ABOUT COLUMBIA

Columbia is an active, growing city of more than 90,000 residents. Located in central Missouri, Columbia is just 125 miles from both St. Louis and Kansas City.

Money magazine often ranks Columbia among the top cities in its "Best Places to Live" survey, based on the highly educated work force, strong economy, low cost of living, award-winning schools and unique opportunities for recreation, dining and shopping.

Health care is the dominant industry, with one in five employed residents working in a health-related profession. Columbia is home to seven hospitals and more than 500 practicing physicians. It has the 2nd highest rate of physicians per capita in the nation. Higher education and the insurance industry also are major employers.

Approximately 143,000 people live and work in the rolling and wooded hills of Boone County; more than 30,000 of the residents are students at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Stephens College and Columbia College.  More information on Columbia can be found at www.columbiaredi.com.

Columbia's Distinctions

Forbes Magazine's 11th smartest city in the nation

Expansion Management Magazine's Best place in the state to start a business, 14th in the nation

Restaurant Business Magazine 38th national and Best place in state to open a restaurant

Forbes Magazine's 4th best small place for business and careers

Expansion Management Magazine's 6th best city in the nation for college educated workers

Outside Magazine's 10th best city in the nation

Columbia Business Organizations

Columbia Chamber of Commerce

Regional Economic Development, Inc.

Small Business Administration

Missouir Business Development Program

University Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Enterprise Development Corporation

C.O.L.O.R.S. (Columbia Locally Owned Retail & Services)

Centennial Investors (Angel Investor Network)

Starting a Business in Columbia, MO

City of Columbia 

State Business Registration

Federal Tax Center

Business Licenses

Alcholoic Beverage Licenses

Food Establishment Requirements

Sign Permits

Additional Information