{"id":21151,"date":"2022-03-07T15:09:07","date_gmt":"2022-03-07T23:09:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.santa-ana.org\/?page_id=21151"},"modified":"2025-04-15T13:41:26","modified_gmt":"2025-04-15T20:41:26","slug":"businessstartupguide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.santa-ana.org\/businessstartupguide\/","title":{"rendered":"Step-by-Step Guide to Start Your Business"},"content":{"rendered":"

Step-by-Step Guide to Start Your Business<\/h1> <\/div> <\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Starting a business in Santa Ana is an exciting opportunity and the City is here to help you succeed. Whether you're opening a restaurant, retail shop, beauty salon, fitness studio, food truck, or launching a home-based service, Santa Ana offers a clear, step-by-step guide to get you up and running.<\/h4>\n

From choosing the right location and verifying zoning to registering your business name and obtaining the necessary licenses, this process is designed to be approachable and efficient. Let\u2019s walk through the essential steps to bring your business vision to life in Santa Ana.<\/h4>\n

Please click on the drop down menu for each step or click on the image to the right to download a PDF version of the step-by-step guide.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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\n \n 1. Determine Your Business Needs & Location <\/a>\n <\/h4>\n <\/div>\n
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The City of Santa Ana\u2019s Economic Development Division offers resources to help businesses start, grow, and succeed. Contact us or come visit us at our weekly office hours for assistance with business incentives, job training, and finding a location.<\/p>\n

Phone:<\/strong> (714) 647-5445
\nCost:<\/strong> $0
\nWebsite:<\/strong> Economic Development – City of Santa Ana<\/a><\/p>\n

Additional Support:<\/strong>
\n\u2022Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers free workshops and consulting on marketing, planning, funding, and management.
\nPhone:<\/strong> (800) 616-7232
\nCost:<\/strong> $0
\nWebsite:<\/strong> OCIE SBDC<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2022SCORE Orange County provides free expert mentoring, workshops, and online business tools.
\nPhone:<\/strong> (714) 550-7369
\nCost:<\/strong> $0
\nWebsite:<\/strong> Orange County | SCORE<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n \n 2. Check Zoning Requirements <\/a>\n <\/h4>\n <\/div>\n
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Confirm your business location complies with city zoning laws. Check your zoning using the City\u2019s Property Activity Search AND Contact the Planning and Building Agency.<\/p>\n

Phone:<\/strong> (714) 647-5804
\nCost:<\/strong> $54 \u2013 $19,945 (varies by zoning request)
\nWebsite: <\/strong>Property Activity Search<\/a>
\nMore Info:<\/strong> Zoning documents – City of Santa Ana<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n \n 3. Choose a Business Structure <\/a>\n <\/h4>\n <\/div>\n
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Select a legal entity type (LLC, Corporation, Sole Proprietorship, etc.). This affects taxation, liability, and financing. Consult an attorney or tax professional for guidance.<\/p>\n

Cost:<\/strong> Varies by structure and filling type
\nMore Info:<\/strong> Online Business Services | California Secretary of State<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n \n 4. Register Your Business with the CA Secretary State <\/a>\n <\/h4>\n <\/div>\n
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Certain business structures must register with the California Secretary of State:<\/p>\n

Required:<\/strong> Corporations, LLCs, LPs, LLPs
\nOptional:<\/strong> General Partnerships and Sole Proprietorships
\nCost:<\/strong> Varies by entity type ($50 – $120)
\nMore Info:<\/strong> Starting a Business \u2013 Entity Types : California Secretary of State<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n \n 5. File a Fictitious Business Name (DBA) <\/a>\n <\/h4>\n <\/div>\n
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If using a name other than your own, register a DBA with the Orange County Clerk Recorder.<\/p>\n

Phone:<\/strong> (714) 834-2500
\nCost:<\/strong> $23 – $32
\nWebsite:<\/strong> Fictitious Business Name | OC Clerk Recorder Department<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n \n 6. Get a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) <\/a>\n <\/h4>\n <\/div>\n
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Required for partnerships, corporations, and businesses with employees. Sole proprietors without employees can use their Social Security number.<\/p>\n

Phone:<\/strong> (800) 829-4933
\nCost:<\/strong> $0
\nWebsite:<\/strong> Get an EIN | Internal Revenue Service<\/a>
\nMore Info:<\/strong> How to Apply for an EIN | Internal Revenue Service<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n \n 7. Home-Based Businesses (home based businesses ONLY) <\/a>\n <\/h4>\n <\/div>\n
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Obtain a Home Occupation Permit before applying for a business license.<\/p>\n

Cost:<\/strong> $54
\nWebsite:<\/strong> Home Occupation Permit | City of Santa Ana<\/a>
\nMore Info:<\/strong> Home-based businesses are not required<\/em> to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (COO).<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n \n 8. Mobile Food Facility Permit (food trucks & carts ONLY) <\/a>\n <\/h4>\n <\/div>\n
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Required for food trucks and carts in Orange County. First-time permits must be obtained through OC Environmental Health.<\/p>\n

Cost:<\/strong> $183 – $488 annual fee
\nApplication:<\/strong> Mobile Food Facility Health Permit Application 2023.pdf<\/a>
\nFee Schedule:<\/strong> Mobile Food Facility Permit Fee Schedule<\/a>
\nMore Info:<\/strong> Mobile Food – Trucks and Carts | Orange County California – Health Care Agency<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n \n 9. Obtain a Business License <\/a>\n <\/h4>\n <\/div>\n
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A business license is required to operate in Santa Ana. Contact the Business Tax Office for applications and fees.<\/p>\n

Phone:<\/strong> (714) 647-5447
\nCost:<\/strong> $57
\nWebsite:<\/strong> Business license & related services – City of Santa Ana<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n \n 10. Apply for a Motor Carrier Permit (MCP) (transportation businesses ONLY) <\/a>\n <\/h4>\n <\/div>\n
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If operating oversized or overweight vehicles, obtain a special transportation permit through the California Department of Motor Vehicles.<\/p>\n

Cost:<\/strong> $35 – $2,500 (varies by vehicle weight and type)
\nWebsite: <\/strong> Caltrans – Transportation Permits | Caltrans<\/a>
\nMore Info:<\/strong> How To Apply | Caltrans<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n \n 11. Apply for OCTAP Permit (ride-share transportation businesses ONLY) <\/a>\n <\/h4>\n <\/div>\n
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Taxi businesses operating in Orange County must obtain an OCTAP permit to operate legally.<\/p>\n

Application:<\/strong> OCTAP Company Permit Application<\/a>
\nWebsite:<\/strong> Orange County Transportation Authority<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n \n 12. Get a Certificate of Occupancy <\/a>\n <\/h4>\n <\/div>\n
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Required for businesses operating out of a physical location.<\/p>\n

Cost:<\/strong> $147 (Tier 1) or $544 (Tier 2)
\nWebsite:<\/strong> Certificate of Occupancy Application | City of Santa Ana<\/a>
\nSchedule Inspection:<\/strong> Occupancy Inspections<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n \n 13. Food Facility Health Permit (food businesses ONLY) <\/a>\n <\/h4>\n <\/div>\n
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Required to operate a food establishment in the County of Orange.<\/p>\n

Cost:<\/strong> $460 – $2,817
\nApplication:<\/strong> Food Health Permit Application<\/a>
\nFee Schedule:<\/strong> Food Facility Permit Fee Schedule<\/a>
\nMore Info:<\/strong> Food Facility Health Permit | Orange County California – Health Care Agency<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n \n 14. Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Permit (food businesses ONLY) <\/a>\n <\/h4>\n <\/div>\n
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Businesses serving food must comply with the City of Santa Ana\u2019s FOG program.<\/p>\n

Cost:<\/strong> Free to enroll (additional fees for appliances may be necessary)
\nWebsite:<\/strong> Fats, oils, and grease control program – City of Santa Ana<\/a>
\nMore Info:<\/strong> Food Service Establishment \u2013 Fats, Oils, Grease Application Form<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n \n 15. Seller’s Permit (retail businesses ONLY) <\/a>\n <\/h4>\n <\/div>\n
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Required if you are selling a product in the State of California.<\/p>\n

Cost:<\/strong> $0
\nApplication:<\/strong> CDTFA Online Services<\/a>
\nWebsite:<\/strong> Obtaining a Seller’s Permit<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n \n 16. Obtain State Permits & Licenses <\/a>\n <\/h4>\n <\/div>\n
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Depending on your business type, you may need:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Liquor Stores and Restaurants Serving Liquor \u2013 Liquor License<\/strong>
\nPhone:<\/strong> (714) 558-410
\nWebsite:<\/strong> Apply for a New License | Alcoholic Beverage Control<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2022 Manufacturing and Emissions \u2013 Air Quality Permit<\/strong>
\nPhone:<\/strong> (909) 396-2000
\nWebsite:<\/strong> Permits | AQMD<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n \n 17. Get a State Employer Payroll Tax Account <\/a>\n <\/h4>\n <\/div>\n
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Employers must register with the Employment Development Department (EDD).<\/p>\n

Phone:<\/strong> (888) 745-3886
\nCost:<\/strong> $0
\nWebsite:<\/strong> Employers: Payroll Tax Account Registration<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n \n 18. Open a Business bank Account <\/a>\n <\/h4>\n <\/div>\n
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Keeping business and personal finances separate is essential for tax and legal purposes.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n \n 19. Create a Business Plan <\/a>\n <\/h4>\n <\/div>\n
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A solid business plan increases your chances of success. Free resources are available:<\/p>\n

\u2022 SBDC (Small Business Development Center)
\nPhone:<\/strong> (800) 616-7232
\nWebsite:<\/strong> Home – OCIE SBDC<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2022 SCORE Orange County
\nPhone:<\/strong> (714) 550-7360
\nWebsite:<\/strong> Orange County | SCORE<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div> <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Starting a business in Santa Ana is an exciting opportunity and the City is here to help you succeed. Whether you’re opening a restaurant, retail shop, beauty salon, fitness studio, food truck, or launching a home-based service, Santa Ana offers a clear, step-by-step guide to get you up and running. From choosing the right location … Continued<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-21151","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nStep-by-Step Guide to Start Your Business - City of Santa Ana<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.santa-ana.org\/businessstartupguide\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Step-by-Step Guide to Start Your Business - City of Santa Ana\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Starting a business in Santa Ana is an exciting opportunity and the City is here to help you succeed. 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