Business Resources

The Small Business Administration
http://www.sba.gov
This is a useful site in locating information on starting a small business. You can easily navigate the site by using its search engine or by clicking on a topic such as Starting Your Business. Here you will find a startup kit, financial assistance programs, publications, an outline for a business plan, and additional resources. Other areas of interest on the site include Financing Your Business and Business Opportunities. The SBA runs a national network of Small Business Development Centers, and the agency also provides funding for Women's Business Development Centers. See the Online Women's Business Center for information specific to women's business development.For more information the SBA Answer Desk answerdesk@sba.gov

Small Business Administration, The Office of Women’s Business Ownership - (202) 205-6673. Provides network of training, counseling, and mentoring services to help women start or expand their businesses; creates programs and policies that help women entrepreneurs become full partners in national and global economies. www.sbaonline.sba.gov/womeninbusiness.

Small Business Administration, Small Business Development Center – (510) 893-4114. Offers one-stop management assistance, training, and referrals to small business owners; sponsored by SBA and the California Trade and Commerce Agency. www.sba.gov/sbdc.

Tax Centers

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
http://www.irs.gov/

Starting, Operating, or Closing a Business
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=110417,00.html

Business Taxes
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98966,00.html

Small Business and Self-Employed One-Stop Resource
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.html

Checklist for Starting a Business
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98810,00.html

Forms and Publications
http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/index.html

Electronic Filing Options for Business and Self-Employed Taxpayers
http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=118519,00.html

Employeees
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98862,00.html

Independent Contractors vs. Employees
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99921,00.html

Talk with the IRS
http://www.irs.gov/localcontacts/index.html

Learning Center
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=97726,00.html

Small Business Resources
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/content/0,,id=98864,00.html

CAL OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Agency
http://www.osha.gov/oshdir/stateprogs/California.html

Contractors State Licensing Board
http//www.cslb.ca.gov/

Department of Consumer Affairs
http://www.dca.ca.gov/

Employment Development Department
http://www.edd.cahwnet.gov/

Franchise Tax Board
http://www.ftb.ca.gov/

Secretary of State
http://www.sos.ca.gov/

State Board of Equalization
http://www.boe.ca.gov/

City Business License Tax Office

Alameda
http://www.acgov.org/treasurer/licenses.htm

Albany
http://www.albanyca.org/dept/

Berkeley
http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/psc/

Emeryville http://www.ci.emeryville.ca.us/services/form_business_license_application.html

Fremont
http://www.ci.fremont.ca.us/Permits/Licenses/BusinessTax.htm

Hayward
http://www.ci.hayward.ca.us/municipal/hmcPDM.shtm

Livermore
http://www.ci.livermore.ca.us/

Oakland
http://www.oaklandnet.com/business.html#doing

Piedmont
http://www.ci.piedmont.ca.us/

Pleasanton
http://www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/business/license/

San Leandro
http://www.ci.san-leandro.ca.us/slbusstarting.html

Union City
http://www.ci.union-city.ca.us

Other Resorces

Better Business Bureau
http://www.bbb.org

Alameda County Chambers of Commerce List
http://www.calchamber.com/CC/BusinessResources/CountyListing.htm

Alameda Chamber of Commerce
http://www.alamedachamber.org

Albany Chamber of Commerce
http://www.ac-chamber.org

Berkeley Chamber of Commerce
http://www.berkeleychamber.com

Castro Valley Chamber of Commerce
http://www.mycastrovalley.com

East Bay SCORE - Service Corps of Retired Executive Association http://www.eastbayscore.org

Emeryville Chamber of Commerce
http://www.emeryvillechamber.com

Fremont Chamber of Commerce
http://www.fremontbusiness.com

Hayward Chamber of Commerce
http://www.hayward.org

Livermore Chamber of Commerce
http://www.livermorechamber.org

Newark Chamber of Commerce
http://www.newark-chamber.com

Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
http://www.oaklandchamber.com

Oakland African-American Chamber of Commerce
http://www.oaacc.orgOne

Stop Capital Shop
http://www.sba.gov/onestop

Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce
http://www.pleasanton.org

San Leandro Chamber of Commerce
http://www.sanleandrochamber.com

Union City Chamber of Commerce
http://www.unioncitychamber.com
 

Information about Financing a Small Business

Foundations usually do not make grants to for-profit enterprises. If you are trying to start a for-profit business, as opposed to a nonprofit entity, we recommend that you visit the business section of your local public library and/or some of the following Web sites:

Resources for Small, Minority, Women-Owned Businesses http://www.proposalwriter.com/small.html
This site offers a wealth of links to resources designed to help these small businesses owned by minorities. The site is created and maintained by Deborah Kluge, independent consultant.

The Small Business Network
http://www.americanexpress.com/homepage/smallbusiness.shtml
This site offers practical advice about financing sources for new businesses, sponsored by the American Express Company.

EntreWorld
http://www.eventuring.org/eShip/appmanager/eVenturing/eVenturingDesktop
The Kaufman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership hosts this site providing resources covering many topics of interest to entrepreneurs, including starting and growing a business, and supporting entrepreneurship.

Association for Enterprise Opportunity
http://www.microenterpriseworks.org
This national trade association for micro enterprise may be able to direct you to a local micro enterprise development agency.

My Own Business: A Free Internet Course on Starting a Business
http://www.myownbusiness.org
This is a 12-session course that is intended for both start-up and already operating businesses. The site is fully interactive with audio sound bytes, quizzes, feedback, and a tool to create your own business plan.

Department of Housing and Urban Development
http://www.hud.gov
If your community is a HUD Empowerment Zone, an Enterprise Community, an Urban Renewal Community, or a Rural Community, tax benefits may be available to you that expand, start, or relocate there.

Quick Reference Guide: Starting a Business in San Francisco

Fictitious Business Name
You must file a fictitious business name, unless you use your own personal name for the business.
http://www.sfgov.org/site/countyclerk_index.asp?id=4469
County Clerk
City Hall Room 168
(415) 554-4950

Business Tax Registration
All businesses are required to register for a Business Tax Registration Certificate within 15 days of starting business. Check with this office also if your business requires a Parking Tax Registration or a Hotel Tax Registration form.
http://www.sfgov.org/site/treasurer_page.asp?id=13433
Treasurer/ Tax Collector
City Payment Center
(415) 554-4400

Zoning and Planning
Your business location must be checked to determine if it is zoned for your type of business. This also applies to businesses operating from a residence.
http://www.sfgov.org/site/planning_index.asp
Planning Dept.
1660 Mission Street
1st Floor
(415) 558-6378

Licenses
Contact each of the following departments directly to determine if you need an additional city permit or license (in addition to the business tax registration certificate). Then the Treasurer/Tax Collector will issue the license-only after a permit is granted by the appropriate regulatory agency. The agencies are listed under "Permits," below.
Fire Dept. Licenses:554-6455
Police Dept. Licenses:554-6208
Health Dept. Licenses 554-6454
http://www.sfgov.org/site/treasurer_page.asp?id=14980
Treasurer/ Tax Collector
City Payment Center
(415) 554-4400

Permits

Health Permits
For food preparation and service, food product and marketing, laundries, etc. This office provides information and referral to District Health Centers for application. http://www.dph.sf.ca.us/Default.htm
Department of Public Health
(415) 252-3800

Police Department Permits
For billiard parlors, dance halls, places of entertainment, massage parlors, peddlers, taxicabs, valet parking, second-hand dealers, etc. http://www.sfgov.org/site/onlineservices_form.asp?id=18603
Police Department
850 Bryant Street
Room 458
(415) 553-1115

Fire Department Permits
For public assemblies, garages, storage, service stations, theaters, hazardous chemicals or gases, etc.
http://www.sfgov.org/site/dpt_index.asp?id=13485
Fire Department
698 Second Street #109
(415) 558-3300

Department of Building Inspection
Apartments, condominiums, hotels, and party wall structures. http://www.sfgov.org/site/dbi_index.asp
Department of Building Inspection
(415) 558-6096

Department of Agriculture, Weights & Measures
For registration, approval & use of weighing & measuring devices prior to buying and selling retail and wholesale products.
http://www.sfgov.org/site/mainpages_index.asp?id=31051
Department of Agriculture, Weights & Measures
501 Cesar Chavez, #109A
(415) 252-3884

Mayor's Office of Economic Development
For information, referrals, loans, seminars and workshops.
http://www.sfgov.org/site/moed_index.asp
Mayor's Office of Economic Development
City Hall Room 448
(415) 554-6969

Street Artists
http://www.sfgov.org/site/mainpages_index.asp?id=12798
Art Commission
25 Van Ness Avenue #240
(415) 252-2590

Rent Board
http://www.sfgov.org/site/rentboard_index.asp
Rent Board
25 Van Ness Avenue #320
(415) 252-4602

Quick Reference Guide: Starting a Business in Alameda

Fictitious Business Name
You must file a fictitious business name, unless you use your own personal name for the business.

Business Tax Registration
All businesses are required to register for a Business Tax Registration Certificate within 15 days of starting business. Check with this office also if your business requires a Parking Tax Registration or a Hotel Tax Registration form.
http://www.acgov.org/treasurer/faqbus.htm#city

Zoning and Planning
Your business location must be checked to determine if it is zoned for your type of business. This also applies to businesses operating from a residence.
http://www.acgov.org/cda/planning.shtml
Planning Dept.
(510) 670-5400

Licenses
Contact each of the following departments directly to determine if you need an additional city permit or license (in addition to the business tax registration certificate). Then the Treasurer/Tax Collector will issue the license--only after a permit is granted by the appropriate regulatory agency. The agencies are listed under "Permits," below.
http://www.acgov.org/buslic.htm

Permits

Department of Building Inspection
Apartments, condominiums, hotels, and party wall structures.
http://www.acgov.org/pwa/dept_developement_services_building_inspection.shtml
Department of Building Inspection
(510) 670-5440

For information, referrals, loans, seminars and workshops.
http://www.edab.org/
Economic Development Alliance for Business
(510) 272-3885

Rent Board
http://www.rhanac.org/index.pl/contact
Rent Board
(510) 893-9873

All Businesses wishing to contract with the County of Alameda must contact this office:
http://www.acgov.org/gsa/sleb/index.shtml
Purchasing Department
(510) 208-9600

State of California

State Board of Equalization
Seller's Permits
455 Golden Gate Avenue, #7500
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 703-5400

Alcoholic Beverage Control
Liquor Licenses
185 Berry Street, #5600
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 557-3660

Secretary of State Registering corporations and nonprofit organizations
455 Golden Gate Avenue, #7300
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 557-7047

California Public Utilities Commission
Licensing for limousines, shuttles, etc.
505 Van Ness Avenue, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 703-2063

Social Services Department
Licensing for non medical community-care business, child care, senior home care. 851 Traeger Avenue #360
San Bruno, CA 94066
(650) 266-8843

Consumer Information Center (Formerly Consumer Affairs)
Check here to determine if you need a state business license. Over thirty-eight different bureaus handle specific licenses.
400 "R" Street #1080
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-1254

U.S. Government

Internal Revenue Service
For employer idintification number and for withholding and payroll tax forms to report the income of your business. You may obtain a Federal ID number over the telephone with federal form number SS4 by calling 209-452-4010
450 Golden Gate Avenue
1st Floor
(800) 829-1040

Patents and Trademarks Library of Congress
Washington DC 20231
(703) 557-5813

Import/Export U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade
250 Montgomery Street
14th Floor
(415) 705-2300

Import/Export Licensing
(800) USA-TRADE

Small Business Administration
Information on loans, counseling, and training.
409 3rd Street, SW Washington DC 20416
(800) U-ASK-SBA

Additional Resources

San Francisco Works
SF Works builds the careers and self-sufficiency of entry-tier and low-income workers, aligning business, civic and community motives to create new workforce policies and practices. Their programs respond to both employers' demands for return on investment and employees' aspirations for self-sufficiency and advancement. Their goal is to create a vibrant, motivated and self-sufficient workforce in San Francisco. For more information visit www.sfworks.org or call (415) 217-5181.

Office of Economic and Workforce Development
For more information, contact Alex Lonne, (415) 554-6648
“Get in the Zone” - Save Money by Locating your Business in the Enterprise Zone
San Francisco business owners located in the Enterprise Zone stand to receive tens of thousands of dollars in tax credits. Eligible businesses can take advantage of a payroll tax exemption, hiring tax credits, sales tax deductions on phone, computer and other machinery purchases, accelerated depreciation, and up-front loss deductions.
From small neighborhood restaurants to manufacturing companies to corporate headquarters, businesses of all types are reducing their operating costs by getting in the Zone. “Overall, the Enterprise Zone tax credits make it more affordable to operate a business in San Francisco,” says Steve Sarver, who owns and operates San Francisco Soup Co.
You too can get in the Zone and benefit from these tax savings. To find out if your current or future location is in the Enterprise Zone, contact the Office of Economic and Workforce Development at (415) 861-4002 or visit http://www.sfgov.org/moewd.

Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights
Provides free legal assistance and representation on civil legal matters. Also focus on policy impact cases that focus on important civil rights issues.
http://www.lccr.com
131 Steuart St., Suite 400
San Francisco, CA 94105
Tel: (415) 543-9444
Fax: (415) 543-0296

San Francisco Public Library
Borrow books, magazines, DVDs, videos. Reserve a computer for internet/word processing. Free access to magazines, journals online with library card.
http://sfpl.org
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 557-4400

SCORE-Counselors to America’s Small Business
Get free confidential business advice from a business expert. Access different business articles that can help you grow and expand your business. Receive information on upcoming business events and online learning tools.
http://www.score.org
San Francisco SCORE Chapter 10
455 Market Street, 6th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 744-6827

San Francisco Small Business Development Center
Access to free professional consultants in marketing, management, finance, distribution, etc.
http://www.sfsbdc.org
455 Market Street, 6th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 841-4050

Academy of Management Online. Focuses on issues related to creation and management of new businesses. www.aom.pace.edu/office.

American Business Women’s Association - 1 (800) 228-0007. Brings together business women of diverse occupations and provides opportunities for them to grow through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition. www.abwa.org.

American Management Association. Non-profit, membership-based educational organization assisting individuals and enterprises in the development of organizational effectiveness. www.amanet.org.

Asian, Inc. - (415) 928-5910. Provides marketing, research, and procurement assistance to Asian American small businesses.

Business Women’s Network Interactive – 1 (800) 48-WOMEN. Focused on creating a woman-to-woman network and mentor resource for female entrepreneurs seeking alliances with other women. www.bwni.com.

California Trade and Commerce Agency - (916) 322-1394. Promotes economic development, job creation, and business retention in California; includes free 24-hour Small Business Help Line: 1-800-303-6600.

City of Berkeley, Office of Economic Development - (510) 705-8123. Provides broker network, information database, and loan assistance for businesses needing help with spaces to lease or purchase. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/OED.

City of Oakland, One Stop Capital Shop - (510) 238-3703. Assists Oakland-based small businesses by providing information on city regulations, loans, and technical assistance. www.oaklandnet.com/business.

Community Development Venture Capital Alliance – (212) 980-6790. Promotes use of venture capital tools to create jobs, entrepreneurial capacity, and wealth to advance the livelihood of low-income people and the economies of distressed communities. www.cdvca.org.

Daly City Business Center - (650) 757-2060. Acts as small business incubator, providing technical assistance, training, and micro-loans.

East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation - (510) 287-5353. Provides small business loan program and IDA program.

East Bay Small Business Development Center - (510) 893-4114. State and federally certified small business consulting firm that provides management and technical assistance to owners of existing small businesses in Alameda County. www.ebsbdc.org.

Entrepreneur’s Mind. Presents an array of real-life stories and advice from successful entrepreneurs and industry experts on entrepreneurship and emerging business. www.benlore.com.

The IndUS Entrepreneurs – (408) 567-0700. Non-profit global network of entrepreneurs and professionals established to foster entrepreneurship and nurture entrepreneurs. www.tie.org.

Inner City Advisors. Inner City Advisors’ mission is to stimulate economic development through advice to entrepreneurs in the inner city, resulting in the creation of quality jobs, investment in local businesses and the creation of income and wealth for inner city residents.

International Entrepreneur Association. Provides useful tools and promotes creativity necessary to start and operate a successful organization or venture. www.theiea.org.

Mission Economic Development Association – (415) 282-3334. Provides loan packaging services, technical assistance and information on procurement opportunities.

My Own Business, Inc. (MOBI) - provides free training and resources to aspiring entrepreneurs. www.myownbusiness.org.

National Association of Women Business Owners – 1 (800) 55-NAWBO. Represents interests of women entrepreneurs in all types of businesses, propelling women entrepreneurs into economic, social, and political spheres of power worldwide.

National Black Business Council, Inc. – 1 (888) 264-6222. Serves as a catalyst and advocate for the creation and development of black-owned businesses serving domestic and global markets. www.nbbc.org.

National Foundation for Women Business Owners – (202) 638-3060. Provides information and statistics on women business owners and their businesses. www.nfwbo.org.

Oakland Business Development Corporation - (510) 763-4297. Serves as a clearinghouse for Oakland-based small businesses, providing financing for working capital, inventory, and equipment. www.obdc.com.

Oakland Commerce Corporation - (510) 632-1238. Provides business retention and expansion services for Oakland-based small businesses.

Oakland Small Business Growth Center – (510) 553-0675. Provides technical assistance in business development, marketing, cash flow analysis, and business principles.

Online Women’s Business Center. Interactive business skills training website dedicated to helping entrepreneurial women develop personally and professionally. www.onlinewbc.gov.

Pacific Life Coach - (415) 637-3855. Empowers women business owners to set goals and establish accountability for business and personal success. Focus areas include increasing self-esteem, improving communication skills, enhancing relationships, establishing work/life balance and managing stress. SuccessLink members enjoy four hours of coaching with Amber Rosenberg, Pacific Life Coach, arranged by Women's Initiative. www.pacificlifecoach.com

San Francisco Mayor’s Economic Development Office, Small Business Advisory Commission - (415) 554-6969 or (415) 554-6249. Provides information on marketing, financing, and city regulations; also has business expansion loan program.

San Francisco Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center - (415) 541-8580. Provides one-on-one consultations and workshops to start-up businesses owned by women or minorities; also offers assistance with loan applications, business plans, and office space. www.rencenter.org.

Service Corps of Retired Executives – 1 (800) 634-0245. Organization of retired business executive volunteers who offer consultation and workshops to new or existing small businesses on business management, accounting, taxes, and marketing. www.score.org.

Seton Hill College, National Education Center for Women in Business – (724) 830-4625. Promotes women and business ownership by conducting collaborative research and serving as an information clearinghouse for women entrepreneurs. www.necwb.setonhill.edu.

Soul Survival (author Lynne Leahy) - Soul Survival invites you to take a fresh look at corporate culture and your everyday work life. The corporate world is enriched by your presence and when you lay your head down each night you'll rest peacefully knowing that you are living a life of purpose and meaning. Soul Survival in Corporate America will help you find That Life--the life of your dreams. CLICK HERE to view book on Amazon.com.

Silicon Valley Economic Development Corp. - (408) 298-8455. Provides loans and technical assistance.

South of Market Foundation - (415) 512-9676. Provides technical assistance, loan packaging, and other services to SOMA Zone businesses.

State of California E-Center - One-stop business development web site. www.my.ca.gov.

U.S. General Services Administration, Office of Enterprise Development - (415) 522-2700. Acts as advocate for small, minority, and women business owners to promote increased access to GSA’s nationwide procurement opportunities.

Urban Economic Development Corp. - (415) 923-0105. Offers seminars, consulting, and loan packaging to African American small business owners in Bayview-Hunters Point, Western Addition, Oceanview, India Basin, Portrero Hill, Merced, Ingleside, and Visitation Valley. www.uedc.org.

Women’s Business Enterprise National Council – (202) 872-5515. Removes barriers in the market place that impede the progress and growth of women-owned and managed businesses. www.wbenc.org.

Young Entrepreneurs Network - 1 (800) 360-3043. Builds and maintains international community of young business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs; offers forum for sharing experiences and resources. www.youngandsuccessful.com.

Young Entrepreneurs’ Organization – (703) 519-6700. Helps young entrepreneurs build on their successes through education.

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