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A General Guide to Starting a Business
STEP ONE–Do your research and generate a business plan
This is where you want to start determining how the details of your business will affect the long term goals of your business. Depending on what kind of business you start you need to know your competition, your target sales group, and both the strong and weak facets of your new business. Organization is a key factor in providing your business with a sturdy foundation and launching pad.
A well organized business plan can also be an essential marketing tool when seeking financial backing for your business. Banks require a business plan before a loan is even considered, as do most Venture Capitalists.
With help creating a business plan refer to the SBA website:
www.sba.gov
or
consult with the
Central
Coast
Small
Business
Development
Center
831-479-6136
www.centralcoastsbdc.org
The local US Small Business Administration Office
455 Market Street
, 6th Floor
San Francisco
,
CA
94105
415-744-6820
www.sba.gov/ca/sf
STEP TWO-Acquire a Fictitious Business Name or Apply for a business tax certificate/business
license (depending on what part of the county your business resides)
OBTAIN a license if within city limits
OBTAIN a fictitious business name if outside of city limits
A “fictitious business name” is a name that does not contain the surnames of the owners of a business or the full corporate name, in the case where the business is a corporation. The majority of business must file a Petition of fictitious Business Name. This petition is filed with the county clerk’s office. This should be completed within five weeks of establishing the business. The form can be filed through the mail or in person, but it advised that it be done in person. (source: www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us)
Forms are available in the Special Services Division of the
County
Clerk
’s Office located at:
701 Ocean Street
, Room 230
Santa Cruz
,
CA
95060
831-454-2022
or online at:
http://www.sccoclerk.com/fbngen.htm
When starting a business with the city limits of
Santa Cruz
a tax certificate is requireD and acts as proof of a business license. Obtain the tax certificate/business license the day before, or the day of starting your business.
To verify the applicable fees and taxes your business is subject to visit or contact:
Santa Cruz
(city limits)
City of
Santa Cruz
Department of Finance
809 Center Street
, Room 8
Santa Cruz
,
CA
95060
831-420-5050
http://www.ci.santa-cruz.ca.us/fn/index.html
Capitola
420 Capitola Avenue
Capitola
,
CA
95010
831-475-7300
http://www.ci.capitola.ca.us/capcity.nsf/vlookup/front2005/$file/front2005.pdf
Scotts
Valley
1 Civic Center Drive
Scotts
Valley
,
CA
95066
831-440-5611
http://www.scottsvalley.org/
Watsonville
215 Union Street
2nd Floor
Watsonville
,
CA
95076
831-768-3040
http://www.ci.watsonville.ca.us/index.html
STEP THREE- - Get the necessary special licenses and permits
The best permit and business resource for new business owners is the California Government online to desktops website abbreviated as CalGOLD. CalGOLD is a comprehensive database with in depth information about what permits and licenses are necessary for your particular business.
www.cagold.ca.gov
STEP FOUR- Ascertain Zoning and Site Permits
It may be necessary to contact the Santa Cruz Department of Planning and Community Development prior to confirming your business location to obtain the zoning designation of your projected business space. Your business must reside in a zone that permits the activity specific to you business. Home-based businesses are also required to contact the SC Department of Planning and Community Development regarding zoning and site permits.
The planning and development office staff will assist business owners whose business sites are new construction or need renovation in determining zoning and necessary permits.
Santa Cruz Department of Planning and Community Development
809 Center Street
, Room 206
Santa Cruz
,
California
95060
Proposed business owners in the downtown
Santa Cruz
region should also become acquainted with the:
Downtown Business Improvement District
Downtown Parking District
Downtown Association
1347 Pacific Avenue #201
,
Santa Cruz
,
CA
95060
(831) 429-8433
STEP FIVE – Join your
Santa Cruz
Chamber of Commerce
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