Nevada County's Board of Supervisors approved a new optional business license program for unincorporated areas, allowing about 1,000 brick-and-mortar and home-based businesses to participate starting in November 2026 for a $50 annual fee. The initiative aims to support local businesses and "while helping the County better understand and communicate with our business community," Board Chair Lisa Swarthout said, according to the Nevada County.
Swarthout, noting her experience as a small business owner, said, "As a former small business owner, I know how little time there is to search for resources or ask for help." The program responds to growing requests for licenses to access financing, grants, and contracts, with the Economic Development and Treasurer-Tax Collector's offices developing the proposal, as reported by the Nevada County.
Nevada County is offering an optional program to support businesses needing a license and provide benefits such as improved emergency communications during wildfires and severe weather, and a County-issued business license for added credibility. The program will also help the County track business activity in unincorporated areas to guide future planning. Incorporated areas like Grass Valley and Nevada City already have business licensing, while Truckee uses a Chamber of Commerce program to identify businesses. This initiative aims to address licensing gaps in unincorporated areas.
