Welcome to the world of entrepreneurs. This can be a very exciting and scary process at the same time. Here are a few resources and information that can help you in your path to success. Please be sure to look at the other resources section at the end. It is full of great organizations and services that are available to you.

Basic Steps for Starting Your Own Business

Step 1: Your Business Plan
Developing a business plan is widely considered to be the most important thing you do before going into business.

Download a business startup kit at www.startupkits.com, entering 95014 in the discount code field to receive a 10% discount.

The website has all the forms and simplified information needed to start a business and comply with government requirements.


Step 2: Financing Your Business
Many entrepreneurs seek financing from commercial lenders; SBA loans are one of the most common.


Step 3: Fictitious Business Name
Register your business name, after doing a search at the Superior Court Building to make sure it is not already being used. It protects you from others who might be using the same name and prevents your competition from using your name in the future.

Clerk-Recorder's Office - Business Division
70 West Hedding St., East Wing, 1st Fl.
San Jose CA 95110
(408) 299-5665
www.clerkrecorder.org


Step 4: Local, State, & Federal Business Licenses
Depending on what you plan to do there are many different types of business licenses. Check with the city, county, and state where you will be doing business in.

City of Cupertino Business License Department
10300 Torre Ave.
Cupertino CA 95014
(408) 777-3221
www.cupertino.org

Tax Collector's Office
70 West Hedding St., East Wing, 6th Fl.
San Jose CA 95110
(408) 808-7900
www.sccgov.org

The Secretary of State’s Office
1500 11th St., 3rd Fl.
Sacramento CA 95814
(916) 654-7960
www.ss.ca.gov


Step 5: Join the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce
Join the chamber and reap the benefits of chamber membership: promoting and enhancing your business.

Cupertino Chamber of Commerce
20455 Silverado Ave.
Cupertino CA 95014
(408) 252-7054


Other Important Facts
You must file your state business taxes separately if you are a partnership or corporation. If you are a sole proprietorship, you file through your personal income taxes. Contact the Franchise Tax Board at (800) 338-0505.

If you are self-employed your social security contribution is made through the self-employment tax. Contact the Internal Revenue Service at (800) 829-1040.

You will need a seller's permit or a resale number if you plan to sell products.
Contact the State Board of Equalization at (800) 400-7115.

If you have employees, you are required to have an employer identification number (EIN). You may also get one if you prefer not to use your Social Security number in business transactions. Contact the Internal Revenue Service at (800) 829-1040.

You are required to carry workers' compensation insurance if you have employees. You can obtain a policy from many private insurance companies or from the State Compensation Insurance Fund.

If you have paid more than $100 in wages to an employee in a given calendar quarter, you are required to withhold taxes for state disability insurance, personal income taxes, unemployment insurance, and employment training. You must register for an employment account number. Contact the Employment Development Department at (800) 480-3287.

Under certain circumstances, you are required to withhold income tax and Social Security (FICA), be liable for your employee's portion of Social Security taxes, and pay federal unemployment tax. Contact the Internal Revenue Service at (800) 829-1040.

Other Resources
How to Start and Manage a Small Business Workshop
The Small Business Administration hosts this workshop every third Wed. of the month to help business owners in the community.
(408) 288-8479

SCORE
The Service of Retired Executives (SCORE) is a FREE volunteer management-counseling program sponsored by the SBA, comprised of active and retired business executives who volunteer their time counseling and advising small business owners on many aspects of starting and better managing their businesses.
(408) 288-8479

To make an appointment at the Chamber, please call (408) 252-7054.

Silicon Valley Small Business Development Centers
Free consulting services for those of you who may experience problems in growing or expanding your business.
(408) 736-0680


Other Important Phone Numbers
Alcoholic Beverage Control (408) 277-1200
Building Remodeling (408) 777-3228
California Department of Commerce - Office of Small Business (916) 324-1295
Concealed Weapons(408) 777-3182
Cupertino Building Division(408) 777-3228
Cupertino City Clerk (408) 777-3223
Cupertino Finance Division(408) 777-3221
Cupertino Planning Division(408) 777-3308
Day Care Licensing (408) 277-1286
Employer Payroll Taxes (408) 277-9400
Home Office / Regular Office Zoning Approval (408) 777-3308
Import(408) 291-7388
Patent Office (408) 730-7290
SBA Cisco Systems San Jose Entrepreneur Center (408) 494-0210
Sign Approvals(408) 777-3308


Other Website Resources
Business Owners' Idea Cafe
www.ideacafe.com

Business Start-up Kits