was recently talking to a friend who works at a local nonprofit, David’s Harp Foundation. They mentor at-risk youth in music production, audio engineering, video, and photography. They now have a new program helping young people start their own businesses. But navigating the process can be a little confusing if you don’t do a ton of research first.
I remember going through the same process nine years ago when I started Rachel K Group. It was not easy to figure out what to do and in what order. So I put together this simple list.
To be fully legit, even as a sole proprietor, these are the 10 steps you should follow before starting to offer your products or services here in America’s Finest City.10 Steps to Starting Your New Business1. Decide what name you want to do business as.
If using your legal, personal name, you don’t need to file for a DBA (doing business as), aka FBN (fictitious business name).
2. Make sure your DBA/FBN isn’t already taken.
If using a fictitious name, search the San Diego directory from the County Assessor’s office and search California’s list of business names.
3. Determine your business address.
If you don’t have a brick and mortar business and don’t want to use your home address, consider getting an address from a local postal store.
4. Determine your entity structure.
Besides doing a Google search, I recommend having a conversation with a business attorney like Sam Mazzeo from Better who specializes in small businesses. Most offer free consultations.
5.Fill out an FBN application.
Complete the Fictitious Business Name application.
6. Get your application notarized.
Most banks have a notary and offer this as a free service if you have an account with them. Many postal centers also offer this service for a small fee.
7. Turn in your paperwork in person.
You can mail in your application, but I recommend walking into an office. See office locations and hours here. There is a $42 filing fee for the first name / business owner and $5 for each additional name / business owner. While you’re there, ask the filing clerk for instructions on publishing your name.
8. Publish your DBA in a newspaper of general circulation within 30 days.
When you turn in your FBN application, you’ll get instructions on how to do this. For example, you can run an ad in Uptown Examiner.
9. File for an EIN.
Regardless of what entity structure you decide on, it’s a good idea to get an Employee Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS website.
10. Apply for a business license.
This is required if you are doing business in an incorporated city in San Diego. Click here for San Diego proper or Google your city’s requirements.That’s it! We hope you find this list helpful and if there’s anything we can do to help, just give us a shout!
Photo credit: Bauman Photographers