Business requirements
SBA’s Business Guide lists the requirements needed to start, grow, and expand your business. Since laws and taxes vary by state, here’s what you need to do before starting your business in our area.
Business name and registration
Register your business name with the county clerk where your business is located. If you are a corporation, you will also need to register with the Secretary of State.
Business licensing and zoning
Licenses are typically administered by a variety of state and local departments. It is important to consider zoning regulations when choosing a site for your business. Contact the local business license office where you plan to locate your business. You may not be permitted to conduct business out of your home or engage in industrial activity in a retail district.
CalGold is a business license and permit database to assist your business. It also provides contact information for the various agencies that administer and issue these permits.
Taxes
Small Businesses Self-Employed | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)
IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers
880 Front St.
San Diego, CA 92101
1 Civic Center Dr.
San Marcos, CA 92069
Phone: 844-545-5640
California Tax Service Center
10636 Scripps Summit Court, Suite 202
San Diego, CA 92131
Phone: 888-745-3886
CDTFA - CA Department of Tax and Fee Administration
15015 Avenue of Science, Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92128-3434
Phone:858-385-4700
1550 West Main Street (Closed from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
El Centro, CA 92243-2832
PO Box 197
El Centro, CA 92244-0197
Phone:760-352-3431
Health and safety
California Department of Industrial Relations
1515 Clay St., Suite 1302
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: 844-522-6734
Cal/OSHA - Division of Occupational Safety and Health
7575 Metropolitan Dr., Suite 204
San Diego, CA 92108
Phone: 619-767-2060
San Diego County Environmental Health
P.O. Box 129261
San Diego, CA 92112-9261
Phone:858-505-6900
Food | Imperial County Public Health Department (icphd.org)
Environmental Health
797 Main St., suite B,
El Centro, CA 92243
Phone:442-265-1888
State small business profiles
Need information on the local business landscape? SBA's Office of Advocacy has the latest demographic and statistics on local small business economic activity.
Local assistance
Need help? Get free business counseling in your area.SBA lending in our area
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Loan programs
Learn more about SBA's 7(a) loans, 504 loans, and microloans that you can use for your business. -
Local lenders
Download a list of participating lenders in our area. -
Lender Match
Describe your business needs and get matched with an SBA-backed lender in your area. -
Lending activity reports
View 7(a) and 504 lending activity reports from our district.
Additional local resources
- San Diego County Website
- City of San Diego Website
- Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise
- California Business Resources
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- California Directory of Veterans Affairs
- Fictitious Business Name Information
- California Legislative Information
- California Department of Industrial Relations
- San Diego Law Library
- San Diego Convention & Visitor's Bureau
- Escondido Public Library
- San Diego Public Library
- San Diego County Library
- City of El Centro Public Library
Download our guide to SBA resources
Learn about the opportunities available for small businesses nationwide.