Small businesses are the lifeblood California’s economy. Businesses with fewer than 100 employees comprise 97% of all businesses in California, and they are responsible for employing more than 37% of all in-state workers. But navigating state regulations, accessing business loans and managing staff can be challenging for many business owners. Click on the links below for tools and information to help keep your small business thriving.
The California Business Portal an online computer platform where businesses can search and find custom information related to your business. There is a Service Desk with answers to common questions and a search tool to help you identify local, regional, state, and federal license and permitting requirements.
Resources
- Need to secure a permit?
CalGold Permit Assistance
- Looking for information on corporation, company or business filings?
California Secretary of State's Business programs
- Looking for capital?
Small Business Loan Guarantee Program
- Questions about business regulations?
Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development
- Looking for information on federal employer identification numbers?
Internal Revenue Service
- Questions about taxes?
IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center
California Tax Center
- Looking for information on employer requirements?
Employment Development Department
- Do you need to hire additional staff?
CalJOBS
- Looking for health insurance for yourself or your employees?
Covered California Small Business Health Options Program
Center for International Trade and Development
The California Centers for International Trade Development (CITD) have offices across the state and provide a full range of trade assistance services to companies and individuals in the state of California. They invest in California’s economic growth and global competitiveness through industry-specific education, training and services that contribute to a highly skilled and productive workforce.
General Website: https://cainternationaltrade.org/
Small Business Administration District Offices
SBA’s District Offices are responsible for the delivery of a range of federal programs and services including marketing information, customized referral to other business resources, and accessing capital.
General website: https://www.sba.gov/
Local assistance website: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/sba-district-offices
Santa Ana District Office (serving all of Orange County)
5 Hutton Centre Drive, Suite 900
Santa Ana, CA 92707
Phone: (714) 550-7420/ TDD (800) 877-8339
https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/ca/santa-ana
- Lender Relations Specialist Stephen Leung is available to assist business owners attempting to obtain financing.
(714) 560-7450 or Email stephen.leung@sba.gov - Veterans Business Development Officer Doug Dare is available to assist military veterans.
(714) 560-7467 or e-mail douglas.dare@sba.gov
SCORE – Business Mentoring
SCORE is a national network of over 14,000 entrepreneurs, business leaders and executives who volunteer as mentors to America’s small businesses.
Website: https://www.score.org/
Orange County SCORE Chapter
5 Hutton Centre Dr., Suite 900
Santa Ana, CA 92707
Phone: (714) 550-7369
https://orangecounty.score.org/
Young Entrepreneurs, Small Business Administration
Young entrepreneurs and small business owners play an important role within the California economy. The SBA offers different activities and resources throughout the year aimed at aspiring young entrepreneurs, including social media outreach and customized online courses available at www.sba.gov/learning .
General Website: www.sba.gov/young
- Looking for an association of other small business owners?
California Small Business Association
- Disabled veteran, women or minority-owned business?
Disabled Veteran Business Alliance
Small Business Administration—Women-Owned Business
Small Business Administration—Minority-Owned Business