Business Planning Resources

Need help developing your business plan? Or information on the ins and outs of doing business in Valparaiso? There are several resources that can assist you in your transition to business owner.

City of Valparaiso Resources

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals provides businesses with information on zoning and zoning changes.

Economic Development Commission

The Economic Development Commission works with the city government and the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce to assist businesses in finding the right location. The Commission also provides information on the issuance of tax exempt bonds to local businesses, industries, and new businesses coming to the community in an attempt to expand the city’s tax base and to create new and better jobs for residents.

Historic Downtown Liquor License

Find information about Downtown Liquor Licenses and how to apply.

Plan Commission

The Plan Commission oversees planning and zoning issues that affect the city and also considers requests for variances from requirements that may be set out in the Valparaiso Municipal Code, zoning ordinances, or master plan.

Planning Department

Need help with site review, information on city zoning ordinances, or the city annexation policy? The city’s Planning Department can help! Contact Planning Director Bob Thompson at (219) 462-1161 for more information. 

Redevelopment Commission

The Redevelopment Commission oversees the city’s two tax increment financing districts, which collect tax revenue within their districts and use the revenue for a variety of infrastructure projects.


Other Resources

Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce

Voted Indiana's Chamber of the Year in 2005, the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, through its volunteer committees and its partnerships with organizations in the northwest Indiana region, works on economic development, member services, and legislative and quality of life issues.

Porter County Economic Development Coalition

The Porter County Economic Development Coalition provides information on economic opportunities throughout Porter County.

Porter County Government

The Porter County government website gives information and links to all Porter County government departments.

Valparaiso Opportunity Zone (OZone)

The federal government established the Opportunity Zone program in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to attract private sector investment to low-income urban and rural communities.


For More Information

For additional information, please contact Director of Development George Douglas at (219) 462-1161.