The City of Lake Forest's Business Development and Attraction Program offers a number of resources to our local businesses.  These resources consist of information regarding the permitting process, financing, and how to properly start a business.  Other resources provided by the program consist of business counseling, free seminars and events aimed at helping your business grow and expand and also our crime prevention program.  All these great resources are described in further detail below.

Business Information

If you're interested in networking to increase business, we can refer you to the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce www.lakeforestcachamber.com and other groups that can help you make connections in the community.

If you want to expand or move your business, City staff can provide information on available buildings, current lease or purchase rates, and building and planning requirements. Please click here for a full, customizable search of available office, retail, and industrial space.

The City can provide information and referrals for technical assistance, tax credits for hiring, employee training grants, community development loans, Industrial Development Bonds and SBA 504 real estate loans.

Information packets describing the community of Lake Forest and materials such as a City map, "How to Start a Business in Lake Forest" brochure, IRS and State Board of Equalization brochures are available. Please specify if you are moving an existing business to Lake Forest or starting a new business.

City demographic data is updated every two years and is available at no cost to Lake Forest businesses. Also, businesses needing consumer demographic information can request data on the areas surrounding our major retail zones.

Click here to view the City's 2008 Economic Profile
Click here to view the 2010 Census Information

Ownership information on sole proprietorships and partnerships may be obtained by contacting the County of Orange Clerk-Recorder's Office at (714) 834-3005 or www.oc.ca.gov/recorder. For information on corporations and limited liability partnerships, visit the California Secretary of State's website at www.sos.ca.gov. The City does not have official business ownership information as we do not require a business license or require a business operating within Lake Forest to register with the City.

Seminars, Business Workshops & Roundtables

Numerous business owners, managers and people looking to start a new business, have attended business events are offered by the City on topics such as marketing, tax issues, business planning, and starting a new business. These events are held quarterly and most are offered free to Lake Forest businesses and residents. To get information on upcoming events, check the "Business Events & Seminars" section of this website or subscribe to the City's e-newsletter to receive email notifications.

Professional Business Consultations

Lake Forest business owners and residents interested in starting businesses can obtain individual consultations from experts at no charge. Consultants from the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) have helped numerous clients start or grow their businesses in Lake Forest. To schedule an appointment with a SCORE counselor in Lake Forest call (714) 550-7369.

Crime Prevention Program

The Orange County Sheriff's Department provides police services for the City of Lake Forest. Their Community Policing and Crime Prevention programs can help you develop a comprehensive approach to safety for your business as well as the entire business community. Services provided by the Crime Prevention Unit include security surveys, employee safety meetings, personal safety programs for employees, and training in robbery procedures. For more information on the Business Watch Crime Prevention Program, please call (949) 461-3546. 

Contact City staff at (949) 461-3567 or email economicdevelopment@lakeforestca.gov for more information about programs and resources available to Lake Forest businesses.