When starting a new business, there are many important decisions to make and many rules and procedures that must be addressed. While there is no single source for all filing requirements, the following steps have been developed to assist you in starting your business.
It is helpful to begin with a business plan. A business plan is a blueprint of every aspect of your business. Sales, Marketing, Advertising, Promotion and Location are just some of the categories to consider when creating a plan. Go to the U.S. Small Business Administration website to find a tutorial on how to create a business plan.
If you would like help deciding on a location for your business, contact the California Business Investment Services unit of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GO-Biz). The California Business Investment Services unit provides tailored site selection services for businesses, real–estate executives, and site selection consultants.
Choose a business structure. A brief overview of the following types of legal business structures available in California can be found on our Entity Types website:
Most businesses require licenses or permits in order to operate. Please click on each of the resources below to determine if your business requires any licenses or permits.
For additional resources on how to start a business, visit Starting a Business Checklist webpage and click on the Starting a New Business in California (PDF) brochure.
California Department of General Services
California Commission on Disability Access
U.S. Department of Labor
Office of Disability Employment Policy
Self-Employment & Entrepreneurship
California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls
Programs
California Office of the Small Business Advocate
Community Partner Resources
California Public Utilities Commission
Certification
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