Inicio Departments Economic Development Business Resources Digital Business Packet DIGITAL BUSINESS PACKET Why Lake Forest Lake Forest has everything a business needs to thrive and grow. The City has wonderful natural amenities including over 30 public parks and exceptional hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Lake Forest’s central location provides efficient access to customers, with close proximity to the 5 and 405 freeways, as well as the Foothill Transportation Corridor. The City boasts a diverse population with a well-educated workforce. More detailed demographic information provides insight into what makes Lake Forest residents unique. The City also has several resource partners, including the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce, SCORE, SBA, that provide Lake Forest businesses with the best tools and resources available. Click on the "Business Packet Links" above for a drop-down list of downloadable documents or continue reading for more detailed information. Business Packet Links The City of Lake Forest's Digital Business Packet provides an overview of the many FREE tools and resources available to current and prospective Lake Forest businesses. Below is more information on each of these programs and services. Starting and Registering Your Business: Starting a Business in Lake Forest Locate in Lake Forest Business License Policy SCORE Business Mentoring Promoting Your Business: Shop & Dine Lake Forest Business in the News Business Spotlight Program Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings Lake Forest Employment Resources Maximizing Available Space and Resources: Business Development and Attachment Programs GROW in Lake Forest Starting a Business in Lake Forest The City of Lake Forest is committed to providing businesses with all the resources necessary for success. The City has a10-Step Guide to Starting a Business in Lake Forest to help you quickly and effectively start your business in Lake Forest. Business License The City of Lake Forest does not require a business license and does not collect an annual renewal fee for businesses operating within the city. Instead, the City has a voluntary Business Registration program. Information provided in the Business Registration Form is used to contact business owners with information regarding free seminars, workshops, and networking events, and ensures you receive the City’s In Business newsletter containing other updates and helpful information. Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce The Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce is a volunteer-driven, professional organization committed to promoting and supporting its member businesses and the surrounding community. The Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce provides the tools to increase your business visibility, drive revenues, and utilize the latest technology resources. You can join, view and contact the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Team online. Imagen GROW in Lake Forest - Job Creation and Retention GROW (Growing and Retaining Our Workforce) in Lake Forest is a job creation and retention program developed by the City of Lake Forest, in partnership with Orange County Workforce Solutions. This program assists businesses with current and future hiring and employee retention needs, including: assistance with locating available for sale or for lease commercial space in Lake Forest, universal or confidential job recruitment, hiring solutions, customized training, on-the-job training, and other training and hiring incentives. As part of GROW in Lake Forest, the City assists businesses with hiring efforts by posting job opening information on our Lake Forest Jobs webpage. Businesses can submit their job posting information to economicdevelopment@lakeforestca.gov. Shop & Dine Lake Forest Shop & Dine Lake Forest encourages local residents and employees to support local restaurants, service providers, and retailers. The City partners with Lake Forest businesses on the annual Shop & Dine Lake Forest Month Program which offers discounts and promotions when residents and local employees shop or dine at participating restaurants, professional services, or retail shops. To further enhance this effort, the City launched a Shop and Dine Lake Forest App in partnership with Cty611, which is a mobile app dedicated to Lake Forest businesses. From the convenience of an app, consumers will be able to locate Lake Forest shops and eateries, find and redeem discount offers, and view information on upcoming events. Marketing Opportunities The City has several marketing opportunities to promote Lake Forest businesses. The Economic Development website highlightsLake Forest Businesses in the News, which recognizes and commends Lake Forest companies that have been in the news for business achievements or philanthropic efforts. The Business Spotlight highlights the unique businesses in Lake Forest through monthly articles. The City is committed to facilitating the success of its business community and enhancing advertising and promotional opportunities available to Lake Forest businesses. The City has recently revised standards that increase the amount of time temporary signage can be displayed and the types of allowed signage. For more information, visit the Temporary Signage and Outdoor Promotions webpage. Quick Links Registration Regulations Newsletter Social Media BUSINESS RESOURCES Bids Opportunities Business Resource Guides Business Tools Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce Digital Business Packet How to Do Business With the City Lake Forest Jobs Regulations & Permits Resources and Incentives Strategic Economic Investment Project 10 Step Guide to Starting a Business (PDF)