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Looking to expand or start a new business in Glendale?

downtown glendale sign

The City of Glendale understands the importance of maintaining a thriving business community while upholding the high quality of life for its residents. For this reason, Glendale is committed to promoting and assisting in the success of our businesses. To achieve this goal, the City has developed a plan to promote, assist, retain and attract quality business in Glendale. Our programs assist businesses both large and small:

Please contact the Economic Development Team at 818-548-2005 or by e-mail chooseglendale@glendaleca.gov to discuss how we can be of assistance.

These are a few of the services we can provide to your new or expanding business:

1. Concierge Service

The hallmark of Glendale's success in economic development has been its concierge-level customer service. Any business, from a small mom-and-pop shop to a major corporation receives one-on-one assistance from a seasoned project manager in the City. This concierge service culture has earned Glendale a priceless competitive advantage in business attraction.

2. Site Selection Assistance

Centrally located just north of Downtown Los Angeles, Glendale is one of the most convenient locations in the region. The Economic Development team utilizes customized data to assist businesses looking for sites in Glendale. City staff escorts prospective companies on neighborhood tours, and arranges property visits with brokers and landlords.

3. Business Recruitment

The Economic Development team maintains a two-way dialogue with businesses that could prosper in the Glendale market area. The team also conducts canvassing visits in competing trade areas to keep abreast of hot concepts and to develop leads.

4. Pre-Inspection

Pre-inspection is a popular service offered by our team. Any property owner, broker or prospective tenant can request a pre-inspection of property systems. The pre-inspection offers an advance expert look at a property. This can help parties formulate business terms well in advance of any hard-money negotiation.

5. Community Benefit Districts

Economic Development helps business communities collaborate for their mutual success.

6. Marketing and Social Media

Glendale maintains an active marketing and social media campaign. Marketing brochures and data analysis are provided to the business community for their use in attracting and retaining customers. The City utilizes Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @ChooseGlendale to create a buzz about the latest news and trends in #MyGlendale.

7. Website and Publications

Glendale's website offers an interactive and friendly online relationship with the community. A monthly electronic newsletter also delivers important City news to the public.

8. Regional Collaboration

Glendale is a visible and vocal player in the Los Angeles regional policy arena. Glendale has long participated in

  • the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC),
  • The Valley Economic Alliance,
  • the Chambers of Commerce,
  • and a host of local professional, business, and social organizations.

 

9. Staffing Assistance

Through its regional Verdugo Jobs Center (VJC), Economic Development staff assists with mass recruitments and layoff aversion projects. This partnership has resulted in expedited staffing for hundreds of new retail and industrial jobs.

How to Start a Business in Glendale

Start with creating a business plan. Information on how to create a business plan can be found at your local library or at Glendale Community College. Additional resources are available at the Small Business Development Center by calling (818) 552-3321.

A fictitious business name (also known as a "DBA") is needed. The Glendale News-Press has applications available for a small fee and can help you complete the process. The Glendale News-Press is located in downtown Los Angeles at 202 W. 1st St., 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Their telephone number is (818) 637-3200 extension 208. Applications can also be submitted at a Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk branch office. For more information, click here.

Select a site. Determine zoning requirements and secure any special zoning clearances. Contact the City of Glendale Community Development Department at (818) 548-2140 for more information.

Obtain a business permit: Every business in the City of Glendale must register with the City, prior to opening, by obtaining a Business Registration Certificate (BRC). Learn more about how to apply for and obtain a BRC. Applications are now being accepted online or by mail only. If you wish to open a business located inside your home, you will need to obtain a “Home Occupation Permit.” Apply by contacting the Planning Division at (818) 548-2115.

It is very strongly encouraged that before you commit to a location for your future business, you visit the Building & Safety’s Permit Services Center at 633 E. Broadway, Suite 101 between the hours of 7am and 12pm and speak with City staff. Staff members from various Departments and Divisions will be able to provide you with a history of the space you are interested in. They can also advise you on potential needs for improvement, additional licenses/permits, etc.

Business Resource Center

The Verdugo Jobs Center has many free programs for businesses to help their productivity and profitability. We know that employee retention, finding qualified job candidates, and having a skilled workforce are top priorities for local businesses. Following are some of the assistance programs that may address those issues:

  • Job training programs that may increase the skills of your workers.
  • Tax credits that may subsidize your costs.
  • Labor market research data that can help you
    • set wages,
    • analyze personnel costs,
    • examine qualifications
    • and job descriptions of various occupations.
  • Screening and referral by a professional staff of potential job candidates for your job openings.
  • A statewide job matching network for listing job openings and identifying a large pool of qualified job seekers for your consideration.
  • Interview facilities to meet potential job candidates.
  • A special fidelity bonding program.
  • Assistance with layoff situation, including free assistance to your affected workers to help them access unemployment benefits.

Helpful Links & Phone Numbers

City Services:

Other Resources: