Small businesses are the backbone of California’s economy. Small businesses with fewer than 100 employees comprise of 97% of all businesses in the state. They are responsible for employing more approximately 36% of California's private sector workforce. 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 is an online 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
Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network
The Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network offers personalized one-on-one support to help small business owners overcome challenges and reach their goals. By thoroughly assessing your business for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, SBDC can pinpoint areas for growth and devise strategies to capitalize on them. Together, you'll cover everything from finances and operations to workforce and marketing so that your business can thrive. Thanks to funding from the State of California and U.S. Small Business Administration, these services are available at no cost to you.
Website: https://ociesmallbusiness.org/
U.S. Small Business Administration Orange County/Inland Empire District Office
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.
Website: https://www.sba.gov/
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
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/
Orange County Women's Business Center
The Orange County Women's Business Center supports entrepreneurs and business owners with starting and growing their business within Orange County. They offer one-on-one consulting, training programs, networking opportunities and access to resources.
Orange County Women's Business Center
15375 Barranca Pkwy, Suite A111
Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: (800) 414-7108
https://ocwbc.org/
Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County
Established as a non-profit corporation in 2001, the Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County focuses on the economic development of underserved communities in California. SBDC-OC issues loan guarantees on behalf of the State of California that are backed directly by a state trust fund which can be leveraged up to ten times. Services are delivered in collaboration with a diverse range of public, non-profit and community-based lending institutions.
Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County
271 North Sycamore St.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (714) 571-1900
https://sbfdoc.org/
How to do Business with California State Government
For companies looking to grow their business, one potential avenue to explore is contracting with the State of California. The State of California purchases a wide array of products and services. Learn more the steps you need to take to be eligible to bid on contracts and services with state agencies and departments.