The California Chamber of Commerce
The California Chamber of Commerce www.calchamber.com works in Sacramento to represent California businesses on issues such as taxes, workers compensation benefits, business liability, insurance reform…just to name a few. The California Chamber is also the authority for California labor law and safety resources and products. Each year, the Chamber has helped thousands of California employers understand laws and regulatory issues and has advised employers on changes that occur each year. Publications, newsletters, videos, posters and software to help businesses comply are available through the CalChamber Store.
California Technology, Trade & Commerce Agency
The California Technology, Trade and Commerce Agency http://commerce.ca.gov/index.html serves as the State's principal catalyst for innovation, investment, and economic opportunity, enhancing the quality of life for all Californians. The Agency's goal is to continually create jobs and increase economic investment for Californians, both domestically and in the international business arena. As the sixth largest economy in the world, the Agency is committed to maintaining leadership, and keeping California constantly moving forward. Visit the Agency's web site designed to serve as your personal business portal into the Golden State’s thriving economy. On its pages you’ll find in-depth information on California industry, guides and programs to make business success easier, and up-to-date resources for all of your business-related questions.
Small Business Assistance
IRS Workshops http://www.irs.gov/smallbiz/index.htm
The IRS offers workshops on federal forms and requirements for small businesses and employers. Sometimes, a state representative is available to answer a few questions. For information, dates and location, call the IRS tax assistance hotline at (800) 829-1040.
SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) — http://www.score.org
Part of the Small Business Administration, SCORE volunteers provide free business counseling to new or existing businesses. Call the SCORE Association toll free at (800) 634-0245 to find the SCORE counseling location nearest you.
Small Business Administration (SBA) http://www.sba.gov
The SBA has a free "Start-Up Kits" which lists SBS publications on business development, business resources and describes SBA loan programs. The SBA also co-sponsors management training programs with local colleges and private firms. Call (415) 744-6820
Minority Business Development Office
Minority Business Development Centers
http://www.mbda.gov/ are federally funded agencies which assist prospective and existing businesses owned by minority and economically deprived persons on business matters. Assistance is provided on a sliding scale fee basis. Service's are available to both the established business and those who are thinking of starting a business. To reach the local regional office call (415) 744.3001.
International Trade
International Trade and Investment Commission http://commerce.ca.gov/ provides counseling, International trade leads and coordinates cooperative trade show booths. For more information call (916) 324-5511.
US Export Assistance Centers http://www.commerce.gov/international_trade.html
The U.S. Commercial Service offers valuable assistance to help your business export goods and services to markets worldwide. Novato Export Assistance Center (415) 883-1966; San Francisco Export Assistance Center (415) 705-2300.
Sausalito Business Requirements http://www.ci.sausalito.ca.us/
Who to contact?
Both cities and counties have planning departments, building departments, etc. If your business is located in an unincorporated area, the county controls ALL of your requirements. If your business is in Sausalito proper, the city controls MOST of your regulations. Typically, the county continues to control health and food permits, hazardous waste regulations and other pollution requirements. If your business is outside Sausalito proper, you are in an unincorporated area even if you have a Sausalito post office box and need to contact the County of Marin for business licensing requirements and forms. http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/TC/main/taxes/pages/buslic.cfm.
Zoning and Home Occupation Requirements
Before signing a lease or beginning a business, you should verify that the planned use and location comply with zoning regulations. Contact the Sausalito Building and Planning Department to verify that your proposed use and location comply with zoning and parking requirements. Request a copy of the restrictions and allowances for that location. If the Building and Planning Department says that the proposed use and location comply, check with the Sausalito Fire Department to verify that you can open a business in your proposed location. Do not sign a lease until you have checked with both departments!
If your proposed use does not comply, you will have to apply for a conditional use permit or a zoning change. Be sure and ask what information is needed from you, the approximate cost, the estimated time, and the likelihood that your special use will be approved. Be sure to ask if you are required to attend any City Council or Planning meetings or any special committee meetings.
Once you have signed a lease and are ready to start your business, you must obtain an Occupancy Permit from Building and Planning. Cost ranges from $70-$150 depending on location.
Building & Planning Department
420 Litho Street, PO Box 1279, Sausalito, CA 94966
415) 289-4112
Business License
You must get a business license for each city where you conduct business. Usually, the first year's business license fee is equal to the minimum annual business tax. In future years, your business tax will be computed on gross receipts, gross payroll or manufacturing "value added". Make sure you have registered your business with all other government offices first. After completing the Building and Planning Departments Occupancy Permit, you must obtain a business license application from the Sausalito Business License Department. The Business License fee for most businesses range from $45-$100 plus a percentage of gross receipts or estimated gross receipts.
Business License Department
420 Litho Street, PO Box 1279, Sausalito, CA 94966
415) 289-4148
Filing a Fictitious Business Name Statement
The law requires every person who transacts a business for profit under a fictitious business name to file a statement in the county of the principal place of business within 40 days from the time such business commences. The statement expires in 5 years and a new filing is required upon expiration.
A professional corporation may adopt any name permitted by law. Similarly, a foreign professional corporation qualified to render professional services in this state may transact intrastate business in this state by any name permitted by law. The Secretary of State may require proof by affidavit or otherwise establishing that the name of the foreign or domestic professional corporation complies with the law.
The fee for filing a fictitious business name statement is $27.00 for one owner and business name, plus $7.00 for each additional owner or business name. If multiple business names are listed on a statement, all information must be the same for each business name.
You may obtain a form for filing a fictitious business name statement at the County Clerk's Office http://www.co.marin.ca.us/clerk/, Room 247, Hall of Justice, Marin County Civic Center. If you wish to receive a form by mail, please send your request with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Marin County Clerk, ATTN.: FBN, PO Box E, San Rafael, CA 94913. For additional information call (415) 499-6152.
You also must contact a local newspaper to arrange to publish your fictitious name statement four times in four consecutive weeks. The local daily paper in Marin County is the Marin Independent Journal http://www.marinij.com.
