Small Business Resources

The City of Lakeville is committed to assisting our local businesses, whether you’re just getting started or ready to take your business to the next level.

Lakeville Zoning Districts

Lakeville has established specific areas for residential, commercial and industrial development. New development in Lakeville must comply with the zoning regulations, including the Zoning Ordinance. The zoning map (PDF) identifies areas available for business use and Title 11 of the City Code outlines the requirements pertaining to those business districts.

Contact the Planning Department at 952-985-4420 with questions.

Business Licensing & Permits

The City of Lakeville requires licenses for only certain types of businesses. If your type of business is not listed, please work with the State of Minnesota to obtain proper business licensing. 

  1. Lakeville Business Licensing & Permits

Home Occupation Permit

A Home Occupation Permit Application (PDF) is required to operate a business out of a Lakeville residence. Review the City Ordinance for more information or contact the Planning Department at 952-985-4420.

Liquor License Application 

The City of Lakeville issues several kinds of liquor licenses, as defined in City Ordinance, including on-sale, special club, and consumption and display permit. Submit the Lakeville Liquor License Application to our City Clerk by email.

Massage Therapy Application 

The City of Lakeville requires a license for businesses administering massages, as defined in City Ordinance. Submit the Therapeutic Massage Practitioner License Application (PDF) or Therapeutic Massage Center License Application (PDF) to our City Clerk by email.    

Mobile Food Unit License Application 

The City of Lakeville requires Mobile Food Units, as defined in City Ordinance, to complete a Mobile Food Unit Permit Application (PDF) and submit to the Lakeville Fire Department for approval. 

Tobacco and Cannabinoid Sale License Application 

The City of Lakeville requires businesses that sell tobacco and cannabinoid products, as defined in City Ordinance, to complete a Tobacco & Cannabinoid Products License Application (PDF) and submit to our City Clerk by email.

  1. State of Minnesota Licensing
  1. Connection Charges and Development Fees
  1. Utility Resources for Small Businesses

Technical AssistanceOpen To Business logo


Open to Business Program 

The Open to Business Program (OTB) provides free technical assistance to individuals interested in starting or expanding their business. The program also provides loans to start-up and small businesses and larger loans/packages to established businesses. 

Lakeville’s OTB Advisor hosts weekly virtual office hours on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. and Fridays from 9:30 a.m.- noon. Appointments are available but not required. For more information, visit opentobusiness.org or contact Natalie Mouilso by using the information below.

Natalie Mouilso, Dakota County Business Advisor 
Open to Business 
Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD)
3137 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55407

Email Natalie Mouilso
Direct: 952-451-6390

  1. CEO Next Business Institute

The CEO Next Business Institute is designed to help growing companies make a larger impact by offering business research and support at no cost. The Dakota County CDA has funding to sponsor three local businesses’ participation in the program.

CEO Next Business Institute is an eight-month program and participants receive expertise, peer learning and the opportunity to attend monthly forum events. Contact the Dakota County CDA at info@dakotaCDA.org for more information.

  1. Small Business Administration, Minnesota District
  1. DEED Small Business Assistance Office
  1. DEED Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program
  1. Small Business Development Center
  1. Launch Minnesota
  1. SCORE South Metro