In addition to providing networking and marketing opportunities to help existing businesses succeed, the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce provides the resources a new business needs to get started and thrive in the Santa Cruz area. Please take a look at the five main steps involved in starting or relocating a business in Santa Cruz County.

STEP ONE: Do your research and generate a business plan

Determine how the details of your business will affect the long term goals of your business. Depending on what kind of business you start you need to know your competition, your target sales group, and both the strong and weak facets of your new business. Organization is a key factor in providing your business with a sturdy foundation and launching pad.

A well organized business plan can also be an essential marketing tool when seeking financial backing for your business. Banks require a business plan before a loan is even considered, as do most Venture Capitalists.

Resources for creating a business plan and starting up and growing your business:

The local US Small Business Administration Office, 415-744-6820
The Central Coast Small Business Development Center, 831-479-6136
Santa Cruz County SCORE, 831-475-6522
Workforce Investment Board 831-454-4130
City of Santa Cruz Business Planning Tools
Workforce Santa Cruz County
Employment Development Department
California Employer Advisory Council
U.S. Small Business Administration

STEP TWO: Acquire a fictitious business name and apply for a business license

Fictitious Business Name:

You must file for a “fictitious business name” if your company name does not contain the surnames of the owners of a business or the full corporate name (if the business is a corporation). The majority of business must file a Petition of fictitious Business Name. This petition is filed with the county clerk’s office. This should be completed within five weeks of establishing the business. The form can be filed through the mail or in person, but it advised that it be done in person. Forms are available in the Special Services Division of the County Clerk's Office located at 701 Ocean Street, Room 210, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 or on the Santa Cruz County Clerk website.

Business License:

When a business is located in the unincorporated area of Santa Cruz County, no business license is required. However, if you are located in one of the four incorporated cities in Santa Cruz County, you must obtain a Business License from that city. When starting a business with the city limits of Santa Cruz a tax certificate is required and acts as proof of a business license. Obtain the tax certificate/business license the day before, or the day of starting your business.

City of Capitola, 420 Capitola Avenue, Capitola, CA, 831-475-7300
City of Santa Cruz, 809 Center Street, Room 107, Santa Cruz, 831-420-5070
City of Scotts Valley, 1 Civic Center Drive, Scotts Valley, CA, 831-438-2324
City of Watsonville, 250 Main Street, Watsonville, CA, 831-728-6031

STEP THREE: Obtain Zoning and Site Permits

Contact the County of Santa Cruz Planning Department at (831)-454-2580 to make sure your location is zoned to do your particular type of business. Home-based businesses are also required to contact the SC Department of Planning and Community Development regarding zoning and site permits. The planning and development office staff will assist business owners whose business sites are new construction or need renovation in determining zoning and necessary permits.

STEP FOUR: Get any necessary special licenses and permits

Business Permit:
Santa Cruz County has restrictions and requires permits for some businesses operating in the unincorporated areas. The most common businesses that require special permits from County Departments are day care centers, security companies, taxi cab companies, food establishments, hazardous materials/waste companies, kennels, and public pools/spas/camps. For information on which departments to contact, visit the Santa Cruz County Clerk website.

The State of California may also require a permit for your business. The best permit and business resource for new business owners is the California Government online to desktops website (CalGOLD). CalGOLD is a comprehensive database with in depth information about what permits and licenses are necessary for your particular business.

Sellers/Resale Permit:

You must obtain a seller's permit if you are in business in California, intend to sell or lease tangible personal property that would ordinarily be subject to sales tax.
State Board of Equalization, 250 South Second Street, San Jose, Ca 95113,  (800)400-7115, (408) 277-1231

Contractor's License:
The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) protects consumers by licensing and regulating California's construction industry.
State Board of Contractors, 9821 Business Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95827-1703, (800) 321-2752

STEP FIVE – Join the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce

The Santa Cruz Chamber is a resource for businesses throughout the Santa Cruz area. The Chamber provides resources for connecting with colleagues and customers, growing your business, improving your business skills, and influencing policy in the City, County, and State. To learn more, please download the Santa Cruz Chamber Member Handbook. To join the Chamber, please complete an application today.