Businesses

Services and Information

• Small Cell Facilities Deployment
  Information on Small Cell Facility Permits, New or Existing Pole, Operations and Installations
• (GBL) Businesses Having Additional Requirements
  Certain specific types of businesses may have additional requirements imposed by city ordinance.
• Active City RFPs, RFQs, RFIs, and Bids
  List of active City of St. Louis procurement opportunities including RFPs, RFQs, RFIs, and Bids
• Alarm Installation, and/or Monitoring Service Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for an Alarm Installation, and/or Monitoring Service Business
• Apply For A Commercial Construction Permit
  Information on applying for a building permit for commercial construction.
• Apply for a Communication Backhaul Permit
  Steps to apply for a Communication Backhaul Permit
• Apply for a New Business License
  Apply for a New Business License Online
• Apply for a Small Business Liquor License
  Steps to apply for a temporary liquor license for a restaurant/bar, microbrewery, brewpub, and/or taproom brewery
• Apply for a Temporary Outdoor Seating Permit
  Process for restaurants and bars to temporarily expand or introduce outdoor seating while taking prudent precautions to reduce the exposure to, and slow the spread of, COVID-19
• Apply for an Excavation Permit
  An excavation permit is required anytime a portion of the public right of way is removed.
• Apply for an Overdimensional Vehicle Permit
  Permit for oversized vehicles to travel on a pre-declared route in the City of St. Louis
• Apply for or Renew a Commercial Loading Zone Permit
  A Commercial Loading Zone Permit allows businesses to convert metered parking spots into zones for loading and unloading commercial vehicles.
• Ask Us About Youth Services
  We are dedicated to providing our youth with tools and resources that prepare them for the workforce. If you have any questions, please fill out the form and our Youth Program Specialist will contact you.
• Ask Us about Cares Act Training!
  Free Training Available Now at SLATE. Fill out a brief form below, we'll be in touch with more information.
• Auctioneer Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for an Auctioneer Business License
• Automobile Sales Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for an Automobile Sales Business
• Bail Bondsmen Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Bail Bondsmen Business
• Become a Registered Contractor for St. Louis Tornado Recovery
  Become a registered tornado recovery contractor in the City of St. Louis to help residents know that your business is licensed, insured, and has any relevant trade certifications.
• Bids
  Bids for Water Division construction projects, equipment, materials, and supplies
• Business
  Business assistance, financing, and regulatory requirements.
• Business License Exempt Businesses
  Businesses exempt from any municipal business license.
• Business License Information
  Describes procedure for obtaining a business license with the City of St. Louis, exemptions or special requirements.
• Business License Renewals, Returns, and Payments
  Online payment of tax bills, renewal of business licenses, and payment of tax returns
• Business Recovery Center
  Visit the Business Recovery Center to get help from the U.S. Small Business Administration if your business was impacted by the May 16, 2025 tornado.
• Business Resources and Opportunities
  Learn how your business can get help with tornado relief or help others.
• CEMA Business Alliance
  Emergency management resources for businesses.
• Cable TV/Satellite Installation Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Cable TV/Satellite Installation Business
• Catering Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Catering Business
• Cigarette Wholesale Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Cigarette Wholesale Business
• City of St. Louis Tax Exempt Letter
  Letter from the City of St. Louis giving vendor authorization to be exempt from certain sales taxes.
• Commercial Facade Improvement Program
  Empowering Businesses, Revitalizing Communities
• Commercial Recycling Hauling and Processing
  A list of businesses that haul and process standard recyclables (e.g., bottles, cans, paper, cardboard).
• Construction - Contracting Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Construction - Contracting Business
• Corporation and/or LLC Requirements for a Liquor License
  Items required in filing an application as a Incorporation, Limited Liability Company, S Corporation etc...
• Dance Hall Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Dance Hall Business
• Day Care Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Day Care Business
• Demolition Contractor Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Demolition Contractor Business
• Documentation Related to Procurement Services
  Documentation related to procurement services includes Living Wage Ordinance Information, Tax Verification, Business Licenses Forms, and MBE/WBE Utilization.
• Energy Benchmarking Training
  Learn How to Comply with the City of St. Louis’s Building Energy Awareness Ordinance
• Fast Food Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Fast Food Business
• Fees at the Office of the License Collector
  Fees in the Office of the License Collector effective January 1, 2010.
• Frequently Asked Questions
  License Collector - Frequently Asked Questions
• Get Started Now!
  Interested to learn how the WIOA program can work for YOU? Fill out the form and we will contact you!
• Graduated Business License (GBL)
  Information on how to obtain a Graduated Business License
• Graduated Business License Fee Schedule and Requirements
  St. Louis City Ordinance 60643 imposes a graduated business license tax “on all merchants, manufacturers, businesses, avocations, pursuits and callings that are not exempt from the payment of a license by law.
• Graduated Business Licenses
  All businesses – even small ones – that operate in the City of St. Louis require a Graduate Business License.
• Grocery Store Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Grocery Store Business
• Haulers Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Haulers Business Business License
• Hotel / Motel Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Hotel / Motel Business License
• Hotel/Motel Room Tax
  Hotels and motels located inside the boundary of St. Louis City, according to state law, must pay a room tax on the room sales for each calendar quarter
• Individual Liquor License Requirements
  Requirements needed when an individual is applying for a liquor license.
• Instruction to Bidders for Contracts
  Instructions for Potential Bidders related to contracts
• Instructions to Bidders
  Special instructions for bidders based on the type of bid
• Investor Relations
  Investor relations provides information about outstanding bond issues of The City of St. Louis. Review the disclaimer and proceed.
• Jewelry Retail and Repair Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Jewelry Retail and Repair Business License
• Landlord Inventory Survey
  The City of St. Louis Recovery Office, in partnership with the Community Development Administration, is asking landlords to share information about their vacant rental units to support residents impacted by the May 16 tornado.
• Lessons in Tax Preparation for Small Businesses
  Lessons in Tax Preparation for Small Businesses
• Liquor License Laws and Moratoriums
  Find liquor license laws, Wards with moratoriums and Sunday Sales Exceptions.
• Liquor License Process
  Steps to apply for a full drink license or package license.
• Liquor Retail Wholesale or Manufacturer Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Liquor Retail Wholesale or Manufacturer Business
• Manufacturer Business License
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Manufacturer Business License
• Massage Therapy Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Massage Therapist Business License
• Municipal River Terminal (MRT)
  The St. Louis Municipal Docks are owned by the Port Authority of the City of St. Louis.
• Non-Residential Wholesalers, Manufacturer and Distributor Liquor Requirements
  Requirements for Non-Residential Wholesalers, Manufacturers and Distributors.
• OJT Contact
  SLATE on the job training
• Obtain Commercial Occupancy Permits
  Information on applying for a Commercial Occupancy Permit.
• Opening a New Food and Beverage Establishment Brochure
  Brochure from the Department of Health on opening a new food and beverage establishment
• Other Departments And Other Agencies Procurement Websites
  Links to Other Departments And Other Agencies Procurement Websites
• Parking Lot / Garage Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Parking Lot and Garage Business
• Partnership Liquor License Requirements
  Partnership, two or more persons applying for liquor license
• Pawn Shop / Pawn Broker Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Pawn Shop / Pawn Broker Business License
• Pay For a New Business License
  Pay business license online after you have applied and have been approved
• Pay Manufacturing Business License and Tax Bill
  Pay License Collector Manufacturer's License and Tax Bill Online or in Person
• Permits and Approvals for Properties Impacted by the May 16 Tornado
  Information for City residents and property owners about permitting processes for rebuilding damaged homes and other buildings.
• Private Investigator / Detective Agency Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Private Investigator / Detective Agency Business License
• Procurement Feed
  List of latest procurement documents for RSS feeds
• Purchase or Suggest a Bike Rack Installation
  How to purchase or suggest the installation of a bike rack in front of a business
• Recommended Abatement for Residential Projects Under 1 Million
  Abatement for Residential Projects
• Register to Submit Quotes and Bids Online
  Vendors are required to apply for and receive a portal login before submitting a quote/bid
• Renew and Pay Business Licenses
  Renew and pay business licenses online, in person, or by mail and file returns.
• Rent a Stand at Soulard Market
  Learn about the procedure for renting a daily or yearly stand at Soulard Market.
• Report Hazardous Chemical Inventory
  Information on submitting the Missouri Tier II form for hazardous chemicals and extremely hazardous substances to local organizations
• Reporting Nuisance Behavior at Establishments Selling Alcoholic Beverages
  Guidelines to assist residents who may wish to report an issue with an establishment that sells alcohol within the City.
• Request Commercial Property Inspections
  Report problems with overflowing or missing commercial trash dumpsters, commercial trash collection, ADA accessibility, problem with a liquor establishments, or smoking ban violations.
• Request Water Division Facilities Information
  Steps to obtain information on Water Division facilities for construction or development purposes.
• Restaurant Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Restaurant Business License
• Security and Watchmen Services Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Security and Watchmen Services Business License
• Sign Up for a Workshop!
  Attend our professional workshops from the convenience of your home. Fill out the form and we will contact you!
• Small Business Liquor License Information
  Information about the provisional process to obtain a restaurant/bar, microbrewery, brewpub, and/or taproom brewery liquor license
• Small Wireless Facility Collocation Permit Instructions and Requirements
  Due to the characteristics of the City of St. Louis' utility poles, all poles requested for small wireless facility collocation must be replaced with utility poles that meet the City’s current pole specifications.
• Special Tax District Information
  Certain tax districts have been established which levy a special license fee in addition to the Graduated Business License
• Sports and Entertainment Events Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Sports and Entertainment Events Business License
• Supply Buyer-Manager Responsibilities by Commodity
  This is a list of various commodities and the responsible Buyer or Manager.
• Technology Services Vendor Information
  Information on how the agency's procurement of goods and services.
• Tow Trucks / Wrecker Service Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Tow Trucks / Wrecker Service Business License
• Treasurer's Office Bid Results
  Bid Results from Recent Requests For Proposals (RFPs)
• Vending, Amusement, and Service Machine Business
  Vending, Amusement, and Service Machine Business License Process
• Vendor - Itinerant Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Vendor - Itinerant Business License
• Vendor - Sidewalk Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Vendor - Sidewalk Business License
• Vendor - Vehicle Business
  Overview, preparation and instructions to apply for a Vendor - Vehicle Business License
• View and Bid on City Projects
  The Bid Express system is for consultants and contractors who need detailed information on Requests For Proposals (RFPs) for professional services, and plans for City projects available for bid
• What a Licensee Shall or Shall Not Allow on Their Licensed Premise
  Section 14.03.020 - Licensees at all times are responsible for the conduct of their business and at all times are directly responsible for any act or conduct of an employee on the licensed premise which is in violation of Ordinance 71819.

Online Applications and Forms

• Affidavit of Exemption for Workers' Compensation Insurance
  Affidavit of Exemption for Workers' Compensation Insurance for construction industry businesses that have no employees and are not a LLC

Laws, Bills, and Policies

• Affirmative Action Clause
  Affirmative Action Program to ensure nondiscrimination and fair employment practices.
• Building Commissioner's Order #1001
  Additional rules and regulations for the enforcement of CH.8.70 of the Revised Code of the City of St. Louis.
• Business Law Reforms
  Business Law Reforms proposed ordinances and administrative actions documents
• City of St. Louis Streetlight and Utility Pole Specifications
  Streetlight and Utility Pole Specifications
• Conditions for Placing Decorations, Banners or Other Attachments on Lighting Standards for Public Entities
  Rules and regulations for hanging banners on City light poles
• Cooperative Purchasing
  The City of St Louis is allowed per Ordinance 16879 to use Cooperative Purchasing Arrangements. This is a list of the Cooperative Purchasing Arrangements that are allowed and those that are not allowed.
• Insurance Conditions for BPS Permits
  Specifications for the liability insurance required to apply for selected BPS permits.
• Living Wage Ordinance
  Living Wage Adjustment Bulletin and Notice to Employees as they pertain to Ordinance Number 65597
• M/WBE Official Guidelines
  Minority and Women's Business Enterprise Program Guidelines and Interpretation of Certification and Compliance Rules
• M/WBE Official Rules
  Minority and Women's Business Enterprise Program Official Certification and Compliance Rules
• Ordinance 67909 Addendum Form Required of All Business Owners
  City statute requires all business owners that operate a business in the city to fill out and sign this form.
• Ordinance 67909 Addendum Information
  Ordinance 67909 Addendum is required for all business license years 2009 and after
• Ordinance 69431 - Local Preference
  Vendor information on local preference. Ordinance repeals Section One, part 86.040 of Ordinance 56716
• Ordinance 70791
  Civil Service employees Compensation Bill.
• Package License-Businesses Enumerated
  Additional requirements needed to obtain a Package Liquor License.
• Policies and Procedures for Procurement of Professional Services Agreements
  Policies and Procedures for Procurement of Professional Services Agreements (for A/E Consultant Selection).
• Rules and Procedures for Professional Service Consultant Selection
  Rules and Procedures for entering into Professional Service Agreements in accordance with Ordinance 64102 (for other than A/E Consultant Selection.)
• SEC Municipal Advisor: Notice of Representation
  Notice of Representation to comply with SEC (Securities Exchange Commission) Municipal Advisor Rule
• St. Louis Domestic Products Procurement Act (Buy American)
  The City of St. Louis has enacted an ordinance relating the purchase of domestic products by City government, with penalty provisions.
• Telecom and Right-of-way Regulations
  Regulations governing telecommunications company’s use of the City of St. Louis right of way can be found in one of two city ordinances.

Maps and GIS

• Commercial Facade Improvement Criteria Map
  Commercial Facade Improvement Rating Criteria Map

External Resources

• BIO STL
  Since 2001, BioSTL has been building the foundation for medical and plant science, innovation and entrepreneur success that is transforming the St. Louis Economy.
• City of St. Louis - Active RFPs, RFQs, RFIs
  City of St. Louis procurement feed of the latest active RFPs, RFQs, and RFIs
• Communications Transmission System
  St. Louis City Revised Code Chapter 23.64 DIVISION IV Communications Transmission Systems
• Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Economic Research Data
  Data and Publications, Papers on regional economic trends
• Global STL
  An initiative of BioSTL that attracts high-growth
  international companies to St. Louis
• Invitation: Good Climate is Good Business
  Good Climate is Good Business Invitation
• Recycle at Work
  Recycling resources for City Employees, how to start recycling at work, recycling for businesses, nonprofits and institutions, buying recycled products and additional resources for recycling in the workplace.
• St. Louis City Benchmarking Reporting Website
  Privately owned buildings and municipal buildings in St. Louis that are 50,000 square feet or more are required to be benchmarked, and submit reporting for the first compliance deadline by May 1, annually
• St. Louis Economic Development Partnership
  The partnership guides the St. Louis region’s joint efforts to support new and growing businesses.
• St. Louis Small Business Monthly
  St. Louis Small Business Monthly is a monthly publication for small business owners
• Telephone Company Alternative Tax
  Telephone Company Alternative Tax
• U.S. Small Business Administration St. Louis Office
  The U.S. Small Business Administration provides loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance to small businesses.

See Also