If you are looking to start or expand a business in California or just need help solving a problem specific to this state or region, there's a wide range of resources — both government and private — available to help.
While many nationally focused resources offer helpful solutions, some issues are better addressed at the state or local level. Answers to licensing, zoning, sales tax, incorporation, economic development issues and a mountain of other matters often reside at the state level. Ironically, however, finding the right resources closer to home can often be even more difficult, as local solutions often live in many different places.
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Access official state programs for starting and growing a business in California
The state government's gateway is the California Business Portal.
I recommend: California Business Portal offers a
five-step plan for starting a business in California. You can also
search California businesses, find
forms and
tax information, request
technical assistance, review
California codes, and more.
Locate answers on wages, hours, overtime, exempt status and other labor issues
The California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) handles wage claims, work complaints and other labor code issues important to small business.
I recommend: The DLSE's detailed
Q&A on wage, overtime and related issues can answer many of your questions on this topic. The
Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) has answers on
Workers' Comp,
safety & health,
labor law,
apprenticeships,
mediation services and more.
Find forms and info online for environmental, regulatory and other permit requirements
A program called CalGOLD delivers direct Internet links and contact information to the state, local, regional, and federal permitting authorities you need.
I recommend: Check the
CalGold online catalog to find what you need.
Talk sales taxes with the right California state authorities
Need sales tax info? The California State Board of Equalization is where you get it.
I recommend: At the
CBOE site you can
register for a permit or license,
check tax rates and sign up for
small business seminars that explain how it all works.
Get free help at the California Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
Need help to start or grow a business in California? California Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide free statewide counseling, training and assistance programs. California's huge, far-flung and vibrant small business economy commands six distinct SBDC centers, with 30 SBDCs that include 14 focused specifically on international trade development.
I recommend: Locate lists of services and your nearest location:
Los Angeles (including Ventura and Santa Barbara counties),
Sacramento,
Northern California/San Francisco,
Santa Ana,
Fresno and
San Diego (includes international trade). You can also check a
master list of California SBDCs with local contact information.
SCORE more free help for your biz
SCORE, "Counselors to America's small business" is a terrific national organization that provides free mentoring for small business owners throughout California.
I recommend: These are SCORE California offices:
Bakersfield - Golden Empire SCORE;
Glendale - Los Angeles SCORE;
Merced - Yosemite SCORE; Monterey - Monterey Bay SCORE;
Oakland - East Bay SCORE;
Oxnard - Ventura SCORE;
Palmdale - Antelope Valley SCORE;
Rancho Cordova - Sacramento SCORE;
San Diego - San Diego SCORE; San Francisco - San Francisco SCORE;
San Jose - Silicon Valley SCORE; San Luis Obispo - San Luis Obispo SCORE; Santa Ana - Orange Cty SCORE; Santa Barbara - Santa Barbara SCORE;
Santa Rosa - North Coast SCORE;
Stockton - Stockton SCORE.
Connect to a California small business resource portal
Discover hundreds of local programs offering free and low-cost help for starting and growing your business.
I recommend: The Business Utility Zone Gateway for
California can connect you with a wide range of people, tools and resources.
Snag state-level help from the SBA
District, state and regional offices of the U.S. Small Business Administration can put a more focused face on federal programs and resources, and plug you into local training and assistance solutions.
I recommend: Just plug in a Zip Code, select a specific city from the pull-down menu or check your state on the
U.S. map in the middle of the
SBA home page.
Locate potential angel investors online
The California Investment Network helps connect entrepreneurs with angel investors.
I recommend: You can
submit your confidential investment proposal for free.
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