Start-Up Assistance
Getting Started: A great way to get started is to stop by the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce and pick up a New Business Packet. It includes a wide variety of information and handouts about starting a business in Sonoma Valley.
Your Business Location: For information about zoning, permits, and other issues related to the location of your business, please refer to New Location FAQs.
Business License: Anyone who operates a business in the city limits of Sonoma, whether permanently or one time only, needs a business license. Some of the information you provide is public; some of it is kept confidential. Your business license is renewable every year. Contact the City Clerk's office at 707.938.3681 or visit the counter at City Hall. If your business is located in the unincorporated area of Sonoma County, a business license is not required. However, if you plan to conduct business within the city limits (for example, landscaping), you would still need a city license.
Seller's Permit: If your business involves selling products, you will need a Resale Number from the State Board of Equalization. This allows you to purchase inventory from suppliers without paying taxes. It does require that you charge sales tax to your customers, which you are responsible for remitting to the State. Contact the State Board's regional office in Santa Rosa at 707.576.2100 or you can drop by the office located at 50 D Street, Santa Rosa, Room 230.
Fictitious Business Name: If you plan to use a fictitious business name (something other than your personal legal name), first check to see if anyone else is using that name by contacting the Sonoma County Clerk at 2300 County Center Drive, Suite B-177, Santa Rosa, or by calling 707.565.3800. The County Clerk's staff will also be able to provide you with a Fictitious Business Name Statement form, if you need one.
Alcohol Sales: Alcohol sales require special permitting. First check with the Planning Division (if you are locating in the city limits) or PRMD (in the unincorporated area) to determine if the zone your site is in allows alcohol sales. Then, contact the State's Alcohol Beverage Control Board to obtain an actual license.
Federal and State Identification Numbers: If you are planning to employ one or more persons, you must apply for a State Employer's Identification Number. You can obtain this in the building housing state offices at 50 D Street in Santa Rosa, Room 415, or by calling 707.576.2094. Helpful information for employers is available from the State's Employment Development Department. You can get your Federal Identification Number by contacting the Internal Revenue Service Business Tax Line at 1.800.829.1040, or calling the local office in Santa Rosa at 707.523.0924. You can get it in person at 777 Sonoma Avenue, Santa Rosa, between the hours of 8:30 and 4:30 weekdays. If you prefer, you can download forms from the IRS website .
Additional requirements: In addition to the information listed here and under the New Location FAQs, there are other requirements that may apply to your business. A good source of information about requirements for new businesses, searchable by type of business, can be found at the State's CalGold website. Other good websites to visit for general information about starting a new business are the U.S. Small Business Administration , the California Business Portal, (publications include a guide to "Setting Up a Business in California") and Sonoma County Business Services.
Key to Success:
Your Business Plan
The "Tools for Business Success" website hosted by the Sonoma County Economic Development Board provides valuable information about developing your business plan.
SCORE provides free one-on-one counseling to start-ups by retired business executives who specialize in a variety of industries. Call (707) 571-8342 to request an appointment. SCORE also provides a variety of workshops for start-ups, including one on opening and operating a restaurant.
The So You Want To Start A Business workshop series at the local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is another great way to get started on your business plan. The program includes three consecutive workshops that cover planning, marketing, financing, and legal issues. The SBDC also offers an intensive NxLevel StartUp program for entrepreneurs and a variety of workshops, including product development for inventors.
