How to Start a Retail Business
Before you start
Create a business plan that outlines your products and/or services, potential cost and revenue projection. There are templates from the Small Business Administration or SCORE for reference.
Explore our funding page to learn about what funding options are available.
Find a location
Before committing to a brick-and-mortar location, read the permitting guide here to learn about tips and what to look out for.
Work with a tenant representation broker and a lawyer before you sign a lease.
Set up your business
Register your business with the City of Portland. You may also be required to register with the State of Oregon and federally. Before registering, choose a legal structure and a name that fits your business. Learn more here.
Obtain insurance: It’s a generally good practice to purchase business insurance to help protect your business. Check out the Oregon Small Employer Guide to Insurance and Worksite Safety for more information.
Digital presence: Set up digital presence for your business helps generate buzz and sets the digital marketing foundation. Learn more about the basics here.
If you are going to hire employees, follow the steps outlined in the Oregon Employer’s Guide.
Prepare your space
Building permits: review our permitting page to learn about may be required, the cost, and the process.
Garbage and recycling requirement: Learn more here about garbage and recycling requirements for businesses operating in commercial space. Work with your landlord/property manager to set up these services. If you are setting up a new service, you can negotiate service level, frequency and cost. Rates are not set by the City of Portland.
Sign and awning permit: learn more about when a sign permit is needed and how to apply here. Additionally, learn about the sign registration for portable signs and temporary signs.
Tree permit: check with City of Portland Urban Forestry to determine if your construction may require a tree permit and how to apply.
Get Assistance:
Schedule a free 15-minute appointment with Portland Permitting & Development for permit, code, and zoning questions
Explore our funding page to learn about what funding options are available.
Businesses that make structural adaptations or other accommodations for employees or customers with disabilities may be eligible for tax credits and deductions. Learn more at the IRS webpage here.
Open your business
Reaching out to your network prior to the actual launch/opening to host a pre-launch party is a great way to generate excitement around the project.
Check the Manage Your Business page to learn about the license renewal and tax filing requirements.
Join Travel Portland partnership here for free and get free access to Locl, a software that helps manage your Google My Business profile.
Stay connected with Portland Office of Small Business via our newsletter.
