Business Information and Resources for All Types and Sizes

Through November of 2024, over 230 new businesses have opened in Lake Oswego.

Why? Lake Oswego is home to a safe, vibrant, business-supportive community. The city features over 2,200 licensed businesses, 97 percent of which are small businesses. From baked goods stores to educational tutoring services, this city has it all. Our business community is expanding, and we would welcome you to join us! The City of Lake Oswego’s business page contains information on how to get a business license, a list of all Lake Oswego business licenses, and resources for employees. Note that it’s always a good idea to check with the City about a property where you’d like to locate your business to make sure it is zoned for your proposed use before making any commitments. This also applies to home-based businesses. Call 503-635-0279 to get the process started! The City is very receptive to new business and wants to actively assist you in locating, re-locating or starting a business here. Don’t hesitate to contact the Chamber if you believe can help!

If you’re a new business in town, plan on attending an upcoming “New Business Meet & Greet” event. The Chamber hosts these free events monthly (except during the Holidays) to help you get acquainted with other business owners and City leaders who can help your business succeed. You do not need to be a Chamber Member to attend!

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June 2023 Meet and Greet

Click here for a comprehensive, interactive map of Lake Oswego’s licensed businesses. The map allows you to search for businesses, sort by business type, and find more information.

Where Can I Locate my Business?

Lake Oswego features some outstanding office space, accessible retail space and spaces perfect for medical, dental or veterinary practices. There are six primary business districts within the city. Downtown Lake Oswego features flexible office spaces, outstanding retail, restaurants, clothing, coffee shops and ice cream (!) along easily walkable streets. Lake Grove offers dozens of retail spaces and places to get a relaxing massage or other self-care and also has nice takeaway restaurants as well as fine dining. Kruse Way and Centerpointe feature Class A office space and retail along with quick access to Interstate 5 and Highway 217. Neighborhood Retail areas are close and convenient for both you and your customers in Lakeview, Mountain Park Plaza, Oswego Towne Square, Palisades Market and Westlake Village. Home-Based businesses are located throughout our city. The Industrial area is primarily clustered in the southwest part of the city, with convenient access to Interstate 5. The Foothills area between downtown and the Willamette River offers some industrial land capacity but will also ultimately be the site of a new wastewater treatment facility, replacing the current facility. Because of this important project, additional industrial development in this area may not be possible.

Each Lake Oswego business district has its own strengths. Wherever you find yourself in Lake Oswego, whether you’re a business owner or a consumer, you’re never far from a great business experience.

Business Training Resources

SCORE (The Service Corps of Retired Executives)

SCORE provides regular FREE or low-cost on-line classes to help you learn more about how to run a successful business. Here is a link to upcoming opportunities, including those below, where you can register.

12/3/2024 – Strategies to Identify and Reach your Target Customers

12/4/2024 – LinkedIn Marketing Essentials

12/5/2024 – QuickBooks On-Line Basics You Need to Know

12/6/2024 – Mastering Intentional Goals: A New Year’s Blueprint for Entrepreneurs

12/10/2024 – Become a Facebook Expert: Newest Tips & Tricks

Where do Lake Oswego’s workers live?

Where do Lake Oswego residents work?

Click here for the Lake Oswego Business Emergency Action Plan

Business Districts Overview

Lake Oswego’s businesses are clustered in a number of districts throughout the city, each with a distinctive character and mix of commercial uses. They include neighborhood retail areas, industrial zones, large shopping and office districts in downtown and Lake Grove, and a concentration of Class-A office in the Centerpointe, Kruse Way/Meadows Road area.

Here is an overview map of the City’s business districts

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Here is a map of the Downtown Business District

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Here is a map of the Boones Ferry Road Business District

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Here is a map of Lake Oswego Neighborhoods

Lake Oswego also benefits from an active group of Neighborhood Associations.

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