Location Considerations

Location Considerations
In Chapter 5, "Decide on Your Business Location" you learned the basics of selecting the site of
your business. Selecting your location and getting your business license is an interactive process. A
business license is granted for a specific location and the selection of the location must take into
account licensing restrictions.
Contact the City or County Clerk's Office in the city or county where you wish to locate your base
of operation. They are an excellent source of information regarding police, fire and health permits
needed for your business. Since any business location must fall within the zoning regulations, you
may obtain verification from the zoning commission to determine if your business is approved for
the location you have chosen. The local business license bureau can also help you with your
decision by giving you information on any special restrictions as to types of businesses allowed or
disallowed at any location.
If you have decided to locate in a shopping center or industrial area or other commercial location,
call the chamber of commerce or city and ask for any publications with listings of facilities available
showing number of square feet, price per square foot and other pertinent information.
You may also contact the management of the commercial or industrial complex you are considering
and request written information about that location and current availability of leasing space. You
should be able to get detailed information as to lease terms, restrictions, traffic patterns and other
demographics. Be sure to read carefully and understand all the terms contained in a lease agreement.
They vary and may well spell the difference between profit and loss for your business.