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Start a Business
General Guide to Starting a Business
Starting a business is a difficult decision at best. While there is no single source that outlines all required procedures, the steps provided on this page have been developed to assist you in starting your business. Many of these steps can be researched and accomplished by visiting the websites provided, rather than calling or visiting agency offices.
Evaluate Your Needs & Determine Your Location
The City's Economic Development department can assist you in determining a path to start your business, expand an existing business, or find a new location. Department staff can provide information on:
- Available incentives
- Business loans
- Site selection
- Workforce recruitment
The Department also provides consulting to new and existing businesses.
For More Information
To receive assistance or consulting, contact the Economic Development department at:
City of Santa Paula
Economic Development Department
Community Development Building
200 S Tenth Street
Santa Paula, CA 93060
Phone: 805-933-4245
Fax: 805-525-6660
Email the Economic Development Department
To obtain additional details, you may refer to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration's https://cdtfa.ca.gov/ website, which provides specific guidelines on how to obtain permits and licenses, as well as how to file and report accurately.
Create a Business Plan
A business plan is like a roadmap; it shows you where you are in relation to where you want to be. Whether you believe in a business plan or not, starting a business involves many ideas that need to be documented with actions taken. Many businesses fail without a business plan, and furthermore, banks require one prior to considering your loan application.
Economic Development Collaborative
The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) can provide you with business plan consultations, workshops and referrals.
For more information, or to receive assistance, contact the EDC at:
Economic Development Collaborative
1601 Carmen Drive
Number 215
Camarillo, CA 93010
Phone: 805-384-1800, ext. 21
Fax: 805-384-1805
Email the EDC
Visit the EDC website
Determine a Business Name
The name you choose for your business is important. Aside from making sure that the name clearly describes your business, you need to ensure that the name is not already being used. If the name you choose is anything other than your own legal name, you are required to file a fictitious business name statement. The fictitious business name statement is filed with the County of Ventura Clerk and Recorder's Office.
For More Information
For more information, contact the Ventura County Clerk and Recorder's Office at:
County of Ventura - County Clerk and Recorder's Office
Hall of Administration, Lower Plaza
800 S Victoria Avenue
Ventura, CA 93009
Phone: 805-654-3790 or 805-654-2263
Determine the Business Legal Structure
Several legal structures exist; your choice of legal structure will affect your income taxes and personal liability. Most businesses start as a sole proprietorship or a partnership and are legally the least complicated. Corporations and limited liability companies must register with the Secretary of State.
Contact your accountant or attorney for advice and assistance in determining the best legal structure for you and your business.
For More Information
For more information on registering a corporation or limited liability company, contact the California Secretary of State at:
California Secretary of State
1500 11th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-653-6814
Check Zoning & Building Regulations
Determining zoning requirements prior to signing a lease or contract is imperative. Check with the City to see if the type of business you plan to operate is legal in the desired location.
Contact
Contact the Planning Department of Santa Paula at:
City of Santa Paula
Planning Department
Community Development Building
200 S Tenth Street
Santa Paula, CA 93060
Phone: 805-933-4214
Fax: 805-525-6660
Email the Planning Department
Visit the Planning Department Page
Additional Resources
Obtain Important Permits & Licenses
The City of Santa Paula requires a business license to operate; for more information on procuring a business license, visit the City Finance Department page.
Permits are generally also required through the City's Building and Safety Department and sometimes through the City's Public Works Department or County's Fire Department.
Contact City Departments
Reach out to the Building and Safety, Public Works, and Fire departments at:
Building & Safety
City of Santa Paula
Building and Safety Department
Community Development Building
200 S Tenth Street
Santa Paula, CA 93060
Phone: 805-933-4218
Fax: 805-525-6660
Email the Building and Safety Department
Visit the Building and Safety Department Page
Fire
Ventura County Fire Department
Fire Prevention Bureau
165 Durley Ave
Camarillo, CA 93010
Phone: 805-389-9738
Fax: 805-388-4356
Email the VCFD Fire Prevention Bureau
Visit the VCFD Fire Prevention Bureau Page
Public Works
City of Santa Paula
Public Works Department
866 E Main St
Santa Paula, CA 93060
Phone: 805-525-7870
Email the Public Works Department
Visit the Public Works Department Page
Building and Safety Guidelines & Forms
It is important to consult with the Building and Safety Department prior to signing a lease or any improvement projects. Various permits are required depending on the occupancy of the building or the nature of the project.
Some helpful guides and forms:
- Helpful Guides for Construction Projects, including:
- Building
- Electrical
- Energy
- Plan Check Documents
- Plan Submittal Information
- Plumbing/Mechanical
- Standard Plans
- Inspection Information (PDF)
- Plan Submittal Requirements: Commercial and Industrial Buildings (PDF)
- Plan Submittal Requirements: Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing for Multi-Family Residential, Commercial or Industrial Buildings (PDF)
Additional Licenses & Permits
Additionally note that the business type chosen determines the licenses and permits needed to legally operate your business. For a list of regulated occupations and professional services, contact the California Department of Consumer Affairs, at:
California Department of Consumer Affairs
400 R Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 800-952-5210
CalGOLD
The State also operates CalGOLD, a website that provides detailed information on required permits, licenses and regulations. The information provided is specific to your type of business and its location in California.
Get Tax Information
Several types of taxes may be levied on businesses including income tax, employment tax and the City's business tax.
City Taxes
For City taxes, contact the Finance Department at:
City of Santa Paula
Finance Department
200 S Tenth Street
Santa Paula, CA 93060
Phone: 805-933-4211
Fax: 805-525-6278
Email the Finance Department
Visit the Finance Department Page
State Taxes
For state taxes, contact the Franchise Tax Board at:
Franchise Tax Board
300 S Spring Street
Suite 5704
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Phone: 800-852-5711
Striking Gold in California
For a copy of "Striking Gold in California", which outlines state taxes for businesses, contact the Board of Equalization at:
State Board of Equalization
Ventura Field Office
4820 McGrath Street
Suite 270
Ventura, CA 93003
Phone: 805-677-2700
Federal Taxes
For federal tax information and a copy of the "Small Business Resource Guide," a document that helps business owners understand the basics, contact the Internal Revenue Service at:
Internal Revenue Service
District Business Office - Camarillo
751 Daily Drive
Camarillo, CA 93010
Phone: 805-445-4771
Get a City Business License
To conduct business in Santa Paula, you must obtain a business license and pay an annual business tax. A City business license is required prior to conducting any business activity in the City, even if your business is located outside the City's corporate limits.
For More Information
For more information and to obtain a business license application contact the Finance Department at:
City of Santa Paula
Finance Department
200 S Tenth Street
Santa Paula, CA 93060
Phone: 805-933-4211
Fax: 805-525-6278
Email the Finance Department
Visit the Finance Department Page
Acquire Employer Identification Numbers & Worker's Compensation Insurance
If you will have employees, acquire employer identification numbers and Worker's Compensation Insurance.
Federal Tax Information
For an employer identification tax number and federal tax withholding information, contact the Internal Revenue Service at:
Internal Revenue Service
District Business Office - Camarillo
751 Daily Drive
Camarillo, CA 93010
Phone: 805-445-4771
State Tax Information
For an employer identification tax number and state tax withholding information, contact the California Employment Development Department at:
State of California Employment Development Department
District Business Office - Ventura
4820 McGrath Street
Suite 250
Ventura, CA 93003
Phone: 800-300-5616
Worker's Compensation Insurance
All employers are also required to carry Worker's Compensation Insurance. It covers your employee(s) for work-related injuries. To obtain an insurance policy or for more information, contact the Compensation Insurance Fund at:
State Compensation Insurance Fund
Oxnard District Office
2901 North Ventura Road
Oxnard, CA 93030
Phone: 805-988-5300
Recruit & Train Employees
The Ventura County Job and Career Center offers employers with work-ready employees.
For More Information
For more information, contact the Job and Career Center at:
Santa Clara Valley Job and Career Center
725 Main Street
Santa Paula, CA 93060
Phone: 805-933-8300