Registration and Accounting

You may need a business license from the county or city in which your business is located. Your business name may also need to be registered with the state. Your own sales tax number, and a separate business bank account might be required in your particular type of business.

If You Have Employees

You may also be responsible for:

• Withholding state and federal income and social security taxes
• Complying with employee health and safety laws
• Minimum wage laws

Raising and Borrowing Money

The ability to raise and secure appropriate financing is key to a successful business start-up and expansion. Explore all options before making a decision about the best way to raise capital. These may include personal savings, friends/family, banks/credit unions, and venture capital firms. If you need to obtain a loan, be prepared and organized because lending institutions generally require fully secured loans and sufficient commitment of capital by the borrower.

Some links in the Sonoma County Business Assistance Guide may take you to sites that the county does not maintain or control. The County of Sonoma does not warrant the accuracy of the information contained in such sites, and the content of such sites does not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards, or policies of the County of Sonoma. You should independently verify the accuracy of any information or representation on such sites before relying upon them.

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