How difficult (or easy ) is it to obtain a business license in California?

Question

There seems to be quite a bit of red tape... I want to start a small art/jewelery business and be able to sell at faires or as a street vendor. Any help would be really appreciated.

Answer 1

It's really not as difficult as it seems just some effort that will seem like nothing compared to actually running your own business.

1. You will need to register your business "DBA" at the County Clerk
2. The city your business will be located in will need you to register for tax purposes this is the BUSINESS LICENSE
(many small businesses have the city taxes waived for the first 3 years to help with development)
3. Get a business Bank account.
4. get your resale license (http://www.boe.ca.gov/)

There are some serious things you need to consider and doing some research will help you organize your business and have less headache. Make sure once you've done some research on what type of business you'll be starting (sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, corporation etc) you follow the correct order of steps to acquire your status as business. It will keep you from running around in circles and it will save you from potential penalties and or delays.

When I started my first business I used went to Boarders and picked up a book by nolo press "how to open up a California business in 24 hrs" http://nolo.com/resource.cfm/catID/9FA25870-14F1-4657-9778F19FB41FB93D/111/228/
There are many books that are specific to steps required to open it in CA just do some research it will make this seem less daunting.
Good Luck

Answer 2

Aside from all the first poster said, you need to deal with Immigration and get Permanent Residence Status