Business Resources & Incentives > Starting a business
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Applying for Small Business Certification in Alameda County or in Contra Costa County |
| License and permit requirements by type and location of a business |
| The CalGOLD database provides detailed information on the business permit, license and registration requirements from all levels of government. The information includes a description of the requirement, the name, address, and telephone number of the agency, and frequently even a direct link to that agency's Internet web pages. The information identified is specific to the type of business and its location in California. |
| To do business in
California, you must file your Fictitious Business
Name in the county where your principal place of
business is located (go to the CalGOLD site link
above to obtain additional information on what you
need to do. . To apply for a Fictitious Business Name (or research business name filings) for Alameda County click here, for Contra Costa County, click here |
| Doing business in a specific city in the East Bay |
| Go back to the Business Resource Page and Click on "Agency Contacts" for the contact person who is the business advocate (the Economic Development contact) within each city. |
| East Bay Small Business Development Center |
| Individuals wishing to start their own business can learn a lot from the resources available through California's network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). With services that range from helping you write that first business plan to managing a growing business, the Centers provide one-stop access to free business counseling, planning, marketing and training. |
| Register as an Employer |
| All California businesses that hire employees are required to register with the California Employment Development Department. If you hire or plan to hire employees, access detailed information and forms for registering as an employer. |
| A Safe Workplace: Understanding Occupational Safety and Health Requirements |
| Know what's expected for maintaining a safe workplace. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health offers free consultation services to California employers for understanding Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations & other workplace safety standards. |
| Business Financing - State |
| Locate sources of state and federal loans and loan guarantees. |
| Local Business Financing |
| First step - Go to the East Bay Small Business Development Center |
| For East Bay lending programs - Business Resources/Resource Information and click on "Financial Contacts" |
| Grants |
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Please note that while you hear about "grants" on TV, true grants are only available for very specific products or research, like Federal SBIR grants that are made to businesses who are developing new technologies or products that Defense needs. Most grants are made to State or local agencies or non-profits to expand and enhance organizations that in turn provide small business management, technical assistance, or loans. Some cities use these grants to establish loan funds for small businesses. These Revolving Loan Funds are available with a slightly lower credit standard then banks have to maintain or are paired with bank loans (with the city's funds at risk before the banks). Go to the Agency Contact page for your city contact to find out whether they have a program available. Most businesses have to be started with business owner, friends or family equity and or credit cards because until the business has demonstrated a repayment ability from the business, it is not eligible for a loan. |
| Angel investors in the Bay Area |
| Most Angel investors are affluent individuals, networks or angel groups who provide capital for business start-ups, usually in exchange for an equity stake Angel capital fills the gap in start-up financing between the "three F" (friends, family and fools) and venture capital. While it is difficult to raise more than $100,000 - $200,000 from friends and family. Thus, angel investment is a common second round of financing for high-growth start-ups. |
| Venture Capital |
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Venture Capital funds typically will not consider investments under $1 million, take a large percentage of equity and control, and have the following: *Ability to scale their venture to create high-paying jobs *A unique product or technology with sustainable barriers against competitors *Company management who have proven industry expertise and who want to learn more about raising capital from investors *Opportunities for investors to cash out after making an equity investment Venture Capital Info: Golden Capital Network The Money Tree |
| Small Business Administration (SBA) loans |
| The SBA offers numerous loan programs to assist small businesses. It is important to note, however, that the SBA is primarily a guarantor of loans made by private and other institutions. Their most common loan is a loan guarantee (7a), and for land and buildings, the 504 program, which provides up to 40% of the required amount, with the bank providing 50%. Go to EDAB's Financial Contacts page for information on local programs. |
| Small Business Templates |
Union City has downloaded a number of Microsoft Templates
and in some cases made minor changes to make these documents readily
useable by East Bay small businesses.
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| Workforce Contacts |
| A list of contacts to assist with finding workers, training new and current employees and help workers find jobs (go to the Business Resources page and click on Workforce Contacts) or go to East Bay Works, a network of 14 One-Stop Business and Career Centers in the East Bay, available to businesses, job seekers, youth, and the general public. They offer free access to core employment services and referrals to related resources, jobs, training or education |
| Employee Training |
| MANEX provides California manufacturers with affordable consulting services that focus on process improvement, manufacturing and quality systems, business development and employee training - which accesses the State Employment Training Panel Grant funds. The East Bay Works programs can also assist in accessing this program. |
| International Trade |
| The Bay Area World Trade Center serves the export and import needs of Bay Area businesses by providing professional consulting services that have generated over $120 million in international sales for clients. |