Starting and Growing a Business in Fresno County

 

Starting and Running a Small Business

  • U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Presents a startup kit as well as counseling and training resources
  • SCORE Get free, confidential business advice from an expert via email. Find a counselor in Fresno
  • Fresno City provides The FresnoStartUp Guide, a checklist for beginning entrepreneurs in English and Spanish
  • My Own Business: A free online class on How to Start A Business
  • Entrepreneur.com Online and print (the Library has it) small business publication. Information to help start, grow or manage a small business
  • How E-Commerce Works: Learn how to build and implement an e-commerce web site and the accompanying challenges and benefits

Business Plans

  • Yahoo! Small Business. The "process" of creating a business plan is as valuable as the end product itself.

Finance

Licenses, Permits, and Fictitious names

Various permits and/or licenses may be required, depending on the type of new business. Generally, a city business tax certificate or permit is required within city limits. Certain types of businesses may require additional permits. Information on these certificates and permits in the City of Fresno.

Contact the City Hall of other cities in Fresno County:

A special business permit may be required in unincorporated areas of Fresno County. Contact the Auditor Controller/Tax Controller, Treasurers Division, 2281 Tulare Street, Room 105, P.O. Box 1247, Fresno, CA 93715-1247. 559-600-3487.

Customers and Suppliers

  • ReferenceUSA: Use this subscription database to prepare customized business lists complete with contact names, mailing lists of consumers, and to locate sources of goods and services. (From outside the library with library card)
  • City of Fresno Bids Online vendors register and receive automated service and commodity solicitations via email
  • California Department of General Services: a one-stop information source for state contracting opportunities.
  • U.S. Export Assistance Center of Fresno: helps with market research, finding international partners an more
  • ThomasNet.com: for suppliers of industrial information, products, services, CAD drawings, and more…

Further enhance your business knowledge with Fresno County Public Library’s printed materials. Browse library shelves and the online catalog to find titles such as Start Your Own E-Business and Weekend Entrepreneur. At the Library read the latest business news from newspapers and magazines such as The Business Journal and Business Week. Ask librarians about other excellent resources.