Do market research and create a business plan.  A business plan will help determine every aspect of your business from sales, to marketing, to advertising, to training, to location.  Need help?  Visit the U.S. Small Business Administration website to find a tutorial on how to create business plan.  

Looking for one-on-one help?  Both the Sierra Small Business Development Center (Sierra SBDC) and SCORE offer one-on-one counseling and mentoring services.

Another option to consider is consulting with private legal, financial and accounting professionals about your specific situation.

It costs money to start a business.  Need some guidance?  Visit the U.S. Small Business Administration's website.

Determining your business structure is an important aspect of how your business will be managed and could have an impact on your taxes. Visit the California Secretary of State's website to help you decide on which entity is right for your business.

If you have chosen to start a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a Corporation, a Limited Partnership (LP), a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) or a General Partnership (GP), you will need to register your business with the California Secretary of State.  

Choosing a business name can be one of the most important decisions you can make when starting your business.  This will be what people will remember your business by.  Individuals and entities may be required to file a Fictitious Business Name (FBN) statement with the Plumas County Clerk-Recorder.  You can call their office at (530) 283-6218 to schedule an appointment.  

Not sure where to open your business?  Check with local real estate agencies, or visit the Governor's Office of Economic Development (GO-Biz).  

Business licenses are not required in any area of Plumas County with the exception of Portola (you are required to obtain a business license if you own or operate a business with the city limits.  Visit the City of Portola website for details).  

Many businesses require other types of licenses or permits.  To verify if your business is subject to these requirements, visit the CalGOLD website and the Department of Consumer Affairs website.

Having employees can get complicated.  Visit the State of California Department of Industrial Relations for detailed information on your responsibilities.

You will also need to set up an employers account with the Economic Development Department (EDD) and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN).  

The State of California has created a one-stop shop for tax assistance for new businesses called the California Tax Service Center.

You've come this far, how about joining the Quincy Chamber of Commerce to work for YOU?  Join today and you'll get a free website, free advertising and a free mobile app!  Click here to go straight to our membership link!

Certain entities are required to file a Statement of Information within specific periods of time.  Visit the Secretary of State's website for more information.