The new year will mean less paperwork for some businesses in Pinal County. The city of Maricopa is eliminating business licenses for most local enterprises.
For years, people have filled out applications in order to be granted a business license. But, Maricopa Economic Development Director Denyse Airheart said after getting complaints from business owners about the cumbersome process, it took a closer look and realized the Arizona Department of Revenue is already collecting details.
“And we’re getting the information that we need from the state,” she said. “So, what’s most important is that businesses can thrive in our community, can be successful and don’t have any obstacles to overcome in order to operate their business.”
She said Maricopa still requires licenses for highly regulated businesses like pawn shops, tobacco retailers and massage establishments.
As a result of feedback from business retention and expansion surveys, the also launched a new online registry where people can search businesses by name or sector.
“What I hear pretty regularly is they need marketing, marketing, marketing,” Airheart said. “How do people find them when they don’t necessarily have a storefront or a physical office? How can more people become aware that they are in business in Maricopa?”
Being part of the online registry costs $10 compared to the $50 a business was charged to obtain a license.
