

We know how many things a business owner has to take care of before opening day so here are some resources to guide you on your way.
The District – The Downtown Special Business District
C.O.L.O.R.S. – Columbia Locally Owned Retail & Services.
Regional Economic Development, Inc. (R.E.D.I.)
Missouri Business Development Program
Centennial Investors – Angel Investor Network
University Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Enterprise Development Corporation
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Alcoholic Beverage/Sidewalk Cafe Licenses
Food Establishment Requirements
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Building Permits and Inspections
Sign Permits
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Solid Waste District
No individual dumpsters required. Compactors and dumpsters shared by all businesses.
Parking Permits
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Additional Links
Everything else you need for your grand opening.
New!
Starting your own business in The District is easier than you think. Download our new business brochure and get started.
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I wish this was... We crowdsourced a vacanct building on Broadway. Check out what types of busineses people would like to see.
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Overview of market demand. Retail, office and residential demand.
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Retail/Restaurant Survey Report. Find out what types of businesses District customers want.
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Columbia Kudos
Best Place for Start Ups.
Columbia Ranked #1 by Business Week.
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Best Place in Missouri to Open a Restaurant in 2010.
Columbia Ranked #46 in Entire Nation.
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Best Small Place For Business And Careers for 2010.
Columbia ranked #8 in country, #1 in state.
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Columbia Ranked #9 in Nation.
2009 report names Columbia as one of the top college towns.
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Columbia Named to Best Towns of 2008 List.
Outside Magazine ranks Columbia 10th in nation.
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Best Place in Missouri to Start a Business
Columbia 14th in nation; 5th among cities of 250,000 or less.
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Columbia named Most Creative Community.
Columbia first in the state to receive honor.
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Ranked by Forbes as One of the Smartest Cities.
Columbia is 11th in nation.
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6th Best in Nation for College Educated Workers.
Creative workers key for knowledge-based companies.
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Country Homes Top Green Cities.
Columbia ranked 7th for green lifestyles and quality of life.
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