Doing Business In ... San Diego, California
Quick Stats
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City Population:1,287,300 |
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With an average daily temperature of 70.5 degrees Fahrenheit and a City government that supports numerous economic development programs, San Diego enjoys a climate favorable to starting or relocating a business. San Diego is the second largest city in California and the eighth largest in the United States. The economy is heavily influenced by San Diego Bay, which provides a natural harbor for ships. The Port of San Diego is the only major submarine and shipbuilding yard on the West Coast, and houses the largest naval fleet in the world. The large military influence in the area has created considerable opportunities for defense contractors while the proximity to Mexico creates ample opportunities for importing and exporting.
Business Start-Up Assistance
Spending some time researching your idea, writing a business plan, and scouting a location will significantly increase your chances for success. There are a number of free and low-cost services that can help you get your business off the ground:
- San Diego's Business Portal
Provides information for businesses in San Diego related to financial assistance, site construction, business programs, and other city resources. - San Diego Small Business Development and International Trade Center
Provides free start-up advice, training and counseling services to entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the state. Supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). - SCORE San Diego
Provides free and confidential business advice and counseling tailored to meet the needs of your small business and your personal objectives. - Economic Development Business Assistance
Provides helpful information on business expansion, financing, managing, and other resources aimed at growing San Diego's economic environment. - California's State Business Portal
Offers California business owners resources needed to start and operate a business, file business taxes, get a business license and much more.
Review the city government's page on the 10 Key Steps to Starting a Business in San Diego to help business entrepreneurs develop their ideas into a successful economic venture.
Financing Your Business
The following organizations provide help getting loans and other types of financial assistance for businesses in San Diego.
- San Diego's Business Finance Portal
Through loans and industrial development bonds, the City of San Diego provides considerable financial support to local businesses. - San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation
Provides information on the loan programs and venture capital assistance available to business owners in San Diego.
For general information on small business loans and financial assistance visit the Financing Your Business page.
Obtaining Licenses and Permits
To legally operate a business in the city of San Diego, you'll need to obtain all necessary business licenses, operating permits and registrations.
- City of San Diego Permit Assistance
Contains information to assist business owners in the process of researching and obtaining the proper permits for the city of San Diego.
- Business Tax Certificate
Provides information on the steps necessary to obtain a business tax certificate that is required to operate a business in San Diego.
In addition to city permits, you will also need to register your business with the federal government and State of California. Visit the California General Licensing page to learn about obtaining necessary federal and state licenses, permits and registrations.
Tax Credits for Small Businesses
Small business owners in San Diego can take advantage of several different tax credits available in the state of California.
- San Diego Workforce Partnership Tax Credits
Provides information on tax credits that are available to business owners through the Workforce Partnership. - San Diego Incentive Zone Mapping System
Provides information on the improvement districts, redevelopment project areas, recycling market development zones, as well as the enterprise and foreign trade zones that are targeted to provide incentives to business owners.
Additional Resources
- San Diego County Business Resources
Provides business resources from the official County website of San Diego.