WHAT WE OFFER BUSINESSES LIKE YOURS

*Exposure and referrals to new customers
*Business contacts
*Members can meet and network with potential customers at monthly mixers.
*Small business aids and education
*New business services such as banners, publicity, etc.
*Space in the city's Visitor Information Center for your brochures
*Speaking for business to government at all levels

FORMS OF BUSINESS

Sole Proprietorship
A business owned by a single person who receives all profits and takes all risks.

General Partnership
A written agreement of two or more persons as co-owners of a business for profit who are equally liable for the business.

Limited Partnership
A written agreement between one of more general partners whose liability is unlimited and one or more limited partners whose liability is limited to the amount of capital they have contributed to the firm.

Corporation
An independent legal and tax entity which continues as an organization even if its officers, directors and/or stockholders, change.

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

City Level

The Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce provides referrals for member services and products on request.
We also offer business and community information. We sponsor monthly business after-hour mixers to give our members an opportunity to network, share information, and learn about opportunities. The Chamber also works with the city government on an ongoing basis to improve the local business climate.

The California Chamber of Commerce works in Sacramento to represent California businesses on issues such as taxes, workers compensation benefits, business liability, insurance reforms...just to name a few. The California Chamber of Commerce also publishes books and holds seminars to help business owners deal with labor laws and environmental regulations which increasingly affect all businesses.

BUSINESS EDUCATION
Many community colleges, adult schools, and universities offer business classes in areas such as financial planning, market research, preparing feasibility studies, accounting systems, planning, budgeting, advertising and management.

BUSINESS COUNSELING

A. Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce

1. Join the Chamber at this time for the many benefits, services, and contact making opportunities for new members.
2. Gather names of reputable persons to assist you.
3. Obtain Community Economic Profile and other basic information from the Chamber's Economic Development Department.
4. Set up appointment for free counseling with Small Business Administration sponsored by SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)

B. Essential Business Contacts

C. You should also consider contacting one or more of the following experts:

1. Management Consultant/Business Counselors
2. Accountant
3. Banker
4. Insurance Agent/Broker
5. Lawyer

LICENSES

A. State
California boards regulate professional and vocational standards and issue licenses and certificates to businesses or operators of business that are in certain categories.

Contact: Department of Justice (213) 736-2304, for a referral to the proper regulatory agency.

B. County
If a business is opened in an unincorporated area, the owner should check with the county as to the requirements for a business license.

Contact: County Clerk
San Luis Obispo County Government Building
1144 Monterey
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 781-5000

C. City
A business license is usually required by the city for any business conducted within the city. If a business locates within the city limits of Pismo Beach, additional approval may be required i.e., signs, zoning etc. Check with the City Planning Departments at the Civic Center.

Contact: City Clerk, City of Pismo Beach
760 Mattie Rd.
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(805) 773-4657

D. Ficticious Business Name
The owner of a proprietorship or partnership who invents a fictitious name (one other than their own) for the business, must clear the name through the County Clerk to ensure that no one else is using it. Once cleared, the owner should have it printed in newspapers of specified circulation. A person can be in business no more than 40 days before they must file. They need to refile if the business changes location or ownership. Fee required.

Contact: County Clerk
San Luis Obispo Government Center
1144 Monterey St
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 781-5000

LOCATING A BUSINESS

A. Lease
Leasing a building is one of the most common procedures used to locate a business. Check zoning and obtain a sign permit prior to a final decision on location.

Contact: A reputable Realtor.

B. Build or Renovate
If you intend to build or extensively renovate an existing structure, check with City Hall to ensure that you have complied with local regulations.

Contact: Planning Department
City of Pismo Beach
760 Mattie Rd.
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(805) 773-4657

TAXES, EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS & PROGRAMS

A. Federal

1. Estimated Tax
All businesses are subject to taxation by the Federal Government. In addition to annual income reporting, you may be required to file quarterly estimate payments based on business profits. If you chose the partnership or corporation as your business entity, or if you have one or more employees, you must acquire an Employers Identification Number by filing Form SS-4.

Contact: Internal Revenue Service
For:
Tax assistance call: (800) 829-1040
Federal Tax forms: (800) 828-3676
Inquiries: (800) 929-1040

2. Employee Status Verification
Under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all employers must verify status of new hires. An I-9 form is required for compliance with this regulation. You may pick up a copy of this form at the Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce, or:

Contact: U.S. Border Patrol
P.O. Box 1486
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406
(805) 543-6222

1. Sales/Use Tax
Those who sell tangible personal property must obtain a seller's permit and identification number from the state. Additionally, if you buy items for use in your business from and out-of-state supplier, you may be charged a use tax by California.

Contact: State Board of Equalization
1301 Grand Ave. Ste. 115
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 489-6293

2. Payroll
Any employer having one or more employees in excess of $100 in wages during any calendar quarter is subject to the California's Unemployment Insurance and must register with the Employment Development Department within 15 days after hiring the first employee.

Contact: Employment Tax District Office
3220 S. Higuera St. Ste 301
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 549-3388

3. Employee Requirements & Programs; Required Reporting of Hires & Rehires.

Effective April 1, 1993, all employers with five or more employees must report all hires and rehires to the Employment Development Department.

The local office of the Employment Development Department can also give you important information on wage/hour laws, equal employment opportunities, and requirements for hiring employees qualified for job tax credits.

Contact: Employment Development Dept.
3196 S. Higuera St.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 544-9050
Hrs.: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

INSURANCE

Before opening you door, you should check with a competent insurance representative who knows the needs of a small business. Some of the types of insurance you should consider are:

1. Worker's Compensation (one or more employees)
2. Liability (personal, products, completed operations, professional)
3. Sales Tax Bond
4. Fire or Property Insurance
5. Automobile
6. Bonds (performance/security)
7. Personal Disability


Contact: A reputable Insurance Broker/Agent.

Workers Compensation is also available through a state agency.

Contact: State Compensation Insurance Fund
669 County Square Drive
P.O. Box 25280
Ventura, CA 93002-5280
(805) 644-4300

A. Starting Capital

A two or three year monthly cash flow projection should be made to determine capital and financing needs. Different sources for capital are:

1. Savings
2. Borrow from friends, banks or Small Business Administration Guaranteed Loan
3. Take a partner with capital
4. Incorporate and sell shares of stock
5. Home equity

1. Rent
2. Starting Inventory
3. Salaries
4. Redecorating, equipping and repairing
5. Organizing Costs
6. Insurance premiums
7. Taxes and Licenses
8. Attorney, management consultant and accountant counseling fees
9. Utilities
10. Miscellaneous (advertising, printing cost, etc)

C. SBA Loan For Business Expansion, Renovation, & Relocation

(90% financing for projects $125,000 and up)

Contact: Small Business Assistance Center P.O. Box 8106 San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8106

D. Working Capital or Business Purchase Financing

Contact: You local active bank. Ask about SBA 7A loans.

E. Export Line of Credit

Contact: Your local bank and US Small Business Administration Central Development Coast Development Corp.

A. Small Business Assistance

1. "Checklist for Going into Business"
2. "Steps in Incorporating a Business"
3. "Site Evaluation for Small Retailers"
4. "Appraising the Market for the Services you Offer"
5. Check with the Small Business Administration for sources for your business.


Contact: Small Business Administration 330 N. Brand Blvd. Glendale, CA 91203 (213) 894-2956 or 57, 58, 65

The library has information relevant to many business areas.

Contact: South County Library 800 W. Branch Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 (805) 473-7161

The Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce also maintains a library for its members containing SBA informational material including pamphlets and forms helpful in business startup and maintenance.

PISMO BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Chamber can help you in may ways.

A. Publicity for your Openings

New members of the Chamber of Commerce receive a ribbon cutting that is printed in the newspaper to alert the community about your business. Along with this, the Chamber of Commerce also has a "Grand Opening" sign that members can use to attract attention to their new business. Opportunities to host a mixer can make a "Grand" Celebration for your opening.

The Chamber of Commerce offers many networking opportunities through mixers, luncheons and business expos. Join a committee and you not only get to be involved with the community, you can get the community involved in your business.

C. Business Advice

Receive information about Small Business especially legislative issues that could potentially effect your business.