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.(Link is external)
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.
Taxes
IRS California Taxpayer Assistance Center(Link is external)
2525 Capitol St.
Fresno, CA 93721
Phone: 559-443-7741(Link opens phone app)
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration(Link is external)
450 N St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 800-400-7115(Link opens phone app)
Health and safety
Wage and Hour Division(Link is external)
906 N St., Suite 105
Fresno, CA 93721
Phone: 559-487-5317(Link opens phone app)
State of California Labor and Workforce Development Agency(Link is external)
800 Capitol Mall
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-653-9900(Link opens phone app)
Cal/OSHA Sacramento Regional Office(Link is external)
2424 Arden Way, Suite 300
Sacramento, CA 95825
Phone: 916-263-2503(Link opens phone app)
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. -
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
- Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development(Link is external)
- Starting A New Business in Fresno(Link is external)
- Doing Business in California(Link is external)
- Department of Industrial Relations(Link is external)
- City of Fresno Small Business Financing and Support Programs(Link is external)
Download our guide to SBA resources
Learn about the opportunities available for small businesses nationwide.