Business Resources
Small Business Tools & Guides
Practical information to help entrepreneurs start, manage, strengthen, and grow their businesses with greater confidence.
General information only:
These resources are provided for educational purposes and do not replace advice from a licensed attorney, accountant, tax professional, or regulatory agency.
California & Federal Resources
Start, operate, and protect your business.
Use these official resources to understand common licensing, registration, tax, employment, and federal compliance requirements.
California CalGOLD
Find permits, licenses, and registrations required for businesses operating in California.
Visit CalGold →
California Secretary of State
Register LLCs and corporations, file statements of information, and manage official business filings.
Visit bizfile Online →
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
Access sales tax permits, tax information, registration services, and other business resources.
Visit CDTFA →
California Employment Development Department
Find employer registration, payroll tax, workforce, and employee-related resources.
Visit California EDD →
U.S. Small Business Administration
Explore federal business guides, regulations, compliance information, financing, and support programs.
Visit SBA →
U.S. Department of Labor
Review federal labor laws, wage requirements, workplace standards, and employer compliance information.
Visit the Department of Labor →
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Access employment eligibility and immigration-related information relevant to U.S. employers.
Visit USCIS →
California & Federal Resources
Start, operate, and protect your business.
Use these official resources to understand common licensing, registration, tax, employment, and federal compliance requirements.
GO-Biz International Affairs & Trade
California export assistance, international trade programs, and investment resources.
Explore GO-Biz →
California STEP
Export grants, trade missions, trade shows, export vouchers, and business training.
Explore California STEP →
California Export Assistance Ecosystem
Find export advisors and resources for logistics, compliance, financing, and market entry.
View the Resource Directory →
U.S. Commercial Service
Access market research, international buyer connections, trade counseling, and trade missions.
Visit Trade.gov →
SBA Export & Trade Assistance
Find export counseling, financing resources, and local Export Assistance Centers.
Explore SBA Export Support →
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Review customs procedures, import and export requirements, and border trade compliance.
Visit CBP Trade →
Export-Import Bank of the United States
Explore export financing tools and credit insurance for qualified U.S. businesses.
Visit EXIM →
USMCA Information
Understand rules of origin, trade benefits, and compliance requirements under the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement.
Explore USMCA Guidance →
San Diego & Imperial District Export Council
Connect with regional export mentoring, education, and international business support.