Starting a Business
Thank You for Considering Claremont as a Place to Do Business!
Before you begin operating your business in Claremont, there are several steps you need to follow depending on the type of business you intend to start. This guide will give you a general idea of the process and includes a list of other agencies to contact that can provide assistance to new business owners.
Step 1: Determine the Business Site Location and Obtain the Required Permits.
Selecting the right location for your business is crucial to its success. Check with our Planning Division at 909)-399-5470 to determine if the type of business you wish to operate is allowed in the desired location and what, if any, permits you will need to submit for their review:
If your business is not permitted in the zoning district you have chosen, planners may advise you of the proper zoning district(s) for your business.
Step 2: Determine a business name.
If the name you choose for your business is anything other than your own legal surname, California State law requires you to file a fictitious name statement to ensure that the public knows with whom they are conducting business. Contact the Claremont Courier at 909-621-4761 or any local newspaper to complete this process. You must have proof of this filing when submitting your Business License Application.
Step 3: Determine whether you need a resale number.
A resale number is a requirement for any one conducting business as a seller of tangible property. A resale number can be obtained through the State Board of Equalization at 626-480-7200.
Step 4: Obtain any permits or licenses required by state or federal government for your business.
The state and federal governments have additional requirements for businesses. Certain businesses are required to obtain permits from the Department of Consumer Affairs and/or state and local environmental agencies.
Step 5: Apply for your business license.
After you have obtained the required permits and have received the Planning Division's approval for your business location, you may apply for your business permit and license.
Other Agencies to Contact
Fictitious Business Name Filing (DBA)
The Claremont Courier
114 Olive St., Claremont 91711
909-621-4761
www.claremont-courier.com
L.A. County Clerk
12400 Imperial Hwy., Norwalk 90650
562-462-2177
www.lavote.net
Permits, Licensing, and Related Reporting
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/
CalGold (comprehensive website that assists business owners in finding appropriate permit information for their business and contact information for various agencies that issue permits)
https://www.calgold.ca.gov/
State Contractors License Board
CA Contractors License Board
800-321-2752
http://www.cslb.ca.gov
Chamber of Commerce
Claremont Chamber of Commerce
205 Yale Ave.
Claremont, CA 91711
909-624-1681
http://www.claremontchamber.org/
Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
California Alcohol Beverage Control
www.abc.ca.gov
U.S. Small Business Administration
SBA
330 N. Brand #1200
Glendale, CA 91203
818-552-3215
www.sba.gov
State Department of Consumer Affairs
CA Consumer Affairs
800-952-5210
www.dca.ca.gov
Internal Revenue Service (to file for EIN)
IRS
9350 E. Flair Dr.
El Monte, CA 91731
626-312-5138
www.irs.gov
Secretary of State (to file for Corp., LLC, LLP, Partnership, etc.)
Secretary of State
300 S. Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213-897-3062
www.ss.ca.gov
L.A. County Consumer & Business Affairs
Bad Check Restitution Program
Department of Public Health
L.A. County Public Health
1435 W. Covina Pkwy. #10
West Covina, CA 91790
626-813-3380
www.publichealth.lacounty.gov