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Small Business Assistance Program FAQs

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Q: Is a business license required in Surprise?

A: Yes. The City has a business license requirement handled through the Business Licensing Division of the City as well as a transaction privilege tax and license requirement handled for the City by the Arizona Department of Revenue. The business licensing is required solely for the privilege of operating/conducting business within the City limits of Surprise. 

Q: How can I get a business license?

A: Applications can be obtained either online at Business License Application or in person at the Surprise Tax & Licensing Office City Offices 16000 N Civic Center Plaza, or an application can be mailed by phone or an email request.

Q: How much will the business license cost?

A:

Business license costs vary, depending on the type of business.  For more information, see the fee schedule, call 623. 222.1836 - or eMail.

For more information on City licensing, please review City Ordinance Title 5.04.

Q: How do I get information about business taxes in Arizona and Surprise?

A:

The Arizona Department of Revenue’s Small Business Workshops are an easy way to learn more about your business tax liability and how to report those taxes. The workshop is a basic overview of completing the Joint Tax Application, reporting and factoring tax, state and city taxes, resale certificates, business classifications, employment taxes and Use tax. Attendees receive a workbook containing valuable information on the taxes that apply to most business classifications.   Department of Revenue seminars, workshops, and special events are listed at:

Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) 

2902 W.  Agua Fria Freeway

Phoenix, AZ 85027

Phone: 602.255.2060

Forms by Phone: 602.542.4260  

Website: www.revenue.state.az.us         

Forms by Fax: 602.542-3756

Another source of information is the online brochure “Business Basics -A Guide to Taxes for Arizona Businesses,”

Q: I need to set up my businesses’ accounting system – can the SBAP help?

A: The Maricopa Community Colleges Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers a free Introduction to Small Business Accounting Using QuickBooks. This individualized training will give you an overview of accounting and how to set up your business on QuickBooks. The first meeting is held downtown Phoenix at the SBDC office, with follow up sessions by phone. Contact Neal Nelson, Business Analyst at 480.784.0590 or eMail.

Q: I need to decide whether to buy or lease…what should I do first?

A: The first step is to make sure that the space you're interested in leasing or buying is zoned appropriately for your use.

Q: How can I find out the zoning for my type of business?

A: Zoning Information: go to the municipal code on the city website and search for the type of business. For further information on zoning, contact Planning and Zoning at 623.222.3013.

Q: Where can I find a list of available sites?

A: You can contact a commercial realtor or broker to find specific available sites. The Economic Development Department has also compiled a list of Retail (Commercial/Office) and Industrial site contacts. Please visit our property database.

Q: I’m not an expert on leasing – can the SBAP help?

A: The SBAP can be of assistance – contact us at 623.222.3300 or econdev@surpriseaz.com.

Q: I’ve signed my lease for retail/commercial space! What kind of permits do I need to get from the City?

A: Depending on the specifics of your location, the type of permit(s) required will vary -- but you will always need to contact Community Development Building Permits (P&Z). When you enter the city planning and zoning offices at 12425 West Bell Road Building B, go to the counter. That is where you can walk in, explain your situation, and be informed what kind of permit(s) you need to apply for. It's better to come in person because the permits often aren't available online or by fax since they are carbon triplicate forms - needing an original signature. A contact number for Building Permits is 623.222.3012.

Q: Does the City of Surprise have grants for me to start my business?

A: No. Generally in Arizona, the Small Business Administration gives grants to organizations that train small business owners rather than directly to small business owners themselves. At this time, Surprise does not have funding for small businesses.

Q: Does Surprise have incentives for business development?

A: Incentives in Surprise include:

1. Go to the Economic Development web page for a breakout of specific incentives. Take a look at the last section "City of Surprise Incentives Guidelines."
2. Original Town Site redevelopment incentives Original Town Site Incentive Info
3. Western Maricopa County Enterprise Zone Western Maricopa Enterprise Zone Info

Q: Where can I learn more about franchising in general?

A: For more information on franchising visit the International Franchise Association website. Check out their free online course on the basics of franchising!

Q: I’d like to sell my product/service to the City of Surprise. What should I do?

A: Currently, the City of Surprise bidding process does not involve an official approved vendor process.

1. You can access city bid opportunities on the Surprise City website.

2. If you email or mail your company's information (business card, a letter of interest, flyer, etc.), the Purchasing Department will forward to the appropriate city department. Call 623.222.3700, eMail, or mail your company information to City of Surprise Purchasing Department 16000 N Civic Center Plaza, Surprise, AZ 85374-9002.

Q: I’d like to help out startup and existing businesses in Surprise. How can I do so?

A: The City of Surprise Small Business Assistance Program works to connect small businesses with community resources - people with expertise in areas where the companies might have a shortfall. Contact us at 623.222.3300 or by eMail.

Q: What will the City look like in the future?

A: One of the fastest growing cities in the US, Surprise is changing every day as new developments are built. To see current and future residential developments in Surprise and for the map of the Surprise General Plan, go to our webpage.

Q: I need to find demographics of potential locations. Where can I find this information?

A: There are several good sources of demographic information on Surprise:

1. Go to the Economic Development webpage. There you’ll be able to choose from different information on topics like quality of life, community profile, business climate, utility providers, business assistance, government, location, demographics, workforce, traffic counts, points of interest, population growth, drive time and concentric circle analysis for specific intersections, and other maps.

2. The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) is our regional economic development agency whose mission is to attract quality businesses to the Greater Phoenix region from around the world.

Q: How can I find out what commercial businesses are coming to Surprise?

A: The City of Surprise Commercial Projects is updated regularly.

Q: What companies provide utilities in Surprise?

A: Water:
Water Providers List and Water Provider Map

Sewer:
Municipal 623.222.7000

Sanitation:
Municipal 623.222.7000
website

Natural Gas:
Southwest Gas 602.861.1999
http://www.swgas.com

Telephone:
Qwest 800.244.1111
http://www.qwest.com/

Cable Television:
Cox Communications 602.277.1000
http://www.cox.com/

Electric Power:
Arizona Public Service
http://www.aps.com/