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Ray Shafazand on How to Start a Business in Los Gatos, CA
Don't be blindsided by the requirements you need to meet when starting a business.
Looking to start a business is an exciting yet daunting task. There are many things other than a great idea that needs to be thought out and executed before you can get your company off of the ground. Aside from the national regulations to be aware of, you’ll also have to be mindful of the state and local procedures to follow. If you would like to start a business in Los Gatos, California, here are a few key things you should know.
Create a Business Plan
The first step you should tackle on your journey to becoming a business owner is creating a plan. You need to develop a sort of roadmap that your company will follow for it’s first few years. Generally, you should expect to lay out your goals, strategies, and budget forecasting for the next 3 to 5 years. Be sure to address any possible problems you will face in your market and realistic solutions to solve them. If you feel lost or would like some guidance creating your plan, look to the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce to schedule an appointment with volunteer mentors through the SCORE program.
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Select Your Legal Structure
When creating a new business, you need to determine the structure of your company when you register it. There are multiple common structures that you are already probably aware of, for example, one type is a corporation, which has one or more stockholders or officers. You could also register as a sole proprietor or a partnership, which is a business that has two or more owners. Take a look at the pros and cons to determine which would be best for you and your company.
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Obtain Proper Permits
Depending on the type of business you want to run, and where, you’ll have to apply for various permits. If you are a restaurant, you’ll have to reach out to the health department to ensure you arrange for inspections, and if you want to serve alcohol, you’ll also have to get a separate license for that as well. Once you have the permits for your type of business, you’ll need one for operating your business in a specific location. Check out the Los Gatos Zoning Portal to check if you’re able to open your company if the site that you would like. If you want to run your business from home, be sure you get a Home Occupation Permit before beginning to work.
Remember these key points when looking to start your own business in Los Gatos.