Every business starts with an idea. Preparation and planning are the first step to making your idea a profitable business. Prepare for your success by doing the following:

• Do research on demographics and competition to validate your idea. Ask yourself, “What problem does this business solve?” “Who is my target market?” “What makes me different than my competitors?”
• Create a business plan which outlines your company description, product or services, market analysis, financing, marketing strategy, operations plan, implementation and beyond.

If you would like assistance with writing your business plan, you can find helpful resources and free business consulting services through the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC’s) website.

Decide which business structure is best for your business. Common types: Sole Proprietorship, Corporation, Limited Liability Company (LLC), Partnership (Limited, Limited Liability, and General.)

Each type has different legal and tax implications. You can find guidance on the California Secretary of State’s Starting a Business Checklist.

Visit bizfile Online to find the forms and fee schedules to register your business with the Secretary of State’s office.

If you plan to name your business something other than your last name, or if your business has more than one owner, you must file a Fictious Business Name with the Santa Barbara County Clerk-Recorder’s office and publish it in a newspaper. For more information regarding filing and publication requirements, visit the County Clerk-Recorder’s website.

State Income Tax (FTB)

Visit the Franchise Tax Board to learn about state tax requirements for doing business in California.

State Payroll Taxes (EDD)

If you will be an employer, you have obligations such as payroll taxes, wage withholding requirements, state disability insurance and unemployment insurance.

Visit the State of California Employment Development Department (EDD) to find out more information on the requirements as an employer.

Federal Taxes (IRS)

Does your business have employees? If yes, you will need an Employer’s Identification Number (EIN). An EIN is your Federal Tax ID. It is like a personal social security number for your business. An EIN is also used to pay federal taxes, open bank accounts, and apply for business licenses and permits. You will apply for an EIN with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

If you are a sole proprietorship and do not have any employees, you are not required to obtain an EIN and may use their Social Security Number for tax filing purposes instead.

Having a separate business bank account can provide protection and simplify accounting and taxes. 

Business account types include checking accounts, savings accounts, credit card accounts, and merchant services accounts that allow you to accept credit and debit card transactions. You’ll need a tax identification number such as an EIN or SSN (for sole proprietors) to open your account.

Please note, the documents required to open an account may vary by institution.

Your business location is vital to your success. REACH Central Coast offers an online tool to help you find currently available commercial and industrial property. Click here to access REACH's interactive property locator tool.

Once you find a potential location, contact the City’s Planning Department at planningcounter@cityofgoleta.gov or (805) 961-7556 to inquire whether your proposed business use is allowable at a particular address before you commit to any long-term lease or property purchase.

You will also need to contact local utility providers to set up electric, water, sewer, trash, gas, and internet services.

The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has a permitting tool to help you figure out appropriate permit information for your business. Visit CalGold to find out more.

See a list below for common types of permits you may need.

Goleta Business License

The nature of your business will determine what types of permits, licenses and certificates you will need. Visit our Business License Program page for information on general and specialty business licensing. Please note, a specialty business license is required for the following types of businesses:

• Cannabis Retail
• Firearms Retail
• Massage Establishments
• Massage Technicians
• Short-Term Vacation Rentals
• Taxicab Operators
• Tobacco Retail

For questions on your Goleta business license, please contact the City’s Business License Specialist at businesslicense@cityofgoleta.gov or (805) 562-5503.

Building Permits

Do you plan on making any tenant improvements or construction? If so, contact the City’s Building and Safety Division at buildinggroup@cityofgoleta.gov or (805) 961-7552 for more information.

Sellers Permit

If you plan to sell tangible goods, including retail and wholesale, you are required to obtain a Seller’s Permit from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).

Food Vendors

If you intend to produce or sell food, visit the County of Santa Barbara Public Health Department’s website for all appropriate permits.

Alcohol License

If you wish to sell alcoholic beverages, you will need to apply for a license through the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).

Accidents, natural disasters, and lawsuits can put you out of business. If you have business property or employees, you are legally required to carry some of these insurance policies.

More information is available online through the California Department of Insurance.

Please note, the City of Goleta requires all inflatable bouncer of attraction vendors to provide a copy of their liability insurance on file. For more information, please see our Bouncer and Attraction Policy.

Open your doors for business and begin getting involved!

Get connected with the local business community and other networks:

• Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce: The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce proudly represents 1,100 businesses and 75,000 jobs spanning Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Goleta, and the surrounding areas. Their mission is to champion businesses, foster economic growth, and enhance tourism and visitor services.
• Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: The Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce aims to foster the economic vitality and prosperity of the Hispanic business community in the Santa Barbara area.
• Economic Development Collaborative (EDC): The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) is a private non-profit that fosters economic development in the greater Santa Barbara and Ventura area. The EDC has a variety of programs that aim to help economic growth in the region, with many providing resources for businesses in the region.
• Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV): Women's Economic Ventures (WEV) is a non-profit organization dedicated to economically empowering women. WEV provides a wealth of resources for people in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties such as small business funding. 
• California Small Business Center Network: The California Small Business Center Network is a network of small business technical assistance centers in over 30 languages that provide no-cost one-on-one consulting and low-cost training services and programs to small businesses and entrepreneurs. They have expert advisors on hand that can assist with all stages of your business including startup business plans, access to financing, growth, resiliency plans, e-commerce, marketing, and more.

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