Sell to businesses the week they open, and again the month their license expires
Alex Wilkinson
CEO of Houski
2026-07-15
A new business license is the loudest buying signal that exists in business-to-business sales, and almost nobody is listening to it.
Think about what a freshly licensed business does in its first ninety days. It buys insurance. It signs up for payment processing, internet, phones, waste pickup, and cleaning. It orders signage, furniture, a security system, a coffee machine. Every one of those purchases goes to whichever vendor happened to be in front of the owner during the most decision-dense window the business will ever have. Two years later, all of those services are locked in and switching any of them is a fight.
Houski carries business licenses for about a dozen cities and counties, among them Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia and Portland in the United States, plus Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and Vancouver in Canada, attached to the property record. In a city the size of Vancouver that means thousands of addresses with license activity every year. It is a live feed of businesses entering their spending window, with an address on every one.
Pulling this month's new licenses
Business licenses ride on the same permit expansion as building permits. Filter by type and date:
API request
TypeScript code
const houski_data = async (): Promise<PropertiesResponse> => {
// You must copy the PropertiesResponse type declarations from the
// Houski API documentation to strongly type the response
const url = new URL('https://api.houski.ca/properties');
url.searchParams.set('api_key', 'YOUR_API_KEY');
url.searchParams.set('city', 'vancouver');
url.searchParams.set('country_abbreviation', 'ca');
url.searchParams.set('expand', 'permits');
url.searchParams.set('expand_permit_application_date_gte', '2026-06-01');
url.searchParams.set('expand_permit_type_eq', 'Business%20license');
url.searchParams.set('filter_expand_match', 'all');
url.searchParams.set('province_abbreviation', 'bc');
url.searchParams.set('results_per_page', '25');
url.searchParams.set('select', 'address,community,property_type');
const response = await fetch(url);
const data = await response.json();
return data;
}
(async () => {
let data: PropertiesResponse = await houski_data();
// Log the response
console.log(data);
})();
API response
JSON
{
"cache_hit": false,
"cost_cents": 4.1,
"data": [
{
"address": "1576 W 41 Avenue",
"community": "Kerrisdale",
"permits": [
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-07-14",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 4866817|License revision number: 0|Business name: Bank of Nova Scotia|Business trade name: Scotiabank|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Financial Institution|Business sub type: N/A|Number of employees: 9.0|Fee paid: 2247.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:02-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-144233",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "5ab2b68eca1e122"
}
],
"property_id": "5ab2b68eca1e122",
"property_type": "House"
},
{
"address": "103 5701 Granville Street",
"community": "Kerrisdale",
"permits": [
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-06-11",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 4990279|License revision number: 1|Business name: 1412189 BC Ltd|Business trade name: Yee Nutrition and Herbs|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Limited Service Food Establishment|Business sub type: Without Liquor|Number of employees: 2.0|Fee paid: 14.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:03-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-122121",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "718079b02643d803"
}
],
"property_id": "718079b02643d803",
"property_type": "Apartment"
},
{
"address": "6075 West Boulevard",
"community": "Kerrisdale",
"permits": [
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-06-09",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 4955963|License revision number: 0|Business name: 1559296 B.C. LTD.|Business trade name: Oakberry Acai|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Restaurant|Business sub type: Class 1 no liquor service|Number of employees: 5.0|Fee paid: 687.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:03-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-212759",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "ab3f6e9fd5756994"
}
],
"property_id": "ab3f6e9fd5756994",
"property_type": "Commercial"
},
{
"address": "101 5701 Granville Street",
"community": "Kerrisdale",
"permits": [
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-10-19",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 5038050|License revision number: 1|Business name: GREEN TEAM REALTY INC.|Business trade name: N/A|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Real Estate Services|Business sub type: N/A|Number of employees: 1.0|Fee paid: 33.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:04-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-148611",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "b4ff1c5c34cbc52f"
}
],
"property_id": "b4ff1c5c34cbc52f",
"property_type": "Apartment"
},
{
"address": "5720 East Boulevard",
"community": "Kerrisdale",
"permits": [
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-08-04",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 4862195|License revision number: 0|Business name: Premiere International Travel Ltd|Business trade name: N/A|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Tourism Services|Business sub type: N/A|Number of employees: 2.0|Fee paid: 324.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:02-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-139611",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "fe808189055d9dd4"
}
],
"property_id": "fe808189055d9dd4",
"property_type": "Commercial"
},
{
"address": "6570 Victoria Drive",
"community": "Victoria-Fraserview",
"permits": [
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-07-22",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 4875536|License revision number: 0|Business name: JVL Enterprises Ltd|Business trade name: N/A|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Retail Dealer|Business sub type: N/A|Number of employees: 2.0|Fee paid: 324.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:03-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-152952",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "182f600405f8f250"
}
],
"property_id": "182f600405f8f250",
"property_type": "Commercial"
},
{
"address": "6458 Victoria Drive",
"community": "Victoria-Fraserview",
"permits": [
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-10-09",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 5034326|License revision number: 0|Business name: ABSOLUTE DENTAL INC.|Business trade name: Absolute Family Dental|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Health Care Facility|Business sub type: N/A|Number of employees: 6.0|Fee paid: 146.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:04-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-289109",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "1e2e55bfd2025254"
}
],
"property_id": "1e2e55bfd2025254",
"property_type": "Commercial"
},
{
"address": "6215 Victoria Drive",
"community": "Victoria-Fraserview",
"permits": [
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-06-04",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 4842103|License revision number: 0|Business name: Blossomrich Integrated Health Inc|Business trade name: N/A|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Health Care Facility|Business sub type: N/A|Number of employees: 2.0|Fee paid: 324.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:01-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-119520",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "25908fb65fb4a15e"
}
],
"property_id": "25908fb65fb4a15e",
"property_type": "Commercial"
},
{
"address": "6441 Victoria Drive",
"community": "Victoria-Fraserview",
"permits": [
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-06-03",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 4958803|License revision number: 0|Business name: 1573955 BC LTD.|Business trade name: Pizza Heaven|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Limited Service Food Establishment|Business sub type: Without Liquor|Number of employees: 0.0|Fee paid: 201.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:03-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-215204",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "3dfed25ea8fa021d"
}
],
"property_id": "3dfed25ea8fa021d",
"property_type": "Commercial"
},
{
"address": "5752 Victoria Drive",
"community": "Victoria-Fraserview",
"permits": [
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-09-04",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 5022111|License revision number: 0|Business name: MEDRAY IMAGING MEDICAL CORPORATION|Business trade name: N/A|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Health Care Professionals and Services|Business sub type: N/A|Number of employees: 6.0|Fee paid: 201.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:04-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-277135",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "40b86a7222d7ce87"
}
],
"property_id": "40b86a7222d7ce87",
"property_type": "Commercial"
},
{
"address": "6443 Victoria Drive",
"community": "Victoria-Fraserview",
"permits": [
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-06-11",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 4986129|License revision number: 0|Business name: NEW KING SWEETS AND RESTAURANT LTD.|Business trade name: N/A|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Restaurant|Business sub type: Class 1 no liquor service|Number of employees: 4.0|Fee paid: 687.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:03-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-242001",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "49c219493cb9f098"
}
],
"property_id": "49c219493cb9f098",
"property_type": "Commercial"
},
{
"address": "7161 Victoria Drive",
"community": "Victoria-Fraserview",
"permits": [
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-09-09",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 5022145|License revision number: 0|Business name: (DARREN PUN)|Business trade name: N/A|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Health Care Professionals and Services|Business sub type: N/A|Number of employees: 1.0|Fee paid: 146.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:04-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-277166",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "4e0adab386499f69"
},
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-08-31",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 4839202|License revision number: 0|Business name: Edmond Lin Registered Massage Therapy Ltd|Business trade name: Edmond Lin RMT|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Health Care Professionals and Services|Business sub type: N/A|Number of employees: 1.0|Fee paid: 634.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:00-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-116619",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "4e0adab386499f69"
}
],
"property_id": "4e0adab386499f69",
"property_type": "Commercial"
},
{
"address": "6560 Victoria Drive",
"community": "Victoria-Fraserview",
"permits": [
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-07-10",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 5001182|License revision number: 0|Business name: CULTIVATED GARAGE INC.|Business trade name: N/A|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Retail Dealer|Business sub type: N/A|Number of employees: 2.0|Fee paid: 216.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:04-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-256660",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "7c73d07539a24b86"
}
],
"property_id": "7c73d07539a24b86",
"property_type": "House"
},
{
"address": "6596 Victoria Drive",
"community": "Victoria-Fraserview",
"permits": [
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-08-18",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 5014101|License revision number: 0|Business name: GRACE POINT DIRECT ASSOCIATES LTD.|Business trade name: BC Ultrasound|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Health Care Professionals and Services|Business sub type: N/A|Number of employees: 1.0|Fee paid: 146.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:04-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-269299",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "9a9708d9354908eb"
}
],
"property_id": "9a9708d9354908eb",
"property_type": "Commercial"
},
{
"address": "7105 Victoria Drive",
"community": "Victoria-Fraserview",
"permits": [
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-07-27",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 4968028|License revision number: 0|Business name: DR. KEVIN P. Y. CHENG DENTAL INC.|Business trade name: E Pro Dental|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Health Care Facility|Business sub type: N/A|Number of employees: 3.0|Fee paid: 216.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:03-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-224265",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "b3301edfe7dc1c9e"
}
],
"property_id": "b3301edfe7dc1c9e",
"property_type": "Commercial"
},
{
"address": "7287 Knight Street",
"community": "Victoria-Fraserview",
"permits": [
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-09-25",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 5029167|License revision number: 0|Business name: (HUNAN LIAO)|Business trade name: N/A|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Health Care Professionals and Services|Business sub type: N/A|Number of employees: 1.0|Fee paid: 169.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:04-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-284066",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "bcb0049087f2cd2"
},
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-06-29",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 4995980|License revision number: 0|Business name: (Mantaj-Jit Boparai)|Business trade name: Mantaj Chiropractic|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Health Care Professionals and Services|Business sub type: N/A|Number of employees: 1.0|Fee paid: 239.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:04-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-251646",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "bcb0049087f2cd2"
},
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-09-11",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 5015865|License revision number: 0|Business name: 1489820 B.C. LTD.|Business trade name: N/A|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Health Care Professionals and Services|Business sub type: N/A|Number of employees: 1.0|Fee paid: 192.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:04-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-271026",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "bcb0049087f2cd2"
}
],
"property_id": "bcb0049087f2cd2",
"property_type": "House"
},
{
"address": "7663 Nanaimo Street",
"community": "Victoria-Fraserview",
"permits": [
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-07-08",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 4976117|License revision number: 0|Business name: (Jedd Yanjie Li)|Business trade name: N/A|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Health Care Professionals and Services|Business sub type: N/A|Number of employees: 5.0|Fee paid: 216.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:03-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-232191",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "cabb1e1de1824bd2"
}
],
"property_id": "cabb1e1de1824bd2",
"property_type": "Commercial"
},
{
"address": "6559 Victoria Drive",
"community": "Victoria-Fraserview",
"permits": [
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-09-22",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 5021734|License revision number: 0|Business name: PREMIUM CHOICE MEAT SHOP LTD.|Business trade name: N/A|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Retail Dealer - Food|Business sub type: N/A|Number of employees: 3.0|Fee paid: 171.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:04-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-276779",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "d11da7fe145f2538"
}
],
"property_id": "d11da7fe145f2538",
"property_type": "Commercial"
},
{
"address": "6529 Victoria Drive",
"community": "Victoria-Fraserview",
"permits": [
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-09-04",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 5022053|License revision number: 0|Business name: (Bo Li)|Business trade name: YUEXI Skincare|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Health Care Facility|Business sub type: N/A|Number of employees: 2.0|Fee paid: 246.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:04-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-277088",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "ddc15f8fc4566ea3"
},
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-10-19",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 5036657|License revision number: 0|Business name: (Qiongfun Shen)|Business trade name: YUEXI Skincare|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Health Care Professionals and Services|Business sub type: N/A|Number of employees: 0.0|Fee paid: 146.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:04-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-291393",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "ddc15f8fc4566ea3"
},
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-09-04",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 5009334|License revision number: 0|Business name: (Qi Qi Pan)|Business trade name: N/A|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Health Care Professionals and Services|Business sub type: N/A|Number of employees: 1.0|Fee paid: 216.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:04-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-264610",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "ddc15f8fc4566ea3"
}
],
"property_id": "ddc15f8fc4566ea3",
"property_type": "Commercial"
},
{
"address": "5885 Victoria Drive",
"community": "Victoria-Fraserview",
"permits": [
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-08-04",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 4999829|License revision number: 0|Business name: EULA AESTHETICS INC.|Business trade name: N/A|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Business - Vocational Instruction|Business sub type: N/A|Number of employees: 1.0|Fee paid: 192.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:04-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-255349",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "ea1a7f6e3fbf224d"
},
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-07-30",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 4993730|License revision number: 0|Business name: EULA AESTHETICS INC.|Business trade name: N/A|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Beauty Services|Business sub type: N/A|Number of employees: 1.0|Fee paid: 216.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:04-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-249445",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "ea1a7f6e3fbf224d"
}
],
"property_id": "ea1a7f6e3fbf224d",
"property_type": "House"
},
{
"address": "1310 Kootenay Street",
"community": "Hastings-Sunrise",
"permits": [
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-06-23",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 4985040|License revision number: 0|Business name: WEST COAST VETERINARY DENTAL SERVICES INC.|Business trade name: N/A|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Animal Services|Business sub type: Animal Clinic / Hospital|Number of employees: 20.0|Fee paid: 328.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:03-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-240933",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "17c76a88f59a3a2d"
}
],
"property_id": "17c76a88f59a3a2d",
"property_type": "Commercial"
},
{
"address": "799 Windermere Street",
"community": "Hastings-Sunrise",
"permits": [
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-09-28",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 5026040|License revision number: 0|Business name: 1606964 B.C. LTD.|Business trade name: Windermere Market|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Retail Dealer - Food|Business sub type: N/A|Number of employees: 4.0|Fee paid: 171.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:04-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-280992",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "24f8ee368a49ac6e"
}
],
"property_id": "24f8ee368a49ac6e",
"property_type": "House"
},
{
"address": "1201 Venables Street",
"community": "Hastings-Sunrise",
"permits": [
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-10-15",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 5031766|License revision number: 0|Business name: 1608056 B.C. LTD.|Business trade name: N/A|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Vehicle Repair Detailing and Washing Services|Business sub type: N/A|Number of employees: 1.0|Fee paid: 123.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:04-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-286618",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "2540665ecd5df817"
}
],
"property_id": "2540665ecd5df817",
"property_type": "Commercial"
},
{
"address": "301 460 Nanaimo Street",
"community": "Hastings-Sunrise",
"permits": [
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-10-01",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 5031005|License revision number: 0|Business name: Oddfellows Pictures Inc|Business trade name: N/A|Status: Inactive|Expired date: 2026-10-03|Business type: Special Events|Business sub type: Arts and Culture|Number of employees: 0.0|Fee paid: 222.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:04-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-285863",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "2e85ca97de841c3f"
}
],
"property_id": "2e85ca97de841c3f",
"property_type": "House"
},
{
"address": "112 Nanaimo Street",
"community": "Hastings-Sunrise",
"permits": [
{
"expand_permit_application_date": "2026-07-29",
"expand_permit_content": "License RSN: 5008365|License revision number: 0|Business name: [name removed]|Business trade name: N/A|Status: Issued|Expired date: 2026-12-31|Business type: Long-term Rental|Business sub type: N/A|Number of employees: 0.0|Fee paid: 763.0|Extract date: 2026-11-01T01:09:04-06:00",
"expand_permit_id": "26-263669",
"expand_permit_type": "Business license",
"property_id": "2f2a3735d2cca631"
}
],
"property_id": "2f2a3735d2cca631",
"property_type": "Multiplex"
}
],
"error": "",
"pagination": {
"current_page": 1,
"has_next_page": true,
"has_previous_page": false,
"page_total": 38
},
"price_quote": false,
"result_total": 933,
"time_ms": 388,
"ui_info": {
"city": "Vancouver",
"city_id": "3d4b9ab2229768be",
"city_link": "ca/bc/vancouver",
"city_slug": "vancouver",
"country": "Canada",
"country_abbreviation": "CA",
"country_abbreviation_id": "9ace2b6431b7f1be",
"country_abbreviation_link": "ca",
"country_slug": "canada",
"province": "British Columbia",
"province_abbreviation": "BC",
"province_abbreviation_id": "84b27e64bc119a2",
"province_abbreviation_link": "ca/bc",
"province_slug": "british_columbia"
}
}
Each result is a property with its license records attached, and the expand_permit_content field is where the sales intelligence lives. What it carries varies by city, and the variation is worth knowing:
Vancouver gives you the business name, the trade name, the business type and sub type, the license status, the expiry date, and an employee count. An employee count on a brand-new license is targeting gold: a two-person consultancy and a forty-person restaurant need completely different things from you.
Toronto gives you the category, the legal client name and the operating name.
Edmonton gives you the business category, the licence duration, issue and expiry dates, and the neighbourhood. Its categories include Residential Rental Accommodation, which means Edmonton's feed doubles as a list of newly licensed rental properties, a distinct audience that property managers and insurance brokers pay real money to find.
Calgary gives you the trade name, the license type, and the expiration date.
One mechanical note: the API filters on permit type and date, and expand_permit_content_regex matches a pattern such as "restaurant" or "salon" against the content inside the query. Pulling the name, status and expiry out into columns happens in your code after the pull. It is one parsing function per city, and the labelled text makes it a shallow one.
Business names stay in the content as issued. Telephone numbers, email addresses, and the names of private individuals (a home business filed under its owner's name, for example) are removed and marked as removed, so these lists are for mail and for knocking on doors, not for cold calls.
The expiry date is a second campaign nobody runs
Licenses renew on a cycle, and in most of the cities above the license carries its expiration or expiry date. Renewal time is when an owner is already doing paperwork about the business: reviewing costs, gathering documents, thinking about the year ahead. That mental state is precisely when a "switch your payment processor" or "requote your business insurance" message lands, and where a city publishes the expiry, the data tells you the month it will arrive for every licensed business there.
The opening campaign targets this month's new licenses. The switching campaign targets next month's expiries. Same data, two lists, opposite ends of the customer lifecycle.
The property record comes attached, and it sharpens the pitch
Because licenses are joined to properties, every lead arrives with the building's details available in the same query: property type, floor area, construction year. A security company quoting a premises wants the square footage before the first call. A telecom seller pitching fibre wants to know if it is a standalone commercial building or a unit in a tower. A commercial cleaning service prices by area without asking.
That context is what separates "we mail every new license" from "we mail new licenses that fit our product, with a pitch that already knows the building."
Honest limits
About a dozen places. A license query anywhere a city publishes no licenses returns nothing.
A license event is not always an opening. Renewals, revisions, and relocations all generate records. The content carries status and dates that let you tell a brand-new license from a renewed one. Use them, or your "welcome to the neighbourhood" letter goes to a shop in its nineteenth year.
The content format differs per city. Budget a small parser for each. The fields above are what the cities publish, and cities occasionally change their formats.
Home-based businesses are in here too. Depending on your product that is either noise to filter or exactly the under-served segment you wanted.
Getting started
- Sign up for API access
- Pull last month's licenses for your city with the query above
- Parse the content into name, type, status, and expiry
- Split two lists: new licenses for the opening campaign, upcoming expiries for the switching campaign
- Measure close rates against your current lead source, the cheapest test in sales
Most fields cost a tenth of a cent per field per property, so a month of new licenses for a city is a few dollars. Details on the pricing page and the expand documentation.
Every business you want as a customer had a week where it chose all its vendors. The license record tells you when that week is happening. Explore the API or browse the datasets.