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Checklist for Starting a Business

Develop a Business Plan

The nearby Small Business Development Center has been established to help business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to succeed. Their goal for new business owners is to help them do the careful planning required to minimize the risks of launching a new enterprise. Stanislaus River Valley Small Business Development Center provides professional business counseling, excellent low cost workshops, information and resources, and an annual Rx for Business program.

Stanislaus River Valley Small Business Development Center
1020 10th St., Suite 102
Modesto, CA 95354
(209) 567-4910
Fax: (209) 567-4955
Visit us at www.alliancesbdc.com

Join your local Chamber of Commerce

The Turlock Chamber of Commerce functions as a trade association for member businesses and professionals. Their services to members include business education and promotion, legislative advocacy, referrals, networking opportunities, community/business events and being the primary source for community information. One of the first things a new business owner should do is join the Chamber and take advantage of its networking and referral opportunities.

Turlock Chamber of Commerce
115 South Golden State Blvd.
Turlock, CA 95380
(209) 632-2221
Fax: (209) 632-5289

Consult with Necessary Professionals

As a business owner, you will want to establish a relationship with several outside professionals. You will need to set up bookkeeping procedures, choose your legal structure, set up agreements and contracts, obtain financial information and financing, obtain insurance coverage for liability, fire, theft, workers’ compensation, etc., and find a location for your business. This guide will give you contacts in many important areas such as accountants, attorneys, bankers, insurance agent/brokers, real estate agents, etc.

File a Fictitious Business Name Statement, if applicable, with the County Clerk. Also, publish the notice with a local newspaper and file an affidavit of publication with the County Clerk within 30 days of publication.

Stanislaus County Clerk – Recorder
1021 “I” St., Suite 101
Modesto, CA 95354
(209) 525-5200 English Assistance
(209) 525-5230 Español Assistance

Newspapers qualified to publish Fictitious Business Names:
The Turlock Journal
138 South Center St.
Turlock, CA 95381
(209) 634-9141

The Modesto Bee
P.O. Box 3928
Modesto, CA 95352
(209) 578-2049

Obtain a business license from the City Hall Collection Department

The city of Turlock requires businesses doing business in the city to obtain a business license tax. The tax on most businesses is based on gross receipts earned and must be renewed at the end of the applicable period.

City of Turlock Finance Department
156 South Broadway, Suite 112
Turlock, CA 95380-5454
(209) 668-5570
Fax: (209) 668-5576

Check the parking/zoning laws and land use ordinances that might apply

Turlock Community Planning Division
156 South Broadway, Suite 120
Turlock, CA 95380-5454
(209) 668-5640

Apply for a State Employer Tax Identification Number

If your business will pay wages, contact the tax office for a State Identification Number. You can also ask them about disability insurance tax, state withholding tax and unemployment insurance tax. Ask for the California Employers Tax Guide (Form #DE 44).

Treasurer/Tax Collector
1010 10th St., Suite 2500
Modesto, CA 95354
(209) 525-6388
Fax: (209) 525-7868

NOTE: These are not all of the requirements necessary to start your business. For more information regarding requirements, contact the SBDC.

Stanislaus River Valley Small Business Development Center
1020 10th Street, Suite 102
Modesto, CA 95354
(209) 567-4910
Fax: (209) 567-4955
www.alliancesbdc.com