Business Support
Lancaster Resources
We proudly partner with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and America’s Job Center of California (AJCC) to provide valuable growth opportunities for local businesses and workforce development. The SBDC offers resources like business consulting, training, and funding guidance to empower local entrepreneurs and support business success. Meanwhile, AJCC connects job seekers with employers, offering employment services, skills training, and career counseling to strengthen Lancaster’s workforce. Through these partnerships, Lancaster fosters a thriving community, driving economic growth and creating a foundation for sustainable success for residents and businesses alike.
Shop Lancaster
Shopping in Lancaster offers an exciting mix of experiences, combining community events with well-loved retail destinations. The BLVD, serves as the heart of the city, hosting a popular Farmers’ Market event that brings together local vendors and artisans, offering everything from fresh produce to handmade goods. This family-focused gathering is a great way for the community to connect, support local businesses, and enjoy Lancaster’s friendly atmosphere. Throughout the year, we also feature community events and pop-up opportunities to spotlight emerging businesses. Lancaster’s shopping centers provide convenient access to major retailers like Sprouts Farmers Market, Costco, Smart & Final, and Tractor Supply Store, along with popular dining spots like Raising Cane’s, Dutch Bros Coffee, and Black Angus Steakhouse. As a community-based city, Lancaster is committed to fostering the success of locally owned businesses and creating a supportive, welcoming shopping experience for residents and visitors alike.
Shopping Centers
Here in Lancaster, we offers a variety of shopping centers that cater to every need, providing a convenient and diverse shopping experience.
Our resident shoppers can find everything from fresh groceries at Sprouts Farmers Market and essentials at Smart & Final to specialty goods at Tractor Supply Store. Dining options, including favorites like Raising Cane’s and Dutch Bros Coffee, add to the appeal, making Lancaster’s shopping centers ideal for errands, leisure shopping, and a quick bite. Each center brings together top retailers and beloved local spots, creating a community-oriented shopping experience for all.
Farmers' Market - Fresh, Local, and Sustainable
Held on The BLVD, this experience offers an authentic farm-to-table shopping experience. Shoppers can find fresh, locally grown produce, handmade goods, and delicious baked treats. These markets are an ideal spot for those who prioritize sustainable shopping while enjoying the quality of local, organic food. It’s also a great place to connect with Lancaster’s farmers and artisans.
Vibrant Downtown
At the heart of Lancaster’s shopping scene is The BLVD, a revitalized downtown area filled with unique stores, artisan shops, and specialty retailers. Here, visitors can find handmade goods, locally designed fashion, and one-of-a-kind art pieces. The BLVD is not just a shopping destination but also a cultural hub, featuring street art, music, and local festivals. Walking along The BLVD feels like a celebration of Lancaster’s creativity and community spirit.
Antique Stores and Thrift Shops - Hidden Treasures
Lancaster’s antique stores and thrift shops are a treasure trove for unique finds. From vintage furniture and retro clothing to rare collectibles, these shops allow for one-of-a-kind discoveries. Thrift shopping in Lancaster not only provides unique, affordable items but also promotes sustainable consumption and reuse.
While shopping in Lancaster, we encourage you to check out our reward earning application. Open Rewards is a new way to support your community and keep local dollars local. Customers earn rewards for every dollar spent and those dollars are re-invested into other local businesses.
Community Events and Pop-Ups
Lancaster frequently hosts pop-up markets, craft fairs, and seasonal events where local vendors showcase their products. These events, often held at The BLVD or the fairgrounds, give shoppers a chance to explore the latest creations by Lancaster’s artists and artisans. They also offer a fun, community-oriented way to shop, mingle, and discover new favorite items.
In Lancaster, shopping is more than just buying products; it’s an opportunity to explore the city’s culture, support local businesses, and discover the unique personality that makes Lancaster a special place in Southern California. Whether you’re on the hunt for something special, looking for a bit of retail therapy, or simply want to enjoy Lancaster’s local flavor, the shopping scene here offers something for everyone.
New to Lancaster?
Check out this list of recommendations that our friends at Destination Lancaster put together!
Incentives
State Incentives
California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC)
Lancaster businesses are eligible to apply for the CCTC, which offers tax credits to businesses expanding or relocating to California.
New Employment Credit (NEC)
This California state program benefits certain businesses in Lancaster that hire employees from targeted groups, offering credits against state income tax for new hires.
Lancaster Incentives
Air Quality Management District Fees (AVAQMD)
Lancaster falls under the jurisdiction of the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAQMD), meaning quicker approvals at lower costs. AVAQMD does not impose truck emissions or Indirect Source Rule (ISR) fees for warehouse uses, marking a significant cost savings for large-scale industrial companies in Lancaster.
Capital Improvement Assistance
In some cases, Lancaster offers assistance for capital improvement work and off-site improvements.
Concurent Review
Applicants can choose to submit at-risk to Planning and Building & Safety for concurrent plan review, saving time for developers.
Developer Fee Incentive Program
Lancaster implemented a development fee incentive program that aims to incentivize development and density within the core of the City. Depending on the location and type of project, fee reduction may range from 50% to 100%. All senior living facility projects within the City are exempt from impact fees.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Program
Through the AVAQMD, Lancaster's businesses can apply for reimbursement on approved projects and save 50% - 70% of the total costs of infrastructure, charging equipment and installation.
Fiber Optic Infrastructure
Lancaster is one of the first cities to offer advanced fiber optic infrastructure to businesses and residents throughout the city.
Impact Fee Deferral
In certain circumstances, impact fee payments may be deferred to time of occupancy rather than at building permit issuance.
Opportunity Zone
Companies and investors seeking to invest in Opportunity Zones have 4,000 acres in five different zones to choose from in Lancaster.
Power Choice Program
Through a partnership with Lancaster Energy, solar and battery storage back-up can be installed on-site with no upfront costs. This customized program can offer significant cost savings on electric bills.
Preliminary Review
Lancaster's Planning team offers a preliminary review option that allows developers to get feedback on projects prior to formal submittal, saving substantial time in review. Fees paid for a preliminary review will be applied to the formal application submittal.
Project Fast-Tracking and Concierge Services
Certain projects will be put on the fast-track for City approvals. Additionally, a member from the Economic Development team will serve as a liaison to get the project through the permitting process as efficiently as possible.
Sales Tax Sharing
Sales tax represents an important revenue source for Lancaster. For companies with point-of-sale in Lancaster, the City is open to negotiation of a sales tax sharing agreement, so long as State legislature allows it.
Site Selection Assistance
An Economic Development team member can utilize resources, networks, data, and knowledge to assist developers and businesses to find sites within Lancaster to match their needs.
Small Business Development Center
Lancaster partners with the Small Business Development Center to offer assistance to new startups and small businesses.
State Community Infrastructure Program (SCIP) and Bond Opportunities for Land Development (BOLD)
Lancaster participates in the SCIP and BOLD programs, which offer additional financing solutions for developers.
Tenant-Improved Permit Streamlining
Understanding the importance of getting tenant-improvement permits quickly, Lancaster commits to fast-tracking and streamlining reviews and approvals.
*Note: Lancaster cannot guarantee the speediness of external agencies such as LA Co. Fire, Public Health or others.
Workforce Development and Employment Training
Through partnerships with Antelope Valley College and the America's Job Center of California (AJCC), Lancaster's large employers can develop free and lost cost training programs to help ensure a trained local workforce.
Download our Incentives Packet
Success Stories
Expanding the Green Energy Footprint
RIDE.co
In May 2013, RIDE.co, previously known as Build Your Dreams (BYD) Auto announced two manufacturing facilities to be located in Lancaster. RIDE.co, a first-rate firm known around the globe as a leader in battery and sustainable energy technologies, has grown to become the largest battery electric bus manufacturer in North America. RIDE.co has expanded its Lancaster manufacturing plant, a former motorhome manufacturing facility, from 100,000 square feet to over a half million square feet. RIDE.co continues to grow and thrive in Lancaster with a current project proposal for 630,000 square-foot RIDE.co electric school bus manufacturing facility. The new facility would employ 650 individuals in addition to the approximately 750 jobs created with RIDE.co’s transit bus manufacturing and battery facilities.
Giving Back
Casters Coffee
Casters Coffee is a company with a purpose! Located in the Lancaster Business Park, the brand serves more than just high-quality coffee beans – it also serves as a call for action.
Casters Coffee is a mission-focused, wholesale coffee roasting business under Street Company cooperation. The co-founder and director, Jesse Lee, and co-founder and manager of daily operations, Marco van den Haul, have a mission to employ the homeless and provide them with job training so that they can improve the quality of their lives.
In response to the homeless community’s request for job opportunities, Jesse and Marco established Casters Coffee. The coffee shop was not only meant to serve high-quality coffee beans but act as a campaign for communal activism by employing the homeless community and giving them the opportunity to better their lives. In addition to providing employment and training, Casters also serves as a community for its participants, giving employees the opportunity to forge relationships, reconnect and prosper. Every dollar spent at Casters covers employees’ salaries, providing even more incentive to support the company.
Spotlighting Some of Lancaster’s Stellar Women-Business Owners
LEO + Mamas
2010 W. Avenue J8, Suite 105
LEO + mamas is one of the pandemic miracle businesses, opening in September 2020. The shakiness of its beginning didn’t deter owner Courtney Adams, who has wanted a brick and mortar store since she was a little girl. Prior to opening LEO + mamas, Courtney owned a local salon, and has always had a passion for supporting local businesses. LEO + mamas focuses on small quantities with top quality, ensuring that customers see something new every time they walk in the store. Customers are so crazy for its products that LEO + mamas’ motto is “Buy Now or Cry Later.” This avid support from customers both locally and out-of-state has Courtney laying plans for LEO + mamas in small towns across the country.
Ride360 Indoor Cycle & Row
843 W. Lancaster Blvd., Suite 103
When Ride360 opened in 2019, the closest cycle studios were over an hour away. So it is no surprise that the studio was flooded with customers eager to take advantage of the high-intensity, low-impact workout. Renee Rodriguez, owner of Ride 360 Indoor Cycle & Row runs the studio full-time and has since become a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. Ride360 continues to expand its offerings, from row to oneon-one training to themed rides. The diversity eliminates workout boredom and the welcoming environment created by Renee and staff keeps customers coming back for more.
Pretty Little Poppy Marketplace
730 W. Lancaster Blvd., Suite 105
Opened in May 2022, Pretty Little Poppy Marketplace is a treasure trove of locally made goods. From apparel to bath bombs to edible treats, Pretty Little Poppy Marketplace is a hub for local makers to market and sell their goods, making the shop an incubator for small businesses. The shop was a dream of owner, Brenda Martinez's for several years. After the loss of her father and grandmother within days of each other, Brenda who was working as a stay at home mom, started the work to build a community space that would showcase the gifts of local artisans. With a passion for transitional youth, Brenda also operates a nonprofit out of Pretty Little Poppy Marketplace that provides resources for young entrepreneurs in the Antelope Valley