Financial
Small Business Administration
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/manage/close-sell-your-business-transfer-ownership
Small Business Administration
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan/buy-existing-business-franchise
Federal Trade Commission
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0058-credit-repair-how-help-yourself
Experian
https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/credit-education/improving-credit/credit-repair/
Small Business Administration—Establishing Credit
Entrepreneur Magazine
https://www.entrepreneur.com/topic/crowdfunding
National Women's Business Council
https://www.nwbc.gov/research/crowdfunding-capital-source-women-entrepreneurs
Small Business Administration
https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/advocacy/Issue-Brief-10-P2P-Lending_0.pdf
Entrepreneur Education Center
https://entrepreneur.indiegogo.com/education/
Indiegogo Field Guide
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6Ox3tjc6UqgQXNYYXF3ZHJ0bGs/view
Small Business Administration—Franchise
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan/buy-existing-business-franchise
Small Business Administration—Franchise
https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/oee/resources/3641
Small Business Administration—Franchise Directory
1. FUNDING DOCUMENT WIZARDS
- Equity Financing Document Generator: https://www.cooleygo.com/documents/series-seed-equity-financeing-package/
- Convertible Note Financing Document Generator: https://www.cooleygo.com/documents/series-seed-notes-financeng-package/
- KISS Convertible Debt or Equity Financing Document Generator: https://www.cooleygo.com/documents/kiss-convertible-debt-equity-agreements/
2. FUNDING DOCUMENT TEMPLATES:
- TERM SHEET - Template
- KISS - Convertible Note Template (Debt Version): https://500startups.app.box.com/s/8ybxx9y3bhk4mte50v7k
- KISS - Convertible Note Template (Equity Version):
Small Business Administration—7A for Veterans
https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/lender_notices/Notice_5000-1955_Veteran_Fees_FY18.pdf
Small Business Administration—Establishing Credit
Opportunity Fund—Lender
https://www.opportunityfund.org/
Small Business Administration—Lender P2P
https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/advocacy/Issue-Brief-10-P2P-Lending_0.pdf
Small Business Administration—Lending and Financial Programs
Entrepreneur Magazine—Crowdfunding
https://www.entrepreneur.com/topic/crowdfunding
National Women's Business Council—Crowdfunding
https://www.nwbc.gov/research/crowdfunding-capital-source-women-entrepreneurs
Small Business Administration—Lender P2P
https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/advocacy/Issue-Brief-10-P2P-Lending_0.pdf
Small Business Administration—Venture Capital
Small Business Administration—Business Education
https://www.sba.gov/tools/sba-learning-center/search/trainingSmall Business Administration—Cash Flow
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/manage/manage-your-finances-business-credit
Small Business Administration—Establishing Credit
Small Business Administration—Financial Statements
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow/get-more-funding-loans-credit-lenders
Small Business Administration—Start Up Costs
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan/calculate-startup-costs-small-business
Internal Revenue Service—Small Business Tax Overview
https://www.youtube.com/user/irsvideos
California Tax Board—Start Up: CA Tax Overview
Small Business Administration—Venture Capital
General Resources
Small Business Resource Guide
https://www.sba.gov/ca/sandieg
San Diego's Startup Ecosystem
https://www.
Complete Guide to Business Ownership for Female Entrepreneurs
https://www.delawareinc.com/
Tools and Resources for Women Starting a Business
https://www.fiscaltiger.com/resources-for-women-starting-a-business/
How to Write a Business Plan
Jungle Scout
https://www.junglescout.com/estimator/
How to start a business in San Diego County
Conduct a name search (see below), choose a business structure (such as Sole Proprietor, LLC, S-Corp, etc), and form the business.
Business Name Search: Is my name available?
To prevent potential trademark infringement, run your business name ideas through the searches below to look for companies using a similar name with similar products/services.
- Google Search (conduct a simple Google search)
- Fictitious Name Database - San Diego County
- Unregistered Business Names - The Thomas Register
- Registered Trademarks - USPTO database
Is it required for my business?
FBN filings are required when a person or corporation is doing business under a name that is different from their personal name (as with a Sole Proprietorship) or their corporate name (as with an LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp).
- Example 1: If the legal registered name of an LLC is “Smith Jones LLC” and it does business as “Smith Jones LLC”, the FBN is NOT required. If it does business under another name, the FBN is required.
- Example 2: If Jane Doe does business as “Jane Doe Consulting,” the FBN is NOT required because the owner is conducting business under her legal name.
How to obtain a FBN?
- Step 1: File with San Diego County
- Step 2: Publish notice in Uptown Examiner
Do I need a business license?
Yes, business licenses are required for all operating businesses.
- If your business is located within the City of San Diego (zip code 921XX): Go to the Office of the City Treasurer
- If your business is NOT located within the City of San Diego: Go to GO-Biz
Additional local, state and federal permits may be required depending upon your business type, including a Seller’s Permit, if your business sells tangible goods that require sales tax.
Search for any additional required licenses & permits:
Requirements vary from bank to bank, but most require some or all of the following: driver’s license or passport, FBN/DBA, business license, EIN/Tax ID, and incorporation documents for corporations (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, etc).
Marketing
SBDCNet.org—FAQ and Tools
http://www.sbdcnet.org/small-business-information-center/business-plans
Business News Daily—Competition
http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5446-porters-five-forces.html
Small Business Administration—Competition
https://www.sba.gov/tools/sizeup
North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)—Competition
https://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/
SBDCNet.org—Overview & Tools
http://www.sbdcnet.org/small-business-information-center/marketing-2
US Census—Research
US Census—Research
https://www.census.gov/data/data-tools/cbb.html
Small Business Administration—Research
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan/market-research-competitive-analysis
Small Business Administration—Research
https://www.sba.gov/tools/sba-learning-center/training/market-research
SBDCNet.org—Research
http://www.sbdcnet.org/category/industry-links
USA.com—Research
Small Business Administration—Research
https://www.sba.gov/tools/sba-learning-center/training/market-research
US Bureau of Labor Statistics—Research (economic information)
https://www.bls.gov/bls/newsrels.htm#major
US Bureau of Labor Statistics—Research (labor information)
SBDCNet.org—Resources
US Bureau of Labor Statistics—Wages
https://www.bls.gov/bls/wages.htm
Total Addressable Market (TAM), Serviceable Available Market (SAM), Target Market—Marketing
Constant Contact—Marketing
https://www.constantcontact.com
SBDCNet.org—Marketing: Overview and Tools
http://www.sbdcnet.org/small-business-information-center/marketing-2
Site Builder Report—How to make a website
https://www.sitebuilderreport.com/how-to-make-a-website
How to Build a Website
Operations
Small Business Administration—Comparing Options
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan/write-your-business-plan-template
SBDCNet.org—FAQ & Tools
http://www.sbdcnet.org/small-business-information-center/business-plans
Strategyzer—Lean Canvas
https://bit.ly/BrinkLeanCanvas
Missouri SBTDC—Questionnaire
http://missouribusiness.net/wp-content/uploads/evaluating-business.pdf
Small Business Administration—Template
https://www.sba.gov/tools/business-plan/1?interiorpage2015
Live Plan—Business Tool
Total Addressable Market (TAM), Serviceable Available Market (SAM), Target Market—Marketing
Small Business Administration—Customer Service
https://www.sba.gov/tools/sba-learning-center/training/customer-service
Better Business Bureau—Local Business Development Organizations
Federal Trade Commission—Cybersecurity
Central CA Small Business Development Center—Cybersecurity (video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rla8lJVn6RU&feature=youtu.be
CA Economic Development Department (EDD)—EDD E-File
https://eddservices.edd.ca.gov/index.html
Economic Development Department—EDD E-File
http://www.edd.ca.gov/Payroll_Taxes/E-file_and_E-pay_Mandate_for_Employers.htm
US Department of Labor—Labor
CA Department of Industrial Relations (DISE)—CA Labor Standards
US Department of Labor (WHD)—Overtime
https://www.dol.gov/WHD/overtime/final2016/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
CA Economic Development Department (EDD)—Payroll Taxes
Small Business Administration—Types Needed
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch/get-business-insurance-assets-liability
USD - Career Development Center
FindLaw
Legal Zoom
Small Business Administration
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/manage/stay-legally-compliant-business-laws
CA Tax Board—Start Up: CA Tax Overview
Internal Revenue Service—Start Up: Employer Identification Numbers
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers
CA Franchise Tax Board—Start Up: Legal Structure Guide
https://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/misc/1123.pdf
Internal Revenue Service—Taxes
Internal Revenue Service—Taxes
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-business-and-self-employed-tax-center
CA Tax & Fee Administration—License and Permits
CA ABC—License and Permits (Regulatory)
CA Contractors State Licensing Board—License and Permits (Regulatory)
CA Department of Consumer Affairs—License and Permits (Regulatory)
https://www.dca.ca.gov/licensees/index.shtml
GoBiz—License and Permits (Regulatory)
Export.Gov—International Trade/Export: Overview
https://www.export.gov/article?id=You-Should-Export&utm
Monterey Bay International Trade Association (MBITA)—International Trade/Export (Trade Association)
USA.gov—Patents
https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/u-s-patent-and-trademark-office?source=busa
Business USA—Small Business: General
https://www.usa.gov/business?source=busa
CA Franchise Tax Board—Start Up: Legal Structure Guide
https://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/misc/1123.pdf
Cal Gold—Start Up: License and Permits (regulatory)
Internal Revenue Service
Internal Revenue Service
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-business-and-self-employed-tax-center
CA Tax Board—Start Up: CA Tax Overview
Internal Revenue Service—Start Up: Employer Identification Numbers (EIN)
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers
Product
CA Center for International Trade—CA State Resources
Exim Bank—Finance: International Trade/Export
Export.Gov—International Trade/Export
https://www.export.gov/export-education
The World Bank—International Trade/Export
US Customs & Border Patrol—International Trade/Export
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export
US International Trade Administration—International Trade/Export
US International Trade Commission—International Trade/Export
USA IT—International Trade/Export
USA.gov—International Trade/Export
https://www.usa.gov/business?source=busa&content=http://www.fas.usda.gov/trade-lead-system
Business USA—International Trade/Export
https://www.usa.gov/import-export?source=busa&%5C/regulation/eg_main_018219.asp
Small Business Administration Office of International Trade—International Trade/Export
https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/oit
Export.Gov—International Trade/Export: Overview
https://www.export.gov/article?id=You-Should-Export&utm
Monterey Bay International Trade Association (MBITA)—International Trade/Export (trade association)
USCO—Copyright
Ken Kaminesky—Copyright (Photography)
https://blog.kenkaminesky.com/photography-copyright-and-the-law/
USA.gov—Patents
https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/u-s-patent-and-trademark-office?source=busa
USPTO—Patents
Small Business Administration—Business Education
https://www.sba.gov/tools/sba-learning-center/search/training
CA Secretary of State—CA State Resources
SBDCNet.org—Business Plan: FAQ & Tools
http://www.sbdcnet.org/small-business-information-center/business-plans
Strategyzer—Business Plan: Lean Canvas
https://strategyzer.com/canvas/business-model-canvas
Missouri SBTDC—Business Plan: Questionnaire
http://missouribusiness.net/wp-content/uploads/evaluating-business.pdf
Small Business Administration—Business Plan: Template
https://www.sba.gov/tools/business-plan/1?interiorpage2015
CA Hotline
California Small Business 24 hour Helpline 1-800-303-6600
QuickBooks—Finance
https://quickbooks.intuit.com/r/#sm.000171o15i74mexqv642pum865g1o
Square—Finance: Merchant Services Tool
Small Business Administration—Franchise Directory
https://www.sba.gov/partners/lenders/7a-loan-program
Constant Contact—Marketing
https://www.constantcontact.com
North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)—Marketing: Competition
https://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/
SBDCNet.org—Marketing: Resources
Missouri SBTDC—Start Up: Evaluation Business Idea
http://missouribusiness.net/wp-content/uploads/evaluating-business.pdf
CA Franchise Tax Board—Start Up: Legal Structure Guide
GoBiz—CA State Resources
CA ABC—CA State Resources
CA Board of Equalization—CA State Resources
CA Center for International Trade—CA State Resources
CA Department of Consumer Affairs—CA State Resources
CA Franchise Tax Board—CA State Resources
CA Hotline—CA State Resources
California Small Business 24 hour Helpline 1-800-303-6600
CA Secretary of State—CA State Resources
http://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/
GoBiz—CA State Resources
http://www.business.ca.gov/Programs
USCO—Copyright
Grants.gov—Finance: Grants & Government Contracting
Exim Bank—Finance: International Trade/Export
CA Department of General Services—Government Contracting
http://www.dgs.ca.gov/pd/Home.aspx
Federal Business Opportunities—Government Contracting
Privacy Technical Assistance Center—Government Contracting
https://nces.ed.gov/programs/ptac/About.aspx
Small Business Administration—Government Contracting
Small Business Administration—Government Contracting
https://www.sba.gov/contracting/getting-started-contractor/make-sure-you-meet-sba-size-standards
Small Business Administration—Government Contracting
https://www.sba.gov/contracting/resources-small-businesses/government-contracting-classroom
Our Partners
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Funded in part through a Grant with the California Office of the Small Business Advocate; all opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.
The Accelerate California: Innovation Hub Program (Accelerate CA) is funded by the State of California and administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA).