Plan before you register
- Write down what you sell, who buys it, what it costs you to deliver, and what you'll charge. The SBA business guide has a free business plan walkthrough.
- Decide how you'll fund the first months. Many failures come from running out of cash before revenue catches up.
Register and get permitted
- Choose a business structure. LLCs and corporations register with the California Secretary of State's Business Programs; a sole proprietor may only need local registration. Confirm what applies to you.
- Look up the state and local permits your type of business needs with CalGold, California's permit lookup.
- Get your city business license where you operate. Each Inland Empire city runs its own, so check with San Bernardino, Rialto, Highland, or whichever city you're in.
- If you sell taxable goods, you'll likely need a seller's permit from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
Set up the habits
- Open a separate business bank account from day one.
- Track income and expenses every week, not at tax time.
- Review your prices every quarter against your real costs.
- Meet with a mentor or coach on a regular schedule. The free Orange County Inland Empire SBDC is one option; CityWay's entrepreneur coaching is another.
Where CityWay fits
CityWay's entrepreneurship pillar offers education and coaching for founders building from the ground up. Reach out through the contact form and choose "Education & coaching for entrepreneurs."
Sources
- U.S. Small Business Administration, business guide
- California Secretary of State, Business Programs
- CalGold, California permits and licenses lookup
- California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
- Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center
- CityWay CEDC, About: model, vision, and values