lifeinaction
DoingBusinessinCarlsbad

 

OIED work 125

OIED commuter 125 OIED life 3 125

 

Workforce development &
small-business assistance

Carlsbad Commuter app

Carlsbad Life in Action Recruiter


Useful resources 

Looking to start your own business? Our questionnaire is designed to link small businesses with local resources, providing information to tackle some of the top challenges prospective small businesses commonly face. Be sure to check out our 10 Key Steps to ensuring your new business will have success!

The Guide to Opening an Eating Establishment provides insight on where you can open an eating establishment in our city and how the process works. Useful information for food truck and sidewalk vendors can be found on our website as well. 

New state and local environmental regulations are being phased in over the next couple of years. Find information on these regulations, as well as resources for your staff and customers, on the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle page.

Doing business

The economic development team is here to serve and support the city’s business community. Whether you are a small business or our largest tech employer, the city wants to make sure your business thrives in Carlsbad. The city team is here to help with getting your business license, bidding on projects and contracts or meeting with our development services team about permits and processes. You can learn more about the benefits of starting or expanding a business in Carlsbad at our Doing Business in Carlsbad story map. If you are a business looking for a new space in Carlsbad, please email economic development staff at business@carlsbadca.gov.

Talent attraction & retention

One of the City Council’s strategic focus areas is bringing quality jobs to the city in today’s globally competitive economy. Carlsbad's Life In Action initiative is a resource for employers looking to land that perfect candidate. It provides additional tools, such as a hiring toolkit with media assets, brochures and infographics, to make the case for why the job in Carlsbad is the right one. 

Your Business Feedback

We encourage ongoing feedback from the business community. Please visit our resourcing and feedback survey to share your thoughts or reach out directly with any questions or additional comments. 

For any questions related to the survey, please contact our economic development team at business@carlsbadca.gov

Thank you for your participation and continued engagement in making Carlsbad a great place to do business! 

Economic Development Strategic Plan

Carlsbad Economic Development Strategic Plan

Economic Snapshots

Carlsbad Economic Snapshot FY 2022-2023 Q3

Connect with us

Carlsbad has a range of options for businesses to establish, grow and thrive. If you are ready to learn more about doing business along the creative coast or have general questions about doing business in our city, contact the Innovation & Economic Development Department at business@carlsbadca.gov

News headlines

Sustainability Champion Award

Post Date:07/24/2025 10:00 AM

The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation has been recognized as Carlsbad’s newest Sustainability Champion for its hands-on approach to environmental education and conservation.

This recognition is part of a city program that highlights local businesses and organizations going above and beyond to reduce waste, conserve resources and support a healthier environment. 

  • At the foundation’s Discovery Center, visitors can learn about composting, native plants and how to sort waste properly.
  • The foundation puts these practices into action: reusing oyster shells to help prevent hillside erosion and using natural landscaping to filter pollutants from rainwater.
  • The foundation is also a certified Carlsbad Green Business, recognized for its ongoing commitment to sustainable operations.

If you know a local business that’s leading the way in sustainability, you can nominate them for consideration. The next round of applications will be reviewed starting Aug. 10.  

More information
Sustainability Champion Award webpage
Carlsbad Green Business Program

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