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

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

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

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

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
👉 Learn more HERE

California Small Business Development Center Network (CA SBDC)

42 service centers and 6 administrative lead centers statewide
Free one-on-one advising, expert training, and business network access
Helps small businesses secure capital, marketing strategies, and global market entry
👉 Learn more HERE

San Diego County Business Licenses

Official county website for business license requirements
Guidance on permits for unincorporated areas and cities
👉 Learn more HERE

San Diego North Economic Development Council

Assists with site selection, permitting, and incentive programs
Connects businesses to chambers, officials, and partners for growth
👉 Learn more HERE

City of San Diego Business Resources

City of San Diego Business Assistance & Programs

Financing tools: revolving loans, tax incentives, and grants (e.g., Outdoor Business Grant, Storefront Improvement Program)
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
👉 Learn more HERE

City of San Diego Economic Development Department

Oversees airport management, cultural affairs, real estate, and strategic partnerships
Drives economic growth and vitality across the region
👉 Learn more HERE

Small Business Resources