Rolling Into business: Stores and mobile vendor requirements in the Mat-Su

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own food truck or setting up a craft booth at local events? Maybe you’ve thought about selling homemade treats from a roadside stand or bringing your handmade goods to different neighborhoods throughout the Mat-Su Borough. If so, you’re not alone.

Before you can start serving up your famous burgers or selling your beautiful artwork, you need to understand the permit process. It can seem overwhelming at first, and it might discourage you from trying. But getting the right permits is doable once you know what to ask of whom.

First, some exciting news: as of April 2024, the Mat-Su Borough no longer requires a borough business license. This change eliminates one step and saves money for entrepreneurs.

However, you still need other important licenses and permits. Every business in Alaska must have a state business license, which you can get through the Community and Economic Development Division of Corporations, Businesses and Professional Licensing in Juneau. You can reach them at (907) 465-2550 or apply online through their website.

If you plan to operate your mobile business within city limits, you’ll need additional city licenses. Palmer, Wasilla, and Houston each require their own business licenses, and the good news is they’re all affordable at just twenty-five dollars per year.

For Palmer city limits, contact the Department of Administration at (907) 745-3271. They’re at 231 W. Evergreen Avenue. In Wasilla, reach out to the Finance Department at (907) 373-9088 on East Herning Avenue. Houston requires a license too—contact their clerk’s office at (907) 892-6869, at 13878 W. Armstrong Road.

Food trucks and mobile food stands have additional requirements because they serve food to the public. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation oversees food safety, so you’ll need to get a food service permit from them. This permit ensures that your mobile kitchen meets health and safety standards. State inspectors may check your equipment, food storage methods, and cleaning procedures before approving your permit.

If you plan to sell food, you’ll also need to complete a food safety course. These courses teach important skills like proper food handling, temperature control, and sanitation practices. Several organizations in Alaska offer these classes, and some are available online.

Location matters a lot for mobile vendors. You cannot just park anywhere and start selling. Most public spaces require special event permits, and private property requires permission from the property owner. Many mobile vendors work with local businesses, setting up in parking lots during lunch hours or at special events.

Insurance is another important piece of the puzzle. Most locations require mobile vendors to carry liability insurance. This protects both you and the property owner if someone gets hurt or property gets damaged. If you hire anybody, you may also need to provide unemployment insurance, worker’s compensation insurance, or other state requirements.

Don’t forget about sales tax. If you sell products or food, you need to register with local cities and collect a sales tax from your customers. Some cities allow a “payment in lieu of tax,” relieving you of the requirement to calculate sales tax. You must file regular reports (usually monthly) and send in the tax money you collect.

Special considerations apply to certain business types. If you’re selling tobacco products of any kind, contact the Mat-Su Excise Tax Specialist at (907) 861-8413. If you’re providing traveler accommodations (like a mobile lodging unit), you’ll need to register for the borough’s bed tax and file quarterly returns. Call (907) 861-8632 for bed tax registration.

The permit process typically takes four to six weeks from start to finish. Plan ahead and don’t wait until the last minute. Summer is the busy season for mobile vendors in Alaska, so start your paperwork in late winter or early spring.

For current information and forms, call your city’s office. The Alaska Small Business Development Center also offers free help for new business owners, walking them through business plans, financing, and marketing.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.