta.gov to renew today.
Ready to launch or grow your business in Goleta? Explore the new Business Guide, check your license, and connect with our economic development team today! For questions, contact Shannon Kirn at skirn@cityofgoleta.gov or Blake Markum at bmarkum@cityofgoleta.gov.
