Start & Grow a Business

For work in the City of Santa Maria, check the business-license process and zoning for the operating location. A Santa Maria mailing address alone does not establish City jurisdiction. Mobile businesses should check the places where they work as well as their base.

For an unincorporated location such as Orcutt, start with County Planning and Development. Check land use and the business-license rules for the activity with the County, rather than assuming the City process applies.

If the business operates from a home, ask the planning agency about home-occupation rules before making changes, receiving customers or hiring people to work there. Online sales do not remove the need to check the physical operating location.

Use California’s Secretary of State to research entity records and filing options. Discuss the structure and name with an appropriate adviser before filing. Review whether a fictitious business name filing applies with the County Clerk-Recorder. Entity filings and local business licenses serve different purposes.

The IRS explains who needs an employer identification number and how to apply directly for free. If you are creating a legal entity, follow the IRS guidance about forming it before applying.

Ask CDTFA whether your products and sales channels require registration. Online selling can involve permit and tax responsibilities; marketplace-only sales have specific rules. Use the agency’s guidance for your actual activity.

Contact County Environmental Health about the process for the food operation you plan. A restaurant, mobile food business and home food business can follow different paths. Review any applicable plan-check and health-permit steps before opening or remodeling.

Check the license requirements for the construction work you plan to offer. CSLB’s lookup lets you review a contractor’s current public license information.

Confirm which regulator handles your profession or activity. DCA’s license search covers many professions; attorney licensing is handled by the State Bar. Other industries can have different regulators, so these searches do not cover every business.

Review employer registration, payroll reporting and workplace responsibilities before hiring. EDD’s employer resources and DIR’s small-business guide provide a starting point.

Plan records, business banking, insurance, mail handling and customer communications. Compare providers, confirm the fees and scope, and add or claim your free business listing when your public details are ready.