Starting a Business

The City of Lakeville provides the following resources to people looking to open or operate a business in the city. Contact us at 952-985-4425 for additional information.

The City of Lakeville only requires licenses for certain types of businesses. Go to our Licenses & Permits page for more information.

Open to Business

Open to Business 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.

The Open to Business Advisor is now hosting 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
Open to Business - Business Advisor
Dakota County
Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers
3137 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55407

Email Natalie Mouilso
Direct: 952-451-6390

Lakeville Home Occupation Permit

A Home Occupation Permit Application (PDF) is required to operate a business out of a Lakeville residence. Contact the Planning Department at 952-985-4420 for more information, or click on the link below for a copy of the Home Occupation Permit application.

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.

Department of Employment and Economic Development

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the state's principal economic development agency. DEED programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade; workforce development; and community development.

License Minnesota

From the License Minnesota website you can access licensing information on nearly 600 licenses administered by over 45 state agencies in Minnesota. For the first time you can find the licenses you need, whether business, professional, recreational or vehicle, in one spot. And, for your convenience, they are accessible in a variety of ways: by topic, administering agency, name of license or with a keyword search.

A Guide to Starting a Business in Minnesota

The Guide to Starting a Business in Minnesota provides a concise summary discussion of major issues, questions and concerns that are most commonly raised by those contemplating a business startup.

Dakota-Scott County Workforce Services

Minnesota CareerForce is a resource for both job seekers and businesses in Dakota and Scott counties.