Business Resource Center

Arvada requires a business license for any business located in the City or any business that comes into the city to sell, lease, rent, deliver or install tangible personal property. When you hold an Arvada business license, you will also have a sales and use tax account to file taxes. Arvada does not issue a separate sales and use tax license. Apply for a license here.

If your business is going to be physically located in the City of Arvada, it must be approved by the Planning Department before a business license can be issued. Confirm the zoning of your intended location by calling the planning department at 720-898-7435 or POD@arvada.org. 

For a comprehensive list of all municipalities and their specific requirements, please refer to our municipal licensing documentation.

Yes, you will need a business license for your home-based business. This requirement applies to all municipalities throughout Adams and Jefferson County.

Yes, your local Economic Development Agency can provide invaluable assistance with planning and zoning issues, including helping you obtain your Certificate of Occupancy. We strongly recommend contacting AEDA before signing a lease or purchasing property if you plan to open a business in Arvada. Their experienced Business Navigation team will help you understand the full scope of potential costs and requirements, ensuring you make an informed decision about whether a particular space is the right fit for your business needs. This proactive approach can save you significant time, money, and potential complications down the road.

Each organization serves a distinct purpose in supporting Arvada’s business community and economic growth:

The Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce. The Greater Arvada Chamber is a community of businesses, organizations, and local leaders working together to solve challenges, foster meaningful connections, and develop the next generation of talent and leadership. Our work – driving action on conversations, resources, and large-scale initiatives that businesses can’t tackle on their own – is central to the long-term success of our community. The Chamber offers business and non-profit membership, counting over 500 members across the region, and is also dedicated to providing services, programs, and advocacy support to benefit the business community as a whole.

AEDA (Arvada Economic Development Association). AEDA powers economic growth for the city by serving as Arvada’s business-to-government liaison. AEDA focuses on supporting new and existing businesses through commercial development, City processes such as licensing and permitting, strategic guidance, and specialized grants, incentives, and other programs designed to stimulate job creation, revenue growth, and capital investment. They offer business research (demographics, real estate, workforce, and more), comprehensive business toolkits, and targeted programs to help businesses start, expand, and thrive in Arvada. AEDA primarily serves business owners, entrepreneurs, and commercial developers seeking economic development support.

BID (Olde Town Arvada Business Improvement District). The BID energizes the Olde Town district by focusing specifically on the vibrancy and economic health of Historic Olde Town Arvada, the city’s downtown district. Led by a board of local business and property owners, BID manages placemaking initiatives, marketing campaigns, community events, physical improvements, and district advocacy to maintain an active, welcoming, and prosperous business environment. They primarily serve businesses and property owners located within Olde Town Arvada, while also attracting visitors and shoppers to the Main Street district.

Arvada Visitors Center. The Visitors Center welcomes people to explore and learn about Arvada, serving as the city’s primary resource for visitors and newcomers in Historic Olde Town Arvada. They provide comprehensive information, including brochures, event listings, recommendations for shopping and dining, local activity guides, and relocation resources. The Visitors Center acts as a one-stop shop for anyone seeking to discover what Arvada has to offer, serving visitors, tourists, new residents, and anyone interested in exploring or relocating to the area.

We can help you explore two primary types of business funding: bank financing and grant opportunities. Available grant options are available on this page, under “Business Support  Resources.”

For additional grant and business financing, numerous options are available through various channels.  The Small Business Administration offers business loans through approved lenders, and your local Economic Development agency (AEDA) can help you navigate the best financing options for your specific business situation. If you’re looking to establish a relationship with a business banker or need assistance with unconventional loan options, the Chamber can provide valuable guidance. Contact Ali@arvadachamber.org for personalized assistance with financing solutions as the options change often

Absolutely! Any employee of a member business is welcome to participate in programming at the Business Resource Center. This is an excellent opportunity to enhance staff development and increase employee engagement. Chamber members can easily add staff members to their Chamber account, ensuring they receive all relevant Chamber communications and stay informed about upcoming opportunities and programs.

Yes, the Business Resource Center is accessible to any business, regardless of membership status. While Chamber members may receive discounted tuition rates, participation in programs and access to valuable business resources are available to all businesses in the community. We believe in supporting the entire business ecosystem in Arvada.

Stay informed about legislation that affects your business by signing up for our specialized email networks:

• Advocacy Email Network
• Entrepreneurship Email Network

These networks provide timely updates on regulatory changes, new legislation, and advocacy efforts that may impact your business operations.

Joining the Chamber is an excellent marketing investment for your business. Chamber membership immediately enhances your online visibility through our business directory listing, which boosts your SEO and increases discoverability by potential customers. Additionally, Chamber membership provides valuable networking opportunities that facilitate organic business connections and referrals within the local business community. These relationships often prove to be some of the most effective marketing channels for sustained business growth.

SizeUp Arvada is a powerful market intelligence tool that can significantly enhance your business marketing strategy by providing data-driven insights about your local market. This platform helps you identify your ideal customer demographics, analyze competitor performance, and discover untapped market opportunities within the Arvada area and beyond. With SizeUp, you can make informed decisions about where to focus your marketing efforts, which customer segments to target, and how to position your business competitively. The tool’s comprehensive market data enables you to create more effective marketing campaigns, optimize your advertising spend, and develop strategies based on actual market conditions rather than guesswork, ultimately helping you reach the right customers with the right message at the right time.