California Small Business & Workforce Resources
California’s small businesses drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen local communities. The State offers a broad network of agencies and programs designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and sustain their businesses. Whether you’re registering your company, navigating taxes, hiring staff, or accessing capital, these resources can help you every step of the way.
Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA)
Website: calosba.ca.gov
Statewide network of small business technical assistance centers
Guidance on funding, certification, and disaster recovery
Programs supporting innovation and equity for emerging entrepreneurs
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA)
Website: cdtfa.ca.gov
Sales and use tax registration and return filing
Online account management and electronic payments
Local offices for in-person assistance
Secretary of State – Business Programs Division
Website: sos.ca.gov
Business formation (LLC, corporation, partnership)
Entity search and trademark registration
Step-by-step filing guides and forms
Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz)
Website: business.ca.gov
Business incentives and tax credit programs
Site selection and permitting assistance
International trade and investment support
Employment Training Panel (ETP)
Website: etp.ca.gov
Business and labor-supported state agency that funds the costs of vocational training
Provides funds to California employers through two systems: Cal-E-Force (Contract & Alternative Funds) and Cal-E-Grants (Grant Funds)
Offers additional incentives to assist small businesses and employers in high-unemployment areas of the state
Employment Development Department (EDD)
Website: edd.ca.gov
Employer registration and payroll tax management through e-Services for Business
Guidance on unemployment insurance and layoff alternatives
Recruitment assistance and employee training via America’s Job Center of California (AJCC)
Additional State Agencies Supporting Business and Workforce Success
Franchise Tax Board (FTB)
Website: ftb.ca.gov
File and pay business income taxes
Stay in good standing for state contracts and certifications
Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)
Website: dca.ca.gov
Oversees 36 licensing boards and bureaus
Licensing and enforcement for contractors, barbers, accountants, and other trades
Consumer protection and complaint resolution
Department of Financial Protection & Innovation (DFPI)
Website: dfpi.ca.gov
Licensing and oversight for lenders, securities, and financial products
Information on franchise investment laws
Financial literacy and small business capital resources
Department of Industrial Relations (DIR)
Website: dir.ca.gov
Compliance guidance on wage, hour, and labor laws
Cal/OSHA workplace safety standards
Resources for employers on workers’ compensation
Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Website: cslb.ca.gov
Verify contractor licenses and classifications
Guidance for obtaining or maintaining a license
Educational resources for contractors and consumers
Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)
Website: cdfa.ca.gov
Programs for food safety, organic certification, and marketing
Grants and technical assistance for agricultural businesses
Department of Insurance (CDI)
Website: insurance.ca.gov
Licensing for insurance agents and brokers
Business insurance compliance and consumer protection
Labor & Workforce Development Agency (LWDA)
Website: labor.ca.gov
Oversight of labor standards and worker protections
Apprenticeship and job training programs
Labor law education for employers
California Department of Real Estate (DRE)
Website: dre.ca.gov
Licenses real estate professionals (brokers and salespersons)
Administers licensing exams at centers across California
Publishes compliance materials, registration rules, and licensing guides
San Diego & Imperial Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Website: sdivsbdc.org
Business planning, marketing, and financing support
Access to capital and government contracting help
Workshops and one-on-one counseling
Working Together for California’s Business Community
From licensing and compliance to workforce development and innovation, California’s agencies are dedicated to helping small businesses succeed. Explore the links above or connect with your local Small Business Development Center to get started.
San Diego County Business Resources
San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce
Website: sdchamber.org
Represents 2,000+ businesses and 300,000 employees
Provides networking opportunities, policy advocacy, and leadership development (LEAD San Diego)
Hosts 70+ events annually to connect businesses with leaders and resources
San Diego County Business Licenses
Website: sandiegocounty.gov
Official county website for business license requirements
San Diego North Economic Development Council
Website: sdnedc.org
Assists with site selection, permitting, and incentive programs
Connects businesses to chambers, officials, and partners for growth
City of San Diego Business Resources
City of San Diego Economic Development Department
Website: sandiego.gov
Oversees airport management, cultural affairs, real estate, and strategic partnerships
Drives economic growth and vitality across the region
Technical support: site-selection assistance, permitting help, and fee reduction services
Specialized initiatives: business walks, nonprofit partnerships, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs/MADs/PBIDs), and the Small Business Advisory Board
City of Escondido Business Resources
City of Escondido Economic Development Department
Website: escondido.gov
Step-by-step startup checklist
Links to permits, zoning info, and business licenses
Escondido Chamber of Commerce
Website: escondidochamber.org/
Over 100 years of supporting local businesses
Networking events like Wake Up Escondido and Business After 5
City of San Marcos Business Resources
City of San Marcos Economic Development Department
Website: sanmarcosca.gov
Assistance with starting a business, site selection, permitting and development assistance
Access to business liaison services, internship placement, demographic statistics
San Marcos Chamber of Commerce
Website: sanmarcoschamber.com
400+ members supporting local businesses
Offers networking, leadership programs, and advocacy
Enhances visibility and community engagement opportunities
