lifeinaction
DoingBusinessinCarlsbad

 

OIED work 125

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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

Small Business Liaison Program expands

Post Date:02/05/2026 5:00 PM

 

Small Business Liaison Program expands hours and locations

Following a strong community response since launching in July 2025, the city’s Small Business Liaison Program is expanding. The program offers one-on-one access to the city’s Economic Development team to help answer questions, navigate city processes and address business-related needs.

The Economic Development team has partnered with the Carlsbad Village Association to host monthly office hours with city staff, creating additional opportunities to connect with people who are starting a business or planning their next steps in Carlsbad.

Who can schedule a one-on-one appointment

  • Anyone interested in starting a business in Carlsbad
  • Existing businesses planning to expand or relocate
  • Business owners with operational or regulatory questions

Expanded hours and locations

Dove Library

1775 Dove Lane
Every Tuesday
9 to 11 a.m.
30-minute appointments

Carlsbad Village Association

2695 State St.
First Wednesday of each month
9 to 11 a.m.
30-minute appointments

Visit the city’s website to make an appointment or learn more.

 

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