California is home to more than 4 million small businesses that employ 7.1 million people across the state. If you own one of those small businesses, use these resources to simplify doing business in California.
A hub of information about all things related to doing business in California
2. California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity (CAMEO)
CAMEO helps with training, credit, and loans for California-based businesses with five or fewer employees and an initial capital outlay of less than $50,000.
3. California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA)
Most businesses require licenses or permits to operate. The license you require will depend on your location and the type of business you plan to operate. There are general business licenses, which vary by city. If you operate in multiple locations, you may need a license in each city or unincorporated section where you operate. Visit CDTFA to register or apply for a new seller’s permit or temporary seller’s permit.
4. California Franchise Tax Board
File for your California corporate number. California corporations are assigned a seven-digit corporate number that starts with a C, while LLCs are assigned a 12-digit corporate number that begins with the four digits of the year of incorporation. These numbers are distinct from tax ID numbers and are assigned to every new entity incorporated in the state
GO-Biz offers a variety of services to business owners, including attraction, retention, and expansion services; site selection; permit assistance; regulation guidance; small business assistance; international trade development; and assistance with the state government.
Find the appropriate permit information for your business and contact information for the agencies that administer and issue these permits
7. California Secretary of State
Visit to file LLC Statements of Information and Corporation Statements of Information; register or terminate your business; read Corporate and LCC filing tips, and more
8. California Small Business Development Centers
The state sponsors dozens of small business development centers dedicated to supporting the development and retention of small businesses. Centers provide a variety of information, from understanding California’s tax code to developing a business plan. Follow the link to find your region’s small business development center.
9. California Tax Service Center
If you plan to hire employees, you will need to register for California employer taxes, which include the employee withholding tax, employment training tax, unemployment insurance tax, and disability insurance. Then there’s the annual California franchise tax. Visit the California Tax Service Center for the forms you’ll need to complete.
10. California Workforce Development Board (CWDB)
The CWDB is responsible for the oversight and continuous improvement of the workforce system in California, including policy development; workforce support and innovation; and performance assessment, measurement, and reporting.
11. LLC-1 Articles of Organization Instructions
In California, an LLC must file the LLC-1 Articles of Organization by mail or online. The fee to file the LLC-1 Articles of Organization is $70, plus $5 for a certified copy. These instructions include helpful information on how to file.
12. Professional BusinessWomen of California (PBWC)
PBWC provides skills development, networking opportunities, and inspiration to women at all professional levels.
13. Sacramento State Center for Small Businesses (CSB)
CSB offers free technical management assistance to small for-profit and not-for-profit organizations in the Greater Sacramento area.
14. San Diego Entrepreneurs Exchange
A not-for-profit organization that supports new entrepreneurs and their companies and sponsors networking and educational events in the San Diego area
SCORE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). It provides a wide range of services to established and new business owners alike, including mentoring, webinars, events, and a library of resources.
Thanks for reading our educational resource! Any above reference to a specific company or product is meant for educational purposes only and is not specifically endorsed by Pie. If you’re a small business owner, see more small business resources or get a workers’ compensation rate in 3 minutes.
