A solid business plan increases your chances of success. Free resources are available: • SBDC (Small Business Development Center) Phone: (800) 616-7232 Website: Home – OCIE SBDC • SCORE Orange County Phone: (714) 550-7360 Website: Orange County | SCORE
Keeping business and personal finances separate is essential for tax and legal purposes.
Employers must register with the Employment Development Department (EDD). Phone: (888) 745-3886 Cost: $0 Website: Employers: Payroll Tax Account Registration
Depending on your business type, you may need: • Liquor Stores and Restaurants Serving Liquor – Liquor License Phone: (714) 558-410 Website: Apply for a New License | Alcoholic Beverage Control • Manufacturing and Emissions – Air Quality Permit Phone: (909) 396-2000 Website: Permits | AQMD
Required if you are selling a product in the State of California. Cost: $0 Application: CDTFA Online Services Website: Obtaining a Seller’s Permit
Businesses serving food must comply with the City of Santa Ana’s FOG program. Cost: Free to enroll (additional fees for appliances may be necessary) Website: Fats, oils, and grease control program – City of Santa Ana More Info: Food Service Establishment – Fats, Oils, Grease Application Form
Required to operate a food establishment in the County of Orange. Cost: $460 – $2,817 Application: Food Health Permit Application Fee Schedule: Food Facility Permit Fee Schedule More Info: Food Facility Health Permit | Orange County California – Health Care Agency
Required for businesses operating out of a physical location. Cost: $147 (Tier 1) or $544 (Tier 2) Website: Certificate of Occupancy Application | City of Santa Ana Schedule Inspection: Occupancy Inspections
Taxi businesses operating in Orange County must obtain an OCTAP permit to operate legally. Application: OCTAP Company Permit Application Website: Orange County Transportation Authority
If operating oversized or overweight vehicles, obtain a special transportation permit through the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Cost: $35 – $2,500 (varies by vehicle weight and type) Website: Caltrans – Transportation Permits | Caltrans More Info: How To Apply | Caltrans
