Frequently
Asked Questions
 See below for answers to
the most frequently asked questions we receive from
businesses considering relocating to or expanding in Carson
City. Our trained and responsive staff looks forward to
answering your specific questions.
Contact
us today
Questions
1.
I am considering moving my
business to Carson City. What organizations and/or services
can help me evaluate the opportunity?
2. Are there any fees involved in these services?
3.
What can I
tell my employees about living in northern Nevada?
4.
What is the
population of Carson City?
5.
How do I start
a business in Carson City?
6.
Where are
Carson City’s Redevelopment Districts?
7.
How do I apply
for Redevelopment District benefits?
8.
What kind of
business incentives are there?
9.
Where can I find
information on loan and grant programs?
10.
Where can I find
demographics for Carson City neighborhoods?
11.
How can I be certified as a
minority/woman/locally owned business?
12.
Where can I get
help in finding qualified workers and in training to upgrade the
skills of my workforce?
13.
Where can I get a
list of business organizations and merchants associations in
Carson City?
Questions
and Answers
1.
I am considering moving my
business to Carson City. What organizations and/or services
can help me evaluate the opportunity?
Answer:
Carson City Economic
Development has created a rapid response program to aid
companies who are considering moving their business to
Carson City. When an interested company contacts the
Economic Development Department, our Rapid Response Team can
assist your company with everything from development costs
to training employees. In addition, Carson City has
implemented both a Major Project Review process and a
One-stop Permitting process. We take care of all the legwork
to make working with Carson City a pleasurable experience
and to allow your company’s development solutions to be
simple and cost effective.
Our Rapid Response Team
provides a wealth of information, including:
Incentive programs for
sales and property taxes
Available workforce
training programs
Cost of doing business
in your current location as compared to Carson City and other
areas your company may be considering.
This team will also work to
facilitate business-friendly response times and approval
for relocating businesses. The members of the team
include:
Carson City Economic
Development/Redevelopment
Carson City Area Chamber of Commerce
Department of Employment
Training & Rehabilitation/Nevada Job Connect
Management Assistance
Partnership (MAP)
Northern
Nevada Development Authority (NNDA)
Sierra Pacific Power Company
Southwest Gas
Western Nevada Community
College, Employee Training Center
Contact
us today
to
start this easy process!
(back
to the top)
2.
Are there any
fees involved in these services?
Answer:
No, we are pleased to assist
companies who are considering moving to Carson City
(back
to the top)
3. What can I
tell my employees about living in northern Nevada?
Answer:
Carson City offers an
appealing mix of culture, recreation, big city amenities and
small town charm. With 266 days of sunshine, northern Nevada
offers spectacular weather—from warm, dry summers, perfect
for water sports at one of our many nearby lakes (including
Lake Tahoe) to spectacular winter snows, which usually melt
within days in the valleys, but accumulate in the
surrounding mountains for world-class skiing.
 Balancing out our culture
and recreation is our increased focus on education.
Governor Kenny Guinn has made education and training
Nevada’s number one focus, offering educational incentives
for communities, additional job training, and a generous
scholarship program. Our after school activities offer a
nice mix of opportunities that are rapidly expanding, such
as latch key programs, parks and recreation programs,
performing arts programs and lessons, play groups, sports
and clubs, and much more.
Carson City offers all the
modern amenities: a quality mix of shopping, restaurants and
coffee houses; plus a variety of cultural opportunities,
including museums, plays and a variety of music—opera,
philharmonic, chamber orchestra, country/western and modern
music performances. And, of course, wireless Internet access
and high-speed Internet is available in Carson
City, as well as to the public in numerous locations.
Rounding out Carson City’s many benefits are reasonable
housing costs which make owning a home a reality for many people
who have never before had the opportunity.
Click here for more
information on Carson City’s rich quality of life.
(back
to the top)
4.
What is the
population of Carson City?
Answer:
In 2003, over 55,000 people
called Carson City home.
Click
here for specific information on Carson City
residents.
(back
to the top)
5.
How do I start
a business in Carson City?
Answer:
Carson City offers a wealth
of community resources to aid individuals in starting a
business. These resources include:
Nevada
Microenterprise Initiative
(NMI)
NMI
is a
private non-profit community development financial
institution founded in 1991. It provides business tools to
assist companies in overcoming barriers that they may face
in starting or expanding their business.
Community Business Resource Center
(CBRC)
CBRC is a comprehensive source
of information on business-related services and provides
information, loans and technical services to existing and
potential businesses in rural Nevada communities.
Small Business
Development Center at the Carson City Area Chamber of Commerce
The Nevada Small Business Development Center provides free and
low-cost business counseling to both new and existing businesses
out of the Chamber of Commerce offices in Carson City. This
service makes it even more convenient for area businesses to
obtain the information they need for success without making a
drive to the main SBDC office on the University of Nevada, Reno
campus.
 Carson City prides itself on
being “business friendly.” One of the ways we prove this is
that it’s easy to talk to a real person—either via the phone
or email. That way, your specific questions and concerns can
be addressed by a knowledgeable and helpful person. Below
is a brief overview of how to start a business in Carson
City. We encourage you to contact any of
our departments for further information or clarification.
Step One:
Nearly every entity will
require a business license which must be renewed annually—If
you will be engaged in activity or caused to be engaged in
activity within Carson City gain, benefit
or advantage, whether direct or indirect to the entity or
which may result in to
another or to others, (including non-profit organizations
and individuals working from home), you must obtain a
business license.
All pertinent departments must approve
the Business License application before a business license
will be granted. The departments that approve Carson
City Business Licenses are: Health, Environmental Health,
Fire Inspection Division, Planning and Sheriff (if the
business involves liquor). Feel free to contact any of these
departments with your specific questions:
Zoning regulations (775)
887-2180
Health requirements (775)
887-2190
Environmental Control (775)
887-2362 x 117
Fire (775) 887-2220
Sheriff
(775) 887-2500
You may view or download
Business License
forms,
or you may pickup the forms at the Treasurer’s Office
located at City Hall, 201 North Carson Street, Suite 5,
Carson City, Nevada 89701.
If you are doing business
under an assumed name (other than as a person, partner or
corporation) you will need to file
a
fictitious firm name in addition to securing a the business license.
All businesses will need to
contact the State of Nevada, Department of Taxation for
information concerning state imposed requirements
regarding conducting business in Nevada (775)
687-4820 or visit their web site at
www.tax.state.nv.us.
All contractors conducting
business in Carson City need a City Business license in
addition to a state contractor’s license. You may contact
the Nevada State Contractor Board at (775) 688-1141 or visit
their web site at
www.nscb.state.nv.us.
If you are conducting a
special event or will be canvassing the Carson City area you
will need a
short-term business permit.
Step Two:
Verify that the
location in which you wish to do business is zoned for that
purpose. Zoning information can be obtained from Zoning
Regulations (775) 887-2180.
Step Three:
Determine your
type of ownership (individual, sole proprietor, independent
contractor, partnership, corporation, etc). You may want to
have your accountant or attorney help you decide which type
of ownership is most appropriate for your business and
situation and help you complete the required forms.
Step Four:
Obtain a
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Fill out an SS4 form (“Application for Federal Employer
Identification Number”) and have it processed by phone, fax
or mail.
Step Five:
Check to make
sure that the business name(s) you wish to use for your
business is not currently registered with the
State of Nevada
Step Six:
Businesses in
Carson City must pay a personal property tax which can be
explained by the Carson City Assessor’s Office. For more
information relating to this topic, call (775) 887-2130.
For more information about
starting a business in Carson City, contact the Carson City
Treasurer’s Office at City Hall (775) 887-2092, option 2.
(back
to the top)
6.
Where are
Carson City’s Redevelopment Districts?
Answer:
Carson
City established its first Redevelopment District, the
historic downtown, in 1986. Since its creation, the
 city and state have invested more than $100
million to
revitalize and expand the Capitol Complex and adjacent
facilities.
In addition,
the $15
million in private, city, state and federal funds used to
improve the downtown corridor have helped create a positive
impression of the downtown Unlike in pre-redevelopment
years, the result of a recent resident survey commissioned by the Redevelopment
Authority Citizens Committee indicate that locals feel safe
walking downtown; they go downtown for business purposes
and to dine, and value its historical charm.
Looking to replicate that success, on September 16, 2004,
the Carson City Redevelopment Authority approved a new
redevelopment district on South Carson Street. It
encompasses 84 parcels covering 133 acres along both sides
of South Carson Street. The creation of the redevelopment
district enables Carson City to retain and grow its
auto sales sector through public/private
partnerships and investment opportunities.
(back
to the top)
7.
How do I apply
for Redevelopment District benefits?
Answer:
Currently, approximately
2,000 acres of residential, retail, commercial, and
industrial properties fall into a redevelopment project
area. These properties receive specialized attention from Carson City Economic Development, and
through these efforts can realize an economic, social,
physical, and environmental revival.
MANDATORY CRITERIA.
To be eligible, projects must meet
all of the following criteria:
1.
Comply with Downtown Design
Guidelines.
2. Has been “project
reviewed” by City.
3. Applicants who are
property owners must provide a copy of their deed and agree to
a
temporary lien on the property according to the Incentives
Program.
4. Applicants who are tenants
must provide evidence of property owner approval of the project
and sufficient collateral.
5. Applicants must provide
evidence of adequate property and casualty insurance on
the subject property.
6. Applicants must provide
cash down. The city may fund to a maximum of 20% of the
total project or one-half of the applicant’s cash investment,
whichever is lower. For example, if the applicant has a
$1,000 project and has $250 cash down (or 25%), the city may
contribute up to a maximum of $125 (or 12.5%). If the
applicant has $400 down, the city may contribute up to a
maximum of $200 (or 20%). Eligible project costs include architect
and engineering services and on-site and off-site improvements,
but do not include acquisition costs of the existing building
or land, the cost of purchasing an existing
business and removable fixtures, equipment
or furniture.
7. If applicable, applicants
must provide a building permit.
8. Applicants must
have a
financial track record with a sound business plan.
RELATIVE CRITERIA. Once the project meets
the mandatory criteria, the project will be rated according to
the following relative criteria. A project may not meet
every relative criterion listed but these are the types of
standards used to evaluate funding for the project.
1. Significantly improves market draw to
the Redevelopment District.
2. Signage is compatible with
historic character of Carson City.
3. Project enhances the cultural
historic character of Carson City.
4. Applicant exhibits financial
commitment and sufficient resources.
5. The Incentive Program
stimulates or improves the projects
6. The project creates positive
visual impacts such as landscape improvements, streetscape
improvements, etc.
7. The project will generate
pedestrian traffic.
8. The project provides for
an appropriate mix of commercial and residential uses.
9. Projects located along Carson
Street in the Downtown Design Guideline District will be given a
higher priority.
10. Preservation and restoration of
existing buildings is strongly encouraged.
11. For new construction, project
must be compatible with the historic character of Carson City.
NOTE: Applications must be submitted
before the project begins or immediately thereafter. Applications submitted after
this time frame may be disqualified.
Download Application and Criteria (PDF format)
(back
to the top)
8.
What kind of
business incentives are there?
Answer:
Carson City prides itself on
offering a business-friendly
environment. Coupled with Nevada's attractive tax climate there are a
number of both cash and non-cash incentives that are offered to
companies in the community. From tax incentives to relocation
programs and approval process streamlining, Carson City’s
business resources are plentiful and can help meet
nearly any business need.
Learn more about Carson City’s business incentives.
(back
to the top)
9.
Where can I find
information on loan and grant programs?
Answer:
Community
Development Block Grants: The Carson City Revolving Loan
Fund program assists Nevada small businesses in obtaining "gap"
financing to complete their business expansion projects. Loans
may be used for any business expansion need, especially
purchases of machinery, equipment, inventory, and working
capital. Up to $100,000 is available to Nevada businesses that
cannot secure 100 percent financing from commercial lenders. The
rates and terms are tailored to the particular needs of the
business, with rates generally below prime and terms amortized
up to 15 years. The program requires the sponsorship of
local government and must meet state program job-creation
requirements, including the hiring and training of persons from
low- to moderate-income households.
Nevada
Microenterprise Initiative
(NMI) loans
Community Business Resource Center
(CBRC) loans
As the State Capital, Carson
City is a banking center for northern Nevada, thus there are
numerous regional, national and locally owned community banks
that provide business loans.
(back
to the top)
10. Where can I find
demographics for Carson City neighborhoods?
Answer:
In 2003,
over 55,000 people called Carson City home.
Click here for specific
information on Carson City neighborhoods.
(back
to the top)
11. How can I be certified as a
minority/woman/locally owned business?
Answer:
There are two programs available
to Carson City businesses/potential businesses to assist in this
area:
Nevada
Microenterprise Initiative
(NMI)
NMI
is a private non-profit community development financial institution founded
in 1991. It provides business tools to assist you in overcoming
barriers that you may face in starting or expanding your
business.
Community Business Resource Center
(CBRC)
CBRC is a comprehensive source
of information on business-related services and provides
information, loans and technical services to existing and
potential businesses in rural Nevada communities.
Small Business Development
Center at the Carson City Area Chamber of Commerce
The Nevada Small
Business Development Center provides free and low-cost business
counseling to both new and existing businesses out of the
Chamber of Commerce offices in Carson City. This service makes
it even more convenient for area businesses to obtain the
information they need for success without making a drive to the
main SBDC office on the University of Nevada, Reno campus.
(back
to the top)
12.
Where can I get
help in finding qualified workers and in training to upgrade the
skills of my workforce?
Answer:
There are a number of private
Head Hunters and placement and temporary placement
assistance businesses in northern Nevada. Additionally, the
following organizations can assist businesses in locating and
training qualified workers.
Nevada JobConnect
Nevada JobConnect, a Nevada
Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation program,
is charged with providing workforce development services to
employers and job seekers of Nevada. The organization offers
recruiting, retention, training and retraining, and outplacement
services, as well as valuable information on labor law and labor
market statistics to Nevada employers.
Western Nevada Community College
(WNCC)
In response to the local
business community’s needs, Western Nevada Community College has
designed specialized training programs in machine tool,
drafting, electronics, computing and other occupational areas.
Recent training programs conducted for area businesses have
included welding certification, math, English, supervisory
training, and computer applications.
Nevada Business Services
Nevada Business Services is
funded by the U.S. Department of Labor through the Workforce
Investment Act to provide employment and training services to
eligible residents. Services that can be offered to employers
include new employee assessment, pre-screening and recruitment,
on-the-job training and customized training.
Management Assistance Program
(MAP)
As the industrial extension
program of the University and Community College System of
Nevada, MAP works directly with Nevada manufacturing,
construction and mining companies to streamline operations,
apply the most up-to-date and sophisticated technology, provide
managerial assistance and train the workforce.
Visit the
Resource Links Section of this
website for additional resources.
(back
to the top)
13.
Where can I get a
list of business organizations and merchants associations in
Carson City?
Answer:
Carson City boasts an extensive
network of organizations and associations. In fact, nearly every
national organization offers a northern Nevada Association. The
following is a partial list of associations:
(back
to the top) |
