BERKELEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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    • Doing Business in Berkeley >
      • Berkeley Zero Waste Information
  • Member Directory
  • Membership
    • Member Benefits
    • Membership Application
    • Member Login
    • Women Entrepreneurs of Berkeley
  • About Us
    • About the Chamber
    • Women Entrepreneurs of Berkeley
    • Our Team
    • Board of Directors
    • Leadership Circle
    • B.A.B.O. | Berkeley Alliance of Business Organizations
    • Contact
  • Events
    • Holiday Gift Fair
    • Berkeley Business Forum
    • Education Events
    • Networking Events
    • Berkeley Today & Tomorrow
    • Berkeley Visionary Awards
    • Community Calendar
  • Resources
    • Job Bank
    • Recruiting Resources
    • 2024 Election Info
    • Doing Business in Berkeley >
      • Berkeley Zero Waste Information
  • Member Directory
  • Membership
    • Member Benefits
    • Membership Application
    • Member Login
    • Women Entrepreneurs of Berkeley

Doing Business in Berkeley

BERKELEY BUSINESS RESOURCES

The Berkeley Chamber works closely with the City of Berkeley Office of Economic Development and many other partners citywide to make Berkeley a great place to work, invest, and grow a business! Check out the below resources, which should help you navigate government requirements for launching a company in Berkeley and get ideas for new businesses that will serve our community.

Doing Business In Berkeley: Your Questions Answered
Webinar Recording & Slideshow

Starting a new business?  Opening a new location?  Taking over an existing business?  Learn the steps required to get a Berkeley business license and how to avoid common mistakes.

In Fall 2024, City of Berkeley staff provided an overview of the process of obtaining your business license, and answered public questions in a friendly, non-regulatory setting. We hope you enjoy this content!


DOWNLOAD SLIDESHOW: Getting a Berkeley Business License

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BERKELEY BUSINESS LICENSE INFORMATION

Starting a new business?  Opening a new location?  Taking over an existing business with a new FEIN/SSN?  Use this guide and checklist to streamline the process of getting your doors open.

View or Download the Guide

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ZONING RULES FOR BERKELEY RESTAURANTS, BARS & ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES

Streamlined City of Berkeley zoning rules will save time & money for existing and prospective owners of Berkeley restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.

Download PDF Summary

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BERKELEY BUSINESS RESOURCE GUIDE

This resource guide provides information on the programs and services available to businesses launching in Berkeley, including the Berkeley Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and permitting and licensing requirements for starting a business.

Download City of Berkeley Business Resource Guide

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BERKELEY SUPPORTS STARTUPS & INNOVATION

A mid-sized city of 120,000, Berkeley punches above its weight when it comes to the diversity and vibrancy of its business community. Home to one of the world’s top public universities (UC Berkeley) and the nation’s oldest federal research laboratory (Lawrence Berkeley National Lab), Berkeley institutions enable people with ideas to launch innovative companies, create high-quality jobs and generate technologies with a global impact.  See how the City and the Berkeley Startup Clusster support local innovation.

Download PDF Summary

BERKELEY ZERO WASTE INFORMATION

Navigating Berkeley's mandatory organics collection, foodware and food donation requirements can feel overwhelming, but compliance offers many benefits. Following these ordinances not only helps protect the environment but can also save your business money by reducing waste and cutting costs on single-use items and trash collection. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead and align with both State and City requirements.

Learn More About Berkeley's Zero Waste Program

OUTDOOR COMMERCE, SIDEWALK SEATING AND PARKLETS

Businesses seeking to add or keep outdoor seating can opt for three choices: install outdoor commerce in the street, utilize sidewalk for seating, or convert street space into a public park. Learn more about:
  • Applying for Outdoor Commerce in Parking Spaces
  • Outdoor Commerce Fees
  • Applying for a Sidewalk Seating Permit
  • Creating a Public Use Parklet
  • and more...

View Outdoor Commerce, Sidewalk Seating & Parklets Guide
Berkeley Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.
1834 University Avenue | Berkeley, CA 94703
Phone (510) 549-7000 |
[email protected]

Office Hours
Monday-Thursday 9:30-4:30 by appointment
Friday by appointment