Doing Business in Sturgis

  Starting a New Business  

A business license is not required for most businesses, however, you will need a license if you want to operate a taxi, a construction business, or if you provide services related to building trades such as plumbing.  You will need a Temporary Vending Permit if you operate a temporary business that will be open during the Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.  All licensing is handled through our  CitizenServe web portal  .

Prior to operating a business, make sure you are operating from a location that is properly zoned for your business.  You can call our office or check the  zoning map  .  You can view information about various requirements in each zone by going to the  City Ordinance  page.

Once you are ready to open, you will want to become a  Sturgis Chamber  member.  They can help get information about your business out to the public by scheduling a ribbon cutting and offering advertising packages.

  Relocating Your Existing Business  

The City of Sturgis has a thriving Industrial Park that is home to many manufacturing companies.  You can learn what is available by speaking to a representative from the Sturgis Economic Development Corp. (SEDC).   SEDC President, Amanda Anglin will be happy to answer all your questions, give her a call at 605-347-4906 or Email: amanda@sturgisdevelopment.com.  You can also visit the  SEDC web page.

Economic Development Award - Press Release

In September of 2017, the City of Sturgis received a Gold ‘Excellence in Economic Development’ Award for its  Winter Storm Atlas Recovery & Catalyst of Growth Campaign, a  project in the category of Multi-Year Economic Development of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).


  Temporary Rally Businesses (Vendors)  

If you plan to do business during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, you will need a Temporary Vending License.  You may apply for this license at any time through the  CitizenServe Web Portal  .  You will also need to obtain a  South Dakota Sales Tax License  prior to opening.  Before you can apply for a temporary license, you will need to know exactly where you will be doing business.  If you need assistance finding a location, please visit the  Sturgis Motorcycle Rally  webpage and go to the Vendor tab.  If you need assistance with your temporary vending license, please call the Permitting Department at 605-347-4422 option 3.