how to get a business license?

Question

I want to open a coffee shop later when i get older, i'm 21 right now. where do i get information on how to get a business license to do so in california?

Answer 1

I suggest you first learn more about the coffee shop business and understand its ins and outs. Business license is just an easy step to do, but you have to have all the ingredients to make a coffee shop successful. Here is my previous answer on the topic with great resources on how to start a coffee shop business http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AqV71M7aKJvwxAv.5icv9AsjzKIX?qid=20060906072246AA9oNSl

The California Business Permitting Database will have all the information you need on the business licenses, requirements and permits a coffee shop business will need http://www.calgold.ca.gov/ - just indicate your business and your county/city and it will show you what and how to get the requirements

For example, if you live in Pasadena, California, below are some of the requirements in opening a coffee shop http://www.calgold.ca.gov :

- Building and Construction Permit: Required for all new and remodeling construction, including change of occupancy
- Burglar Alarm Permit: A permit must be obtained from this department for any businesses requiring a burglar alarm or security system.
- Business License (Business Tax Certificate): Required for all entities doing business within city limits.
- Fire Department Inspection/Permit: All businesses may be subject to a yearly inspection of facility; and a Business Plan/Contingency Plan if hazardous materials/wastes are on site.
- Public Health License: Contact the department for a license if your business is in any way concerned with food/restaurant, wholesale or retail market, vending machines, catering trucks, etc.
- Business Personal Property: Property used in the operation of a business such as machinery, equipment, trade fixtures, etc. is taxable and subject to assessment.
- Fictitious Name Filing (DBA): Required if fictitious name is used.
- Public Health Operating License: Required of restaurants and businesses manufacturing food, ice or soft drinks
- Authority to Construct/Permit to Operate: Stationary sources of air emissions from specific types of equipment, industrial processes, paints and solvents and some consumer products, must be permitted.
- Alcoholic Beverage License: Any person or entity seeking to sell alcoholic beverages must be licensed.
- Corporation, Company or Partnership Filings: If you are considering becoming a corporation, (either stock or nonprofit), a limited liability company or a partnership (limited, or limited liability), you must file with the Secretary of State's Office.
- Sales & Use Permit (Seller's Permit): All businesses selling or leasing tangible property must obtain a Seller's Permit.

I suggest you check out these resources on How to Start a Business in California

California Business Portal http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/resources.htm
California Business Search http://kepler.ss.ca.gov/list.html
California Dept of Consumer Affairs Licensing Information http://www.dca.ca.gov/aboutdca/licnhelp.htm

Here are the places where you will find information on tax requirements:

Sellers Permit – CA Board of Equalization http://www.boe.ca.gov/info/reg.htm
California Tax Service Center http://www.taxes.ca.gov/
Franchise Tax Board http://www.ftb.ca.gov/

If you want business advice and free mentorship/assistance I suggest you check out the following resources:

SBA California http://www.sba.gov/ca/
California Chambers of Commerce http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/ibrp/chamber_alpha.htm
SCORE Bakersfield - Golden Empire http://www.scorebakersfield.org
SCORE Glendale - Los Angeles http://www.scorela.org/
SCORE Merced - Yosemite http://www.score556.org
SCORE Monterey - Monterey Bay http://www.bayscore.org/
SCORE Oakland - East Bay http://www.eastbayscore.org/
SCORE Oxnard - Ventura http://www.scoreventura.org
SCORE Palmdale - Antelope Valley http://www.score.av.org
SCORE Rancho Cordova - Sacramento http://www.sacscore.org
SCORE San Diego - San Diego http://www.score-sandiego.org
SCORE San Francisco - San Francisco http://www.sfscore.com
SCORE San Jose - Silicon Valley http://www.svscore.org
SCORE San Luis Obispo - San Luis Obispo http://www.sloscore.org
SCORE Santa Ana - Orange City http://www.score114.org
SCORE Santa Barbara - Santa Barbara http://score-santabarbara.org
SCORE Santa Rosa - North Coast http://www.scorenorthcoastca.org
SCORE Stockton - Stockton http://www.scorestockton.org

General Resources
California Secretary of State http://www.ss.ca.gov/
California Business Resources http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/bpd_links.htm

Answer 2

There's a difference between getting a business license and opening a coffee shop. Your county offices should be able to direct you on securing a business license; however, there are other licenses and consideration in your goal for a coffee shop. You'll really need to write a business plan for your own peace of mind on the profitability of such a venture as well as for any funding that will probably be required for space, inventory, salaries, taxes, equipment, etc. Your local library should be able to give you information on writing a business plan. Organizations like SCORE and SBA will be able to help direct you to the right path. There's no doubt that people in their own businesses have the opportunity to make serious money; however, be warned that it's quite stressful to not only be responsible for your own income but the income of your employees as well. Don't stop with the statement, "I'd like to...." but rather get busy writing a plan of action on what to do next. Check with the two links below for information on doing something TODAY rather than waiting 5, 10 or 20 years and saying, "I wish I would have...."

Answer 3

California Secty. of State:
http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/bpd_links.htm
The Secretary of State's office is often asked what other agencies a business entity may need to contact to ensure proper compliance. The following is a list of the agencies most often referenced. In addition, we have included several links to websites that may assist you in your business endeavors.

CALGOLD
http://www.calgold.ca.gov/
Provides detailed information on the business permit, license and registration requirements from all levels of government.

Small Business Administration
http://www.sbaonline.sba.gov/
Information regarding starting and managing small businesses.