10 Steps to Starting a Business in San Diego

There are several key steps to starting a business in the City of San Diego. The steps may vary depending on the type of business you intend to launch. Following the 10 Key Steps to Starting a Business will give you a general idea and help the process run smoothly.

Many steps can be researched and processed online through the websites listed, saving you the time of calling or visiting department or agency offices. The City’s Central Library and all branches provide Internet access during library hours.

1. Get Basic Information with help from the City of San Diego Public Library.
2. Select a Site and Determine zoning and site permit requirements with help from the City’s Development Services Department. If you plan to operate out of your home, obtain information about requirements for Home Occupations.
3. Determine a Business Name and register at County of San Diego, Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk’s Office(link is external).
4. Create a Business Plan with help from the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) South San Diego, North San Diego and U.S. Small Business Administration(link is external).
5. Determine the Business Activity Type from the list provided by the Office of City Treasurer's  Business Tax Certification application.
6. Determine the Legal Structure of the business.
7. Obtain any special licenses and permits. (Read more about this in the  complete version of 10 Key Steps.)
8. Get tax information from the California Tax Information Center (link is external)(link is external), and the Internal Revenue Service(link is external).
9. Learn about Employer Responsibilities at the City level (Earned Sick Leave and Mininum Wage Ordinance) from the Office of the City Treasurer. Learn about Employer Responsibilities at the State and Federal levels from the Employment Development Department(link is external) and Internal Revenue Service(link is external). 
10. Apply for a Business Tax Certificate (Business License) from the Office of the City Treasurer, Business Tax Division.

For those business startups that do not have access to the Internet, the City's Central Library and all branch libraries provide access to the Internet during hours the library is open.

Source: SanDiego.Gov

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