DIGITAL BUSINESS PACKET

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. 

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 highlights
Lake 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.