How to start a small business in La Paz County

La Paz County’s economy hinges on tourism, river recreation and a big winter RV season, so entrepreneurs need a permit- and cashflow-first approach before opening doors. Getting the structure, local approvals and seasonal planning right determines whether a new café, retail shop, tour operation or vendor can capture winter surges without folding in the slow summer months.

Begin with legal structure and registration. Many local businesses choose an LLC for liability protection; sole proprietors who use a different trade name must register a DBA with the La Paz County Recorder. LLCs and corporations file formation paperwork with the Arizona Corporation Commission. Obtain an Employer Identification Number through the IRS online portal if you will hire staff or operate as a partnership, LLC or corporation.

If you sell taxable goods or services, register for Arizona transaction privilege tax (TPT) with the Arizona Department of Revenue and confirm the combined state, county and local rate for your town. For food service, contact La Paz County Environmental Health or the county public health unit to learn food-permit and inspection requirements. For zoning and land-use checks in unincorporated areas call La Paz County Planning & Zoning; Quartzsite, Parker, Bouse and Ehrenberg town halls handle municipal permits inside town limits.

Building, electrical, plumbing and occupancy permits come from the town building office when inside municipal boundaries or from La Paz County for unincorporated sites. Safety inspections and certificates of occupancy are typically required before opening. Businesses with employees must carry workers’ compensation per Arizona rules and should obtain general liability insurance; consider professional or product liability where relevant.

Labor and logistics require local adaptation. La Paz has a limited year-round labor pool, so plan flexible schedules, cross-training and recruitment from neighboring counties or seasonal hires for peak winter months in Quartzsite and Parker. Factor longer supply-chain lead times and limited specialized suppliers into inventory planning; maintain buffers and local repair contacts to avoid stockouts during busy shows and RV influxes.

Seasonal event vending needs advance coordination. Vendor permits at Quartzsite venues such as Tyson Wells and the Quartzsite Big Tent/Big Shows are obtained through show organizers, and vendors must confirm waste, water and power arrangements. Outdoor excursion businesses using BLM land should check permit requirements with the BLM Lake Havasu Field Office and verify insurance and federal compliance.

Local resources to contact first include La Paz County Administration / Planning & Zoning, the town halls in Quartzsite and Parker for municipal licensing, the Arizona Corporation Commission and Arizona Department of Revenue for filings and TPT, regional Small Business Development Centers for counseling and loan packaging, and the Parker Area and Quartzsite Area Chambers of Commerce for networking and event schedules. Community banks, microloan programs and periodic state economic development grants can provide financing options.

The takeaway? Start with a zoning check, TPT registration and a meeting with your local chamber and SBDC, then build cashflow plans that absorb winter peaks and summer lulls. Plan staffing, insurance and inventory with seasonality in mind so your business can surf the RV wave without getting stranded in the off-season.