Doing Business in Albany

Your business plan will help guide you through the beginning stages of starting your business and beyond. Based on your concept and resources, your plan may be a traditional business plan or a lean startup plan. See the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Write Your Business Plan page for more information.

East Bay Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers free 1-on-1 consultation along the way.

Choosing your business structure has many operations and financial implications. You should choose a business structure that gives you the right balance of legal protections and benefits.

For an overview of the various business structures, click here.

How you choose to fund your business is an important choice that could affect how you structure and run your business. Click here for general information on funding options.

Working Solutions and Kiva are nonprofit organizations that offer low-interest loans to businesses.

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers a tool to help calculate start-up costs.

Reaching out to the Community Development Department is an important step for both new and long-time businesses to obtain proper planning or building permits. It is highly recommended that you obtain City approvals before entering into any lease or purchase agreement of a property/business to insure you can operate at the location.

Zoning Code - This contains helpful information such as permitted uses and site regulations for building development.

Building Permits - Exterior building modifications and interior tenant improvements typically require building permits. For restaurants and other food service businesses, your tenant improvement plan must be approved by the Alameda County Environmental Health Department prior to applying for a building permit.

Alcohol Permits - Alcohol licensing is regulated by the State of California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and they issue the alcohol license for your business. Please reach out to Planning staff if you a seeking use for a full bar without a restaurant component.

Sign Permits - Review our sign permits handout for information on requirements.

Tenant improvements and some repairs may require inspections from the Albany Fire Inspector. Annual business and building safety inspections are also conducted, as well as new business license location inspections.

Contact Fire Inspector

Starting on January 2, 2024, the City of Albany partnered with Avenu Insights & Analytics to issue and maintain business licenses through an online portal. Visit www.albanyca.org/businesslicenses for more information on how to obtain or renew your business license.

Obtain a Business License

See our Welcome Brochure for new businesses, which has helpful information about Albany’s demographics, commercial areas, competitive advantages, and resources.

To officially open you’re are going to need amenities such as electricity and running water. Visit our Helpful Links page for examples and direct links to these service providers.

The East Bay Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offer information, trainings, and 1-on-1 advising to assist when you develop your marking strategy, whether you are creating a marketing plan, building your social media following, or optimizing your website for better search engine results.

Grand Openings come in a variety of sizes and styles. This is an opportunity to introduce yourself to the community and celebrate your hard work.

The Albany Chamber of Commerce offers ribbon-cutting events for new businesses.

The East Bay Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offer free 1-on-1 advising to assist in hiring, managing, and retaining employees as well as nurturing a vibrant work culture.

East Bay Works connects people with job opportunities through its network of job centers, economic developers, support service providers, and educational entities. Their partners provide benefits and services to employers, job seekers, and youth, aged 16-24. All at no cost to you.

Economic Development staff can assist you if you are looking to expand or relocate your business to an Albany location by helping you navigate through the permitting process or helping you find a new space.

Visit Albany’s Zoom Prospector site for initial insight into Albany’s demographics and market trends. Reach out to City of Albany Economic Development staff to request resources for an even deeper market analysis.