Are you looking to bring your mobile vending cart downtown? We can help you apply for your license to sell your products downtown.
You are eligible if you have a valid driver's license and don't owe money to the City. We're unable to issue you a business license if you don't meet these requirements.
Check if you owe taxes to the City. Call the Income Tax Department at 616-456-3415
You'll need liability insurance for $1,000,000. We'll ask you to upload a copy of the certificate of insurance in the online application. Don't have a copy? Don't worry. You can check the option to have your insurance agent send the certificate. Make sure to list the City of Grand Rapids on the policy as additionally insured.
Have questions? Give us a call at the number listed in the Contact Us section of this page. There are many things that you need to do to apply for the license. We recommend reviewing the Downtown Vendor Checklist(PDF, 185KB) for more details.
Here's a look at the requirements for downtown vending carts:
We allow mobile vending carts in designated downtown vending zones. Spots in these zones are available on a first-come, first-serve basis only. See the Downtown Vending Zones(PDF, 2MB) guide for designated zones.
There is a $339 license application fee for the first cart and $29 for each additional cart. Application fees are non-refundable.
There's no extra processing fee to pay with a card online. We accept Visa and MasterCard payments online.
You can apply for your permit online. We'll collect payment at the end of your application.
Apply Online in English
The Clerk's Office will contact you to schedule an inspection of your cart.
It takes us 5-10 business days to process applications. Keep in mind that it may take longer to process your application if we find that you need to make changes.
We'll call or email you to let you know that your license and vehicle decals are ready. You can either pick them up from the office or we'll mail it to you. Your license is valid through the season.
Make sure to keep a copy of the license with the cart operator. You should display your decals on each cart.
We use a standard licensing year of July 1 through June 30 for all businesses. Your license will expire on June 30 regardless of when you apply. The fees are also the same no matter when you apply during the year. So make sure you plan to get the most out of your license.
There is a $339 license application fee for the first cart and $24 for each extra cart. Application fees are non-refundable. Here's a look at our accepted payment methods:
Fill out the PDF application and return it to us by mail or in person.
Download the Application in English
Make sure you have the appropriate payment ready. Refer to step 5 for accepted payment methods.
Our office hours are 8 AM - 5 PM, Monday through Friday. We are out of the office on public holidays.
You can find our number in the Contact Us section of this page. We'll get you all the information you need to apply for your business license.
Visit us on the 2nd floor of City Hall. Our address is in the Contact Us section of this page. We'll get you an application and answer all of your questions about the process. Make sure you have your payment ready. You can see our accepted payment methods in step 5 above.
Downtown Vendor Checklist(PDF, 185KB)
Downtown Vending Zones Guide(PDF, 2MB)