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Business Start-Up Resources

The list of resources below provides entrepreneurs with contact information for agencies that can help entrepreneurs plan, finance, site, and market a successful business in San Diego.

City of San Diego Resources

The City of San Diego provides general information on starting and operating a business, significant resource materials, market research information, small business troubleshooting, and regulatory, permitting and licensing information. The most important resource is the City's Office of Small Business, which acts as a clearinghouse for small business assistance information.

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Private Resources

There are a number of private organizations that provide business assistance information, market research, technical assistance consulting and networking opportunities.

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County of San Diego Resources

Many businesses that operate a business in the City of San Diego must also work with several County of San Diego agencies to successfully complete the process of opening a business. For instance, many businesses will need to file a fictitious business name through the County.

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State of California Resources

Many City of San Diego businesses will need to work with state agencies if they intend to incorporate their business, sell alcohol and other goods, hire employees, etc.

  • Resale Number - Seller's Permit
    State Board of Equalization
    1350 Front St., Room 5047
    San Diego, CA 92101-3612
    Tel: (619) 525-4526, Fax: (619) 525-4548

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U.S. Federal Government Resources

The federal government provides a host of pertinent information and services to small businesses, including consulting services, tax information, export information and wage and hour information.

  • Income Tax Information
    Internal Revenue Service
    880 Front St., First Floor
    San Diego, CA 92188
    Information: (800) 829-1040
    Forms and Publications: (800) 829-3676
    (The IRS' small business tax guide is an invaluable tool for tax planning)
  • Employment Eligibility
    Immigration and Naturalization Services
    880 Front St., Room 1S13
    San Diego, CA 92188
    (800) 755-0777
  • Export Information
    Department of Commerce
    6363 Greenwich Drive, Suite 230
    San Diego, CA 92122-3939
    (619) 557-5395
  • Import & Customs
    U.S. Customs Service
    Airport and Seaport (619) 557-5370
    Otay Mesa Border (619) 661-3281
    San Ysidro Border (619) 662-7201
    Tecate Border (619) 478-5356
  • Wage & Hour Information
    Department of Labor
    5675 Ruffin Road, Suite 320
    San Diego, CA 92123-5378
    (619) 557-5606
  • Social Security Information
    Social Security Administration
    880 Front St., Suite 1265
    San Diego, CA 92188
    Tel: (800) 772-1213, Fax: (619) 557-5722
  • Small Business Services
    Small Business Administration
    550 West C Street, Suite 550
    San Diego, CA 92101
    (619) 557-7250
    Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) Consulting Services
    (619) 557-7272

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Financial Resources

Several financial resources exist for small businesses in San Diego. However, loans are generally not available to start-ups. Most loan programs require that businesses have at least one year of history.

  • Loan Programs
    CDC Small Business Finance Corporation
    Tel: (619) 291-3594, Fax: (619) 291-6954
  • California Southern Small Business Development Corp.
    State of California Loan Guarantee Program
    Tel: (619) 232-7771, Fax: (619) 232-6743
  • Southeastern Economic Development Corp. (SEDC)/Revolving Loan Fund
    Tel: (619) 527-7345, Fax: (619) 263-6912
  • Micro Loans
    ACCION San Diego (requires at least six months of business operation)
    Tel: (619) 685-1380, Fax: (619) 685-1470
  • Matching Grant Programs
    Storefront Improvement Program
    City of San Diego, Office of Small Business
    Tel: (619) 685-1390, Fax (619) 685-1391

For more detailed information on financial resources for businesses, visit the Business Finance page on this site. For any additional questions, contact the City's Office of Small Business.
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