Frequently Asked Questions

Unless specifically exempted, all businesses with a physical location in the Bentonville city limits must register online, per Bentonville Municipal Code, including the following:

• Businesses, institutions, corporations, LLCs, LLPs, partnerships, and sole proprietorships.

• Non-profit associations/corporations. (Must register but are exempt from fees.)

• Individuals operating a business.

• Type B Home Occupations.

  • NOTE: Type A Home Occupations are EXEMPT and DO NOT need to register, regardless of corporate structure. For example, if you operate a Type A Home Occupation as a corporation or LLC, you are exempt. See question below for this and other exemptions.

  • Click here  to determine if your home occupation is a Type A or Type B. If you are still unsure, please contact Planning at 479-271-3122 or planning@bentonvillear.com)

• Other non-governmental entities in any trade, service or occupation that operate out of a physical address within the Bentonville city limits.

If you have questions about whether or not your business is required to register, please contact us at 479-271-3126 or businessregistry@bentonvillear.com. 

The following are EXEMPT and do not have to register.

• Persons under eighteen years of age.

• Persons engaged in fundraising drives or enterprises for the public benefit such as schools or city government.

• Temporary businesses associated with festivals and special events.

• All Type A Home Occupations, regardless of corporate structure. For example, if you operate a Type A Home Occupation as a corporation or LLC, you are exempt. 

  • NOTE: Type B Home Occupations DO need to register. 

  • Click here  to determine if your home-occupation is a Type A or Type B. If you are still unsure, please contact Planning at 479-271-3122 or planning@bentonvillear.com)

• Short-term rentals.

• Religious entities that do not perform business-related functions, such as childcare or education.

• Entities conducting business in Bentonville but do not have a physical location in Bentonville city limits.

If you have questions about whether or not your business is required to register, please contact us at 479-271-3126 or businessregistry@bentonvillear.com. 

It’s simple! 

Steps:

1. Click the Register Your Business button. This will link you eTrakit.

2. Create an account. You will need to create a public account with a username and password.  Click here for instructions on setting up an account. You may use your existing name and password if you already use eTrakit.

3. On the eTrakit home page, go to bottom right under Business Registry and click Apply for New License. (Note this is not a license, but is the name of the module used within the eTrakit system.) 

4. Complete Form. Fill out the form completely with accurate information. Items marked with an * are required. 

5. When finished, click Submit.

6. To print certificate: At top of screen, click Dashboard , click on the License No. (starts with "BR"). Scroll down  and click the License2 tab. When the license appears, right click to print. If you do not have a printer contact us at businessregistry@bentonvillear.com or call 479-271-3126 and we will print one for you.

Questions about the business registry:

479-271-3126 or businessregistry@bentonvillar.com 

Questions about setting up an account in eTrakit:

479-271-3108

1.   Go to website: https://bent.csqrcloud.com/community-etrakit/        or search “Bentonville eTrakit” in your web browser. 

2.   Click on the Setup an Account link (top of screen). 

3.   Complete the form. Items with * are required.  Enter and        confirm a password following the password rules and        choose a security question and answer.

4.   Click Create Account at bottom.

5.   Click Forgot Password at top. 

6.   Click Public Registered. 

7.    Enter username and click Reset Password. 

8.   Check your email and follow instructions.

9.   Click Save and Login. 

10. Once your password has been set, click Continue. 

11.  You will be redirected to the eTrakit homepage. 

12.   To begin registration, under Business Registry click Apply for New License. (Note this is not a license, but is the module used within the eTrakit system.)

Click here for illustrated instructions. 

The online form asks for the following information:

• Business name, phone number and address.

• Primary contact name, title, phone number and email address.

• Emergency contact phone number (indicate whether the number can received texts).

• Mailing address (if different from the physical address).

• Type of business (drop down list by NAICS codes).

• Type of ownership (corporation, sole proprietorship, limited liability, partnership, nonprofit).

• Number of full and part time employees.

• Whether the business is existing or new.

• Whether the business is going into an existing structure or if there will be an addition or new construction.

• If the business wishes to be displayed on Business Registry Map.

No. This is a registry only. There is no review and approval process to be added to the registry. It is only registering contact information and general information about your business for economic development, safety, and planning purposes. It also serves as a first step to opening a business so the city can assist and support.

Yes. All businesses with a physical location in and doing business in Bentonville, existing or new, must register, per Bentonville Municipal Code Article 18-IV.

No. Only one registration is required per owner. We ask that each business and location be listed on the registration form. 

It depends. A home occupation is defined as “A nonresidential use carried on within a dwelling, which is clearly subordinate to the residential use and which does not outwardly change the residential character of the use, lot or structure.” Home occupations fall into two categories: Type A & Type B. Type A do not have to register, but Type B do have to register. 

Click here  to determine if your home-occupation is a Type A or Type B. If you are still unsure, please contact Planning at 479-271-3122 or planning@bentonvillear.com.

Not at this time. City Council is in the process of discussing whether a short-term rental will be required to register, However, at this time, short-term rentals do not have to register.

Yes. There is also a separate Outdoor Vendor Permit required. See details here

No. There are no registration or renewal fees.

No. An inspection is not required to register. However, some businesses do require the Fire Department to conduct safety inspections. The Fire Department will schedule those with you as needed, but it is not part of the registration process. 

Important Notice: Businesses that register in 2024 are not required to renew for 2025.

Yes. The registration must be renewed annually to ensure the city maintains up-to-date information. Renewals are required between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31 each year. The annual renewal fee is $15.00

Existing businesses should have registered by December 31, 2024 for the initial program year. New businesses must register within sixty (60) days of beginning operations in the City of Bentonville.

Please email businessregistry@bentonvillear.com and provide the name of the business and what information should be corrected. Our staff will update the information for you. 

If you choose, we will add your business information to the city’s GIS Business Registry Map. View the map here.The benefits also include providing information to the fire and police department to make it easier and quicker for them to respond to emergencies. Our staff is happy to assist with guiding you through development processes for new construction or additions, sign permits, and other permits that may be required. Please contact us at 479-271-3126 or businessregistry@bentonvillear.com.

Please notify the city that the business is closed. Provide us with the business name and address and we will remove it from the registry. Contact us at 479-271-3126 or businessregistry@bentonvillear.com.

Registration is not transferable to a new owner. Please notify the city that you have sold your business. Provide us with the business name and address and we will remove it from the registry. The new owner will need to register the business with current information. Please contact us at 479-271-3126 or businessregistry@bentonvillear.com. 

Bentonville staff is happy to help you with any questions and direct you to the correct department. Please contact us at 479-271-3126 or businessregistry@bentonvillear.com