Starting a Business
Starting a business is a difficult decision at best. While there
is no single source that outlines all required procedures, the following
steps have been developed to assist you in starting your business. Many
of these steps can be researched and accomplished by visiting the websites
listed, rather than calling or visiting agency offices.
The following information and links to various resources are provided for your convenience only. Please note that there may be omissions or additional requirements not represented here, which does not exempt any individual or institution from complying with all applicable laws and regulations.
1. Evaluate Your Needs and Determine
Your Location
The City’s Economic Development and Revitalization Division can
assist you in determining a path to start your business, expand an existing
business, or find a new location. Division staff can provide information
on business loans, workforce recruitment, available incentives, and site
selection. The Division also provides an ombudsman program for new and
existing businesses.
City of Ventura
Economic Development and Revitalization Division
501 Poli St., Room 130
P.O. Box 99
Ventura, CA 93002
(805) 677-3935
2. Create a Business Plan
A business plan is like a roadmap; it shows you where you are in relation
to where you want to be. Whether you believe in a business plan or not,
starting a business involves many ideas that need to be documented with
actions taken. Many businesses fail without a business plan, and furthermore,
banks require one prior to considering your loan application.
The following organizations can provide you with business plan consultations, workshops and referrals:
Gold Coast Small Business Development Center
5700 Ralston St., Suite 310
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 658-2688U.S. Small Business Administration Information Center
330 N. Brand Blvd., Suite 1200
Glendale, CA 91203
(818) 552-3210
3. Determine a Business Name
The name you choose for your business is important. Aside from making
sure that the name clearly describes your business, you need to ensure
that the name is not already being used. If the name you choose is anything
other than your own legal name, you are required to file a fictitious
business name statement. The statement is filed with the County of Ventura
Clerk and Recorder’s Office.
County of Ventura - County Clerk and Recorder’s Office
Hall of Administration, Lower Plaza
800 S. Victoria Ave.
Ventura, CA 93009
(805) 654-3790 or (805) 654-2263
4. Determine the Business Legal
Structure
Several legal structures exist; your choice of legal structure will affect
your income taxes and personal liability. Most businesses start as a Sole
Proprietorship or a Partnership and are legally the least complicated.
Corporations and Limited Liability Companies must register with the Secretary
of State. Contact your accountant or attorney for advice and assistance
in determining the best legal structure for you and your business.
California Secretary of State
1500 11th St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 653-6814
5. Check Zoning and Building
Regulations
Determining zoning requirements prior to signing a lease or contract is
imperative. Check with the City to see if the type of business you plan
to operate is legal in the desired location.
City of Ventura Planning Division
501 Poli St., Room 117
P.O. Box 99
Ventura, CA 93002
(805) 654-7725
6. Obtain Important Permits
and Licenses
The business type chosen determines the licenses and permits needed to
legally operate your business. For a list of regulated occupations and
professional services, contact:
California Department of Consumer Affairs
400 R St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(800) 952-5210
The State also operates CalGOLD, a website that provides detailed information on required permits, licenses and regulations. The information provided is specific to your type of business and its location in California.
7. Get Tax Information
Several types of taxes may be levied on businesses including income tax,
employment tax and the City’s business tax. For City taxes, contact:
City of Ventura Business Tax Office
501 Poli St., Room 107
P.O. Box 99
Ventura, CA 93002
(805) 658-4715
For state taxes, contact:
Franchise Tax Board
Ventura Field Office
4820 McGrath St., Suite 270
Ventura, CA 93003
(800) 852-5711
For a copy of “Striking Gold in California”, which outlines state taxes for businesses, contact:
State Board of Equalization
Ventura Field Office
4820 McGrath St., Suite 270
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 677-2700
For federal tax information and a copy of the “Small Business Resource Guide,” a document that helps business owners understand the basics, contact:
Internal Revenue Service
District Business Office – Camarillo
751 Daily Drive
Camarillo, CA 93010
(805) 445-4771
8. Get a City Business License
To conduct business in Ventura, you must obtain a business license and pay an annual business tax. A City business license is required prior to conducting any business activity in the City, even if your business is located outside the City’s corporate limits.
For more information and to obtain a business license application click here or, contact:
City of Ventura Business Tax Office
501 Poli Street, Room 107
P.O. Box 99
Ventura, CA 93002
(805) 658-4715
9. Acquire Employer Identification
Numbers and Worker’s Compensation Insurance
If you will have employees, acquire employer identification numbers and
Worker’s Compensation Insurance.
For an employer identification tax number and federal tax withholding information, contact:
Internal Revenue Service
District Business Office – Camarillo
751 Daily Drive
Camarillo, CA 93010
(805) 445-4771
For an employer identification tax number and state tax withholding information, contact:
State of California Employment Development Department
District Business Office – Ventura
4820 McGrath Street, Suite 250
Ventura, CA 93003
(800) 300-5616
All employers are also required to carry Worker’s Compensation Insurance. It covers your employee(s) for work-related injuries. To obtain an insurance policy or for more information, contact:
State Compensation Insurance Fund
Oxnard District Office
2901 North Ventura Road
Oxnard, CA 93030
(805) 988-5300
10. Recruit and Train Employees
The Ventura County Workforce Investment Board (WIB) offers employers with
work-ready employees. Contact the WIB for more information.
Ventura County Workforce Investment Board
505 Poli Street
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 652-7684