Business Planning & Registration

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Starting or buying a business is a big investment and it comes with a big risk. Business planning can save you time and money in the long run by helping you to organize your business operations, account for regulations, create processes and procedures, estimate real costs for starting up and daily operations, and prepare you for getting financing.

Business owners who spend time writing down their plans are less likely to forget key steps, understand the full scope of permits and licenses needed, and start their operations confidently.

A business plan is a living document. Creating one will help you get organized, but it is also a requirement for borrowing money or applying for grants.

Your Business Plan should address:
Your legal formation
Your location requirements and the initial cost of modifying the space for your needs
The permits and licenses you need to operate, from professional licenses from state agencies to local business licenses, and how you plan to get them
Your marketing and sales plan
Your day-to-day operations plan
Your pricing and financial strategy

The US Small Business Administration (SBA) funds non-profits to support startup businesses with creating these plans. The California Office of the Small Business Advocate also provides a high-level guide for getting started.

For no- or low-cost business planning support locally or online, check out:

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Choose a Business Legal Structure (Legal Formation)

LLCs can be a good way to protect your assets, but they are not always the best legal entity option for small entrepreneurs. As you plan, consider meeting with a lawyer, a CPA, or another advisor to understand what different legal structures mean for your taxes, your risk, and your ability to grow. If you choose an LLC or corporation structure, you will need to file additional paperwork with the California Secretary of State.

Register a Fictitious Business Name (“Doing Business As”)

You need a Fictitious Business Name statement (aka DBA, “doing business as”) if your business is operating under a different name than your legal entity, e.g. your name is Barbara Smith and you sell as B’s Cakes, or your business is DENT LLC and you operate a business named Empathy Inc. To get a Fictitious Business Name statement, ~~you will~~ apply to register the name with the San Mateo County Clerk-Recorder and advertise the name in a newspaper for 30 days before it will be issued. When you apply for your business license, you will be required to provide documentation of your Fictitious Business Name, if you have one. Ensure your business plan accounts for these timelines.

San Mateo County Clerk-Recorder

Get an Employer Identification Number

Business Planning & Registration

My Own Business Institute (MOBI)

San Mateo Small Business Development Center

SCORE

The Acceleration Project

ESO Ventures

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