Recognized as one of the best places to start or grow a business, Boulder offers an award-winning quality of life, culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, and a collaborative, resource-rich business environment.
Boulder's uniqueness of place, sense of community, cultural and recreational amenities, world class university, and national labs attract visionary entrepreneurs, well-educated and highly skilled talent, and leading-edge businesses in a range of growing industries.
Doing Business in Boulder
Information about available business resources, services, licenses, permits, incentives, rebates, and opportunities for working with the city can be found below.
Boulder's collaborative approach to economic vitality fosters a diverse and dynamic economy where residents and businesses grow and succeed together through strategic partnerships, policies, and programs.
Business Resources
The city and Boulder Chamber, Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau, Boulder Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Downtown Boulder Partnership, Innosphere Ventures, Latino Chamber of Commerce, Manufacturer's Edge, Naturally Boulder, Workforce Boulder County, and other organizations offer numerous programs and services to support businesses in Boulder.
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COVID-19 Business Resources
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Starting a Business in Boulder
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Boulder Community Profile
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Business Assistance & Support
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Business Incentives & Financial Assistance
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Business Resource Partners
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Business Sustainability
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Commercial Districts
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Economic Vitality Program
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EcoPass Program
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Library Business Data & Resources
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Library Meeting Spaces
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Maps
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Parking
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Planning & Development Services
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Special Events Guide
Licenses & Taxes
A City of Boulder business license is required for any business operating in the city. The Tax and Licensing Division manages business licenses and city sales, use, and sugar sweetened beverage taxes. Building permits are issued through Planning and Development Services. Other business-related permits are listed below and on department pages.
The Regulatory Licensing Division manages liquor, marijuana business, mobile food vehicle, and other regulatory licenses.
Permits and Other Information
The city requires permits for many types of activities including those listed below. Boulder’s Building Performance Ordinance aims and Universal Waste Ordinance programs support environmental sustainability goals.
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Outdoor Dining Pilot Program
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Building Permits and Inspections
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Planning and Development Services Fees and Taxes
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Zoning Information
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City of Boulder Maps
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Commercial District Activity Permits
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Liquor Permits for Special Events
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Open Space Commercial Use Permits
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Open Space Special Use Permits
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Industrial Discharge Permits
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Drone Use
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Filming in Boulder
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Building Performance Ordinance
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Universal Zero Waste Ordinance
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Marijuana Business Energy Requirements
Incentives & Rebates
The city offers incentive and rebate programs to support the growth and expansion of businesses in Boulder and to promote energy efficiency and other sustainable business practices.
Working with City of Boulder
There are a variety of opportunities available for working with the city of Boulder.