Establishing Your Business in California
Starting a Business
Many resources are available to individuals wishing to start their own business. From preparing a business plan and choosing a business type and structure, to managing the expansion of a growing business or accessing capital, resources are available locally to help the entrepreneur. Explore the resources below to find the help that best addresses your needs, and offices nearest you.
Need help getting started?
Small Business Development Centers
Individuals wishing to start their own business can learn a lot from the resources available
through California's network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). With services that
range from helping you write that first business plan to managing a growing business, the
Centers provide one-stop access to business counseling, planning, marketing and training services.
U.S. Small Business Administration
The federal Small Business Administration offers assistance to entrepreneurs and business
owners, from start-up to business management and financing, and more.
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation,
growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE offers free and confidential advice
to help you build your business-from idea to start-up to success. SCORE's extensive,
national network of 10,500 retired and working volunteers are experienced entrepreneurs
and corporate managers/executives. These volunteers provide free business counseling and
advice as a public service to all types of businesses, in all stages of development.
SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Small Business Network Resource Library
The California State Library is working with more than 40 public libraries in the state to offer a range of services to small businesses. Libraries participating in the small-business-reference program have access to two subscription business databases, which contain information about marketing, taxes, financial assistance, and the steps needed to start a small business. Participating libraries also can offer small businesses 24/7 online reference service, host seminars for small business owners and employees, publicize the service, the Small Business Initiative, and enhance their business-related reference materials.
How will you structure your business?
Choose a Business Structure
Read about the advantages and disadvantages of six types of business structures from
proprietorship to incorporation. Access detailed information on incorporating, including
forms and fees, and other sources of information for starting a business from the
California Secretary of State.
Does your type of business or profession require permits, licenses or registrations?
Business Permits, Licensing and Registration Requirements
Does your type of business or profession require permits, licenses or registration where you are?
Get information on the business permit, licensing and business and professional registration
requirements by type of business and location from Business
Permits, Licenses and Registrations Made Simple.
Professional Licensing
Find out whether your profession requires licensing by the California Department of Consumer
Affairs. If it does, you can access online professional licensing services provided by the
Department. This site also provides links to other licensing information.
Becoming a State Contractor
Find study guides and other information on becoming a California Licensed Contractor.
Do you plan to hire employees?
Register as an Employer
All California businesses that hire employees are required to register with the California
Employment Development Department. If you hire or plan to hire employees, access detailed
information and forms for registering as an employer.
A Safe Workplace: Understanding Occupational Safety and Health Requirements
Know what's expected for maintaining a safe workplace. The California Division of Occupational
Safety and Health offers free consultation services to California employers for understanding
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations other workplace safety standards.
Posting Requirements for California Employers
State and federal regulations require employers to display various posters and notices to
inform their employees of laws and regulations pertaining to employment and working conditions.
This site provides access to many of these posters and notices.
Federal Requirements for Operating a Business
Access information on federal requirements for operating a business.