Starting a Business in the San Diego North Region
Starting a business involves making many key decisions, both financially and legally. The section below provides information to help you plan, prepare and operate your business.
I. Researching and 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.
II. Getting Business Assistance & Training
The San Diego North Chamber have partnered with SCORE to provide free counseling and training programs to our members. The Chamber also hosts weekly workshops and seminars that covers a wide array of topics including finding access to capital, expanding your business, improving your marketing approach, etc.
III. Financing Your Business
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 to look for some kind of business loan. Click here to look at federal, state and local governments financing programs that can help you start and grow your operation.
IV. Choosing a Business Structure and Business Name
When beginning a business, you must decide which form of business entity to establish. Your form of business determines the amount of paperwork you have to file, your personal liability regarding investments into your business, and the taxes you have to pay. A fictitious business name statement is required if the company name is different than your own. Fictitious business name statements are obtained through your local county Clerk Recorder office, in San Diego County they can be reached at (619) 237-0502 and you can download the FBN application here.
V. Registering for Taxes
Register with the state of California and the federal government for a Federal Employer Identification Number, and find out about corporate, payroll, income, and sales tax, as well as learn more about different tax assistance programs for small businesses.
VI. Registering for Permits
The business activity type chosen largely determines the licenses and permits needed to operate a business legally. Keep in mind, business licenses are obtained through your local city and business entity registration is through the California Secretary of State. Find out about other permits and licenses you may need by using CalGOLD, a database that provides you with links and contact information for permitting and licensing agencies.
The information presented above has been provided by the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development and the U.S. Small Business Association.
Additional Resources
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Please note that the links provided lead to resources located on servers maintained by third parties over whom the San Diego North Chamber has no control. As such, the San Diego North Chamber makes no representation as to the accuracy or any other aspect of the information contained on such servers.