Planning Assistance

The following information will help you plan to purchase, own, and run a small business.

Planning

• Starting a Business
• Manage Your Business From Start to Finish
• Write a Business Plan
• How to Write a Business Plan 
• Franchise Tax Board: Small Businesses
• IRS: Business Structures
• Market research and competitive analysis (English | Spanish)

Purchasing a Business

• Buy a Business or Franchise
• How to Buy or Sell a Business

Financing Your Business

• Finance Start-Up
• Financial Assistance
• Negotiating a Lease
• Understanding Commercial Leases

Marketing and Promoting Your Business

• Marketing
• Marketing Strategies for the Growing Business

Recordkeeping

• Record keeping
• Keeping Records - Sales and Use Tax
• Manage your finances (English | Spanish)

Organizations That Provide Assistance

• California Tax Service Center
• Small Business Development Centers 
• Service Corps of Retired Executives

State

• Income Tax
• Payroll Tax
• Permit Assistance Centers
• Sales and Use Tax 

Federal

• Federal Income and Payroll Tax
• Offices in California
• Better Business Bureau