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Business Assistance Guide – Consult with Professionals
Small businesses must comply with federal, state and local laws and regulations. This guide only deals with requirements that may affect sole proprietorships and general partnerships. Lawyers, accountants, bankers, insurance agents and other hired professional service companies can help you along with county and city agencies. For small businesses, here is a checklist of some of the factors you need to consider before operating your own business and the legal requirements that may affect your business.
Registration and Accounting
You may need a business license from the county or city in which your business is located. Your business name may also need to be registered with the state. Your own sales tax number, and a separate business bank account might be required in your particular type of business.
Business Advisor
- Business.gov: Assists with the maze of government rules and regulations and provides access to services and resources, sponsored by the Small Business Administration.
Permits & Licenses
- California Department of Consumer Affairs: A comprehensive resource to business permits and professional licenses issued by the state of California.
- Contractors State License Board: Contractors’ licensing information.
Doing Business with California
- California Department of General Services: The Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) provides stimulus and business information services to encourage state contracting participation, including a Contracts Register.
Doing Business with California Counties
- California Counties: The homepage of the California State Association of Counties, a professional association.
If You Have Employees
If you have employees you may also be responsible for:
- Withholding state and federal income and social security taxes
- Complying with employee health and safety laws
- Minimum wage laws
The following links can offer important information regarding your business and employees.
California Employee Benefits Law
- Guide to California Law: A short explanation of benefits employees may be entitled to under California law.
California Employment Department
- EDD: A direct link to job placement and referrals, unemployment and disability insurance, employment taxes, labor market information and more.
Employers and Unions
- California Labor Law: Encompasses various aspects of an employer-union relationship and wage and hour regulations.
Raising and Borrowing Money
The ability to raise and secure appropriate financing is key to a successful business start-up and expansion. Explore all options before making a decision about the best way to raise capital.
These may include personal savings, friends/family, banks/credit unions, and venture capital firms. If you need to obtain a loan, be prepared and organized because lending institutions generally require fully secured loans and sufficient commitment of capital by the borrower.
Where to Start
- US Small Business Administration: Information on financing options when starting a business.
- SCORE: Things to consider when borrowing money.
- Business.gov: Finding financial resources from state and federal agencies for your business needs and deals with issues facing small businesses.