SBDC Business Checklist
Going into Business?
Follow the BIZNET Checklists
http://www.northcoastsbdc.org/pages/resources.php
BizNet is a a program of the North Coast Small Business Resource Center and the Prosperity Network
520 E Street
Eureka, CA 95501
Phone (707) 445-9720
Fax (707) 445-9652
225 H Street
Crescent City, CA 95531
Phone (707) 464-2168
Fax: (707) 464-1349
Checklist for Starting a Business in an Unicorporated Area of Humboldt County
Choose a physical address for your business
OK to have a post office box as well, but you will have to have a physical location
Figure out legal structure of business, legal issues.
Sole Proprietorship/Partnership/LLC/Corporation
Have legal documents drawn up as necessary (Partnership Agreement)
Trademarks/Patents/Proprietary information...SBDC is a good resource.
Have a lawyer on your team before you need them
To increase your chance for success, take the time up front to explore and evaluate your business and personal goals. Then use this information to build a comprehensive and well-thought-out business plan that will help you reach these goals. The process of developing a business plan will help you think through some important issues that you may not have considered yet. Your plan will become a valuable tool as you set out to raise money for your business. It should also provide milestones to gauge your success. North Coast SBRC offers free business plan workshops throughout the county. (707) 445-9035
Fictitious Business Name Statement (707) 445-7593
Under $100.00 usually. They will send you a packet, or you can pick one up.
Needed if the company name is different than your own.Required before you can open a business checking account.
Business License
Tax Collector (www.co.humboldt.ca.us/taxcollt/bus_lic.htm) (707) 476-2450
Depending on business costs $27.50 - $299.00
Needed when you conduct any business
Business Bank Account
ALL expenses and income go through the business account
Choose a Business Accountant
Set up Basic Bookkeeping
Procedures
What to do with money coming in
How to chart money going out
What to be tracking daily/weekly/monthly/quarterly
"Not My Money" Bank Account
An account for Sales Tax.
An account for Payroll Tax/Self Employment Tax
Retail Sellers Permit (www.boe.ca.gov) (707) 576-2100
Needed to buy wholesale
Needed for most sales in California, and many services
Self Employment and income tax , Federal (www.irs.gov)
Income tax, State ( http://www.taxes.ca.gov )
If you are an employer...
Federal Tax ID #, the "Social Security #" for your Business(www.irs.gov) Fill out form SS-4
Mail to EIN Operations * Philadelphia, PA 19255 or call toll free (800) 829-4933 or Fax (215) 516-3990
Get an "Employer Guide" from the EDD (http://www.edd.ca.gov/taxind.htm) (707) 445-6532
Workers Comp Insurance...MUST have it before hire employees (your insurance agent or State Fund (707) 443-9721
Know the difference between employees and contractors ( www.irs.gov)
Business Insurance: Liability and Property Insurance, maybe others. Ask your insurer, or check the yellow pages
Contacts:
North Coast Small Business Development Center: Business counseling and workshops, 445-9720
Redwood Region Economic Development Commission: Business Lender, 445-9651
Arcata Economic Development Corporation: Business Lender, 822-4616
Small Business Administration: Great site for business information, www.sba.gov
CalGold: A comprehensive listing of every permit you may need, www.calgold.ca.gov
Humboldt County Website: www.co.humboldt.ca.us
Humboldt County Environmental Health: 445-6215