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Checklist for Starting a Business


Chose a physical address for your business
  • OK to have a post office box as well, but you will have to have a physical location.

Figure out legal structure of business, legal issues


Business Planning

To increase your chance for success, take the time up front to explore and evaluate your business and personal goals. Then use this information to build a comprehensive and well-thought-out business plan that will help you reach these goals. The process of developing a business plan will help you think through some important issues that you may not have considered yet. Your plan will become a valuable tool as you set out to raise money for your business. It should also provide milestones to gauge your success.


Fictitious Business Name Statement 
  • Needed if the company name is different than your own. Required before you can open a business checking account.
  • Obtained through county government. Go to your county’s website. If you don’t see Ficticious Name, look for business services. Counties vary, but you usually pay a fee and fill out some paperwork to file. They give you a list of approved paper and you pay another fee to run the notice in the paper. They will send you a packet, or you can pick one up.

Zoning
  • Determining zoning requirements prior to signing a lease or contract is imperative. You must check with your municipality to see if the type of business you plan to operate is legal in the desired location. If operating from home, you must follow the requirements for Home Occupations, (if any in your municipality)

Business License
  • City Hall - Depends on type of business. $40.00 and up depending on number of employees.
  • Usually needed as soon as you begin trade in that municipality, but check your municipal code online.
  • Home Occupation Permit: May be required by city if the business is conducted out of your home.

Retail Sellers Permit
  • www.boe.ca.gov
  • Frequently needed to buy wholesale
  • Needed for most sales in California, and many services
  • If you have a Sellers Permit you don’t have to pay sales tax on items you are reselling (and charging sales tax).


Special licenses or permits

The business activity type chosen determines the licenses and permits needed to operate a business legally. Some of the key contacts are listed below.

  • The CalGOLD database (www.calgold.ca.gov) provides detailed information on the business permit, license and registration requirements from all levels of government. The information includes a description of the requirement, the name, address, and telephone number of the agency, and frequently, a direct link to that agency's Internet web pages. The information identified is specific to the type of business and its location in California.
  • For a list of more than 200 regulated Occupations and Professional Services, contact:

State Department of Consumer Affair
(800) 952-5210 website: www.dca.ca.gov

  • For the list of Police Regulated Business contact your local police department.

Business Taxes, Federal

Business Taxes, State 
If you are an employer…
Business Insurance
  • Liability and Property Insurance, maybe others. Ask your insurer, or check the phone book.

Accounting Tips
  • ALL expenses and income need to be tracked. If possible set up a separate checking account.
  • Set up Basic Bookkeeping Procedures.
  • A bookkeeper or accountant is a great investment. Questions to answer include;
    • What to do with money coming in
    • How to chart money going out
    • What to be tracking daily/weekly/monthly/quarterly


Financing Tips

Every business needs capital at some point to start up or expand. Typically this comes from savings, home equity, or friends and family.

The next most frequent source of funding is some kind of business loan. If you are considering a business loan it is a good practice to call the lender early and get their input. A U.S Small Business Association guaranteed loan funds come through local lenders too so you will learn which of these may be available to you. California has a guaranteed loan fund you can find out about here: http://bth.ca.gov/sblgp.htm. Most lenders want you to be successful and will be very clear what their requirements and timelines are. Start inquiring with your own bank or credit union. If they do not do commercial business loans they will know who the lenders are that do in your community.

Contact your local SBDC for workshops and additional help with this.


Technology/Green Resources


Government Contracting


General Business Resources


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Resources for Women


Resources for Minorities