Small Business Resources

We all know marketing, especially online, is essential for all businesses, but it’s even more important for startups. Unless people know about your startup and what it offers, they probably won’t buy your products or services. Plus, when you first start your business, money is always tight. That’s why is important you Book a Free Web Strategy Session and find out what’s the most cost effective way to market your business online.  We provide a variety of digital marketing services for businesses and entrepreneurs.

The City of Los Angeles offers a wide variety of information and tools for business owners and for those looking to start a business. The information and resources below will help answer any questions you might have about doing business is Los Angeles, CA.  

Business Development Tools

Coalition For Better Ads
The Coalition’s Better Ads Standards identify the ad experiences that fall beneath a threshold of consumer acceptability and are most likely to drive consumers to install ad blockers. More than 150,000 consumers have participated to date in the Coalition’s research to develop its set of Better Ads Standards.

Make It In LA
Mayor Garcetti’s new region-wide initiative to connect the nation’s largest community of makers, a coalition of organizations whose mission is to support the manufacturing ecosystem and inspire entrepreneurs to turn their passions into real products in LA

LA Business Assistance Virtual Network (BAVN)
The Business Assistance Virtual Network has information about contracting and bid opportunities with the City of Los Angeles

LA Business Exemptions
Certain businesses may be exempt from paying business taxes over a specified period, such as some new and small businesses, and creative artists

LA Mapping Tools
Bureau of Engineering offers maps for every need, from city and council district boundaries to tree canopies

LA Restaurant & Hospitality Express Program (RHEP)
RHEP facilitates the approval process for food service establishments, such as restaurants and bars enabling new establishments to open on time and on budget

ZIMAS – LA Zone Information and Map Access System
Online interactive program for all planning, zoning and business development related topographic information

Business & Employer Related Websites

America’s Job Center Office Locator
America’s Job Centers of California are located throughout the state to help employers find qualified workers and job seekers find good jobs; it’s easy, one-stop access to all of the state’s employment-related services

California Business Portal
California’s office for Economic Development offers a range of services to business owners. Those services include attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection, permit streamlining, clearing of regulatory hurdles, small business assistance, international trade development, assistance with state government, important informational briefings and much more.

California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank)
California State’s general purpose financing authority, they provide financial assistance to support infrastructure and economic development through 4 programs:

California Small Business Development Center
Provides individualized consulting and training to new and growing businesses, along with various other resources

CalJOBS
The New CalJOBS is the online resource that allows users to easily search for jobs, build résumés, access career resources, find qualified candidates for employment, and gather information on education and training program

Employment Development Department, California (EDD)
State-wide employment development, workforce retention assistance, and California business resources

Industrial Development Authority (IDA)
A city commission established for the purpose of issuing tax-exempt bond financing to assist the growth of businesses within Los Angeles

Los Angeles Business Portal
Everything you need to plan, start, manage, and grow your business in LA

Los Angeles County, Business Development
LA County business development services, tools and general information

Los Angeles Development Fund
The LADF helps fund qualifying economic development investments, specifically for low-income communities where projects are selected which will require a subsidy in order to be developed

SCORE Los Angeles
A nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship

Workforce Development Board (WDB), City of Los Angeles
Supports citizens and businesses by providing oversight of job training and employment placement programs for qualified workers and businesses

Other Resources

U.S. Small Business Administration
https://www.sba.gov/

Small Business Development Center – Los Angeles
https://business.lacity.org/

Los Angeles County Consumer & Business Affairs
https://dcba.lacounty.gov/small-business-resources/

Small Business Development Center
https://smallbizla.org/

Obtaining a Business License
https://lacounty.gov/starting-a-business-in-the-county/obtaining-a-business-license/

Register a Fictitious Business Name
https://lavote.gov/home/county-clerk/fictitious-business-names/general-info?CFID=16111294&CFTOKEN=fb13cffdd0fe9faf-D0201736-D1CD-6E4B-E50DE9C5AF95CF95

Starting a New Business Checklist

  1. Prepare and Plan:  Do market research and create an outline of your business
  2. Secure Financing (if necessary)
  3. Choose an Entity Type:  Limited Liability Company (LLC), Corporation, LP, LLP, GP or Sole Proprietorship.  And of course Your Business Name
  4. Register Your Business with the Secretary of State:  This is for LLC, Corporation, LP, LLP, GP.
  5. Register a Fictitious Business Name (if necessary)
  6. Choose a location and check local zoning regulations
  7. Obtain specialty licenses and permits (if necessary)
  8. Know your Employer Responsibilities such a EIN Number (IRS), workers’ compensation, etc.
  9. Know Tax Information:  Consult with or a certified accountant and check with FTB, BOE, EDD, and the IRS
  10. Ongoing Secretary of State Filing Requirements (Statements of Information)

Resource: https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/starting-business-checklist/

Here’s another great checklist for a Business Startup…

California Business Startup Checklist

  • Step 1: Decide on a Business Structure
  • Step 2: Pick a Business Name
  • Step 3: Register the Business
  • Step 4: Obtain your Federal Employer Identification Number
  • Step 5: Open Company Accounts: Bank and Credit Cards
  • Step 6: Obtain Business Licenses and Permits
  • Step 7: Annual and Ongoing Requirements

Resource:  https://www.mycompanyworks.com/starting-business-california/

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