Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Opportunity.
Opportunity, who?
Not who, where! In Chico!
While Chicoans are known for their sense of fun, big business is no joke in this town. The community is fiercely loyal and supports its own homegrown start-ups. You only have to look to industry giants like Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and Klean Kanteen for proof! And while a sense of pride for local entrepreneurs is part of the secret to many businesses’ success, the other part is Chico offers many different neighborhoods for companies to thrive.
Location is everything
Location, location, location. It’s so important, the oft-quoted phrase repeats the word three times. Luckily, Chico has lots of sites for new businesses that suit different clientele and needs. And just like our famous Shubert’s Ice Cream, these options have oodles of flavors to delight every preference. From the historic downtown to modern new areas on the edge of town, it’s easy to find the right match.
Chico has unique areas for commercial businesses
Looking to set up shop? The first step is to explore Chico’s neighborhoods. Some of them are known for a certain kind of business (like the Craft Beverage district, ahem) and are better suited for specific industries. Below, we highlight a few of the different areas of business in the city:
1. Downtown
The best place to start an exploration of neighborhoods is at the heart. Head to Downtown, where Chico’s history began. This is where you’ll find some of the city’s historic buildings preserved in all their frontier glory. Downtown is where a bygone era meets a modern vibe, with everything from Mom n’ Pop shops, to trendy eateries, and a wide variety of retail options. Best of all, the area benefits from the patronage of Chico State students in addition to other locals and visitors.
2. Meriam Park
The new kid on the block is Meriam Park, a community-minded development project offering a more modern aesthetic, with hip residential, retail, and office space. A big draw for this neighborhood is its walkability factor, as residences provide a built-in clientele for businesses. That said, Meriam Park is legendary for drawing crowds from all over Chico at events held onsite at The Barn, like Chico’s 150th Birthday Bash.
3. Craft Beverage District
On the other side of town is the Craft Beverage District, home to Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Mulberry Station Brewing Company, the Commons, Golden Beaver Beaver Distillery, and Secret Trail Brewing Company. All of these local establishments are within a mile’s walking distance, making it an ideal location for those in the brewing business. It’s such a destination, there’s even a Chico Brew Tour there.
4. Chico Airport Industrial Park
Commercial opportunities abound in the Chico Airport Industrial Park. While it’s located on the upper edge of town, the area has ample room to spread out and is home to many different kinds of manufacturing, from food manufacturer Mooney Farms and t-shirt maker Fifth Sun to large-scale operations like QTAC, Rescue-42, and Transfer Flow. The Chico Airport Park likewise supports large offices and even the Golden Beaver distillery!
A thriving local economy + a strong workforce = an ideal place to do business
These are just a few of the many business locations in Chico to explore. When you add up all the things Chico has going for it, it’s easy to see why so many businesses do well here. A plentiful pool of potential employees backed by supportive locals means new companies can flourish. And there are ample areas in town to research to find the best fit for your business. Head here to learn more about how to bring a business to Chico!