Economic Development

The Economic Development Division supports new and existing businesses throughout Novato. Our goal is to foster a diverse, resilient local economy where all members of our community can thrive.

We provide support by:

Serving as a liaison between businesses and property owners to help locate available spaces.
Helping navigate the business licensing and permitting process.
Connecting businesses to valuable resources, tools and support services.

Whether you're starting a new business or growing an existing one, we're here to help.

Business Retention and Recruitment

The Economic Development team supports our existing businesses while attracting new ones. We focus on understanding the needs of local businesses and employers, helping address challenges and creating conditions for long-term success.

Novato Business Visitation Program

Through our Novato Business Visitation Program, City staff and members of Novato’s Economic Development Advisory Commission visit with local businesses to hear firsthand what it’s like to operate in Novato and how we can better support your success.

These visits are a chance to share your goals, challenges, and ideas. They’re also an opportunity for us to connect you with helpful resources like:

Free marketing and promotion through the City’s Shop Local Novato initiative
No-cost consulting services from the Marin Small Business Development Center
Grant and funding opportunities like the Downtown Tenant Improvement Grant Program
Direct support from the City’s Economic Development team

To schedule a visit, email us: econdev@novato.gov

Economic Development Advisory Commission

The Economic Development Advisory Commission (EDAC) supports economic vitality and development and makes recommendations on local revitalization, business attraction and expanding the commercial, retail and overall economic base of the community.

Interested in serving on the commission? Applications are accepted year-round, and recruitments are held twice per year.

Learn More and Apply Today

Services We Provide to Novato Businesses

Interested in starting or growing your business? As your partner, we offer a wealth of free resources to help your business start, expand and thrive.

Shop Local Novato Advertisement

Shop Local Novato is a City initiative designed to encourage local spending and supports the shops, restaurants and service providers that bring heart, character adn connection to every Novato neighborhood.

To browse our City’s service directory or to add your business, visit: shoplocalnovato.com

Downtown Tenant Improvement Grant

Novato’s Downtown Tenant Improvement Grant is a city-funded program that provides financial support to help downtown businesses and property owners make physical improvements to their spaces. This grant program aims to stimulate investment, attract customers, and strengthen the economic vitality of Downtown Novato.

For more information or to see if your business qualifies for the Downtown Tenant Improvement Grant, visit novato.gov/tenantimprovement or email us at econdev@novato.gov.

Small Business Consulting Services

The City of Novato partners with the Marin Small Business Development Center (Marin SBDC) to offer Novato small businesses free of charge one-on-one consulting services.

Join Marin SBDC

Economic Development Strategic Plan

The City of Novato is in the process of developing its Economic Strategic Plan — a roadmap that will guide how we support existing businesses, attract new ones, and create more opportunities to work, shop, and spend time locally.

Your input will directly influence future priorities and investments, so Novato grows in a way that reflects what matters most to you.

Learn more about how you can get involved: novato.gov/EconomicPlan