Doing business in the Los Angeles District

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.

Taxes

IRS California Taxpayer Assistance Center

300 N. Los Angeles St., Room 1259

Los Angeles, CA 90012

Phone: 213-576-3009

State Tax Department

Franchise Tax Board

P.O. Box 942857

Sacramento, CA 94257

Phone: 800-338-0505

Health and safety

California Department of Industrial Relations

320 W. 4th St.

Los Angeles, CA 90013

Phone: 213-576-6227

California OSHA

1515 Clay St., Suite 1901

Oakland, CA 94612

Phone: 510-286-7000

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.

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Local assistance

Need help? Get free business counseling in your area.

SBA lending in our area

  • Loan programs

    Loan programs icon
    Learn more about SBA's 7(a) loans, 504 loans, and microloans that you can use for your business.
  • Lender Match

    Lender Match icon
    Describe your business needs and get matched with an SBA-backed lender in your area.
  • Lending activity reports

    Lending activity reports icon
    View 7(a) and 504 lending activity reports from our district.

Additional local resources

Download our guide to SBA resources

Learn about the opportunities available for small businesses nationwide.

Last updated November 21, 2023