Turning a business idea into reality just got easier with Ogden City’s new online business licensing system. Now, busy entrepreneurs can skip the drive to Ogden’s Municipal Building, instead applying and renewing licenses right from their own offices.
Ogden City’s Business Licensing team worked closely with I.T. to bring this system to life. Marqae Martinson, Ogden City Business Licensing Supervisor, she says, “Being able to apply online has been a huge game changer for people. If you can do it and not have to leave work to go to another office and hope there’s somebody readily available to help you, it’s a good thing,” she explains. “Applying online is just simple and straightforward.”
Ogden City has a robust and diverse economy with big and small businesses both serving and employing the community. For many the task of obtaining a business license is cumbersome, especially for out-of-state businesses. “We can’t expect these business owners to come in and apply.” Martinson says, “Throughout the city we have some big companies where their corporate is set up somewhere else. We wanted to make it easier. The owners invest in the city, and we need to invest back into them.”
Accessing the new online portal is simple, just visit onestop.ogdencity.com to get started. There, an authorized agent or owner can set up an account to pay invoices and apply for permits and licenses. Business Licensing will also send renewal notices to the email address provided when applying, no longer using mailed reminders.
While applications are now online, customer service remains a top priority for the Business Licensing team. They’re ready to answer questions, take calls, and meet with the community. “If people don’t understand how the system works, we’ll spend the time walking them through it and they’re appreciative of that. We welcome all the feedback,” says Martinson. Paper applications are still available at the Municipal Building for those who prefer to apply in person.
Business Licensing is the connection point between business owners and every level of government including county, state and sometimes federal. “We’re here to build meaningful connections with our business owners,” says Martinson. “It's the most rewarding part about our jobs; since we’re able to communicate with everybody, bring everybody together and support building businesses.” Using Ogden City’s Concept Review Team (CRT), which reviews business plans and offers guidance, and the new streamlined portal for business license applications, entrepreneurs have more confidence to take the next step in opening a small business.
Looking ahead, the team is working to develop a more user-friend portal for other licenses, particularly rental licensing. “Rental owners will appreciate an update because it can be a
lot of work for them to apply,” explains Martinson. “Nowadays everything is online and we have to adapt to it.”
If you’re ready to start your business journey, head to Ogdencity.gov and click on “Business” to learn about business licensing, the Concept Review Team, Ogden City’s Business Information Center and many other resources.
Concept Review Team Meeting Page (CRT)
Business Information Center Page (BIC)