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
- Valley Small Business Development Corporation, Fresno helps farmers and small business people apply to over ten lending sources.
- Small Business Information Center provides a wealth of ideas on financing new businesses
- Fresno Community Development Financial Institution provides micro-finance services, credit counseling, business development, training, and asset development for low- and moderate-income residents and businesspersons.
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.
- Fresno County. Department of Public Works and Planning. Online Building Permits - Apply for some types of permits and obtain telephone numbers for others
- Fresno County Clerk - Register a fictitious business name in Fresno County.
- California State Board of Equalization - Seller's Permit Application and other sales and use tax information
- CalGOLD: Business Permits Made Simple provides detailed information on the above and all other California business permit, license and registration requirements from all levels of government. Search this database by location and by type of business.
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.
