There are many important decisions to make and a variety of rules and procedures to follow when starting a new business. While there is no single source for all requirements, the following will help you understand what you need to do to start a business in Fort Bragg.

Is Your Idea a Good Fit? One of the first things you need to decide is if the business you’re planning is likely to succeed in Fort Bragg. The Community Data section of this web site is a good place to start. You’ll find economic, market and related demographic information about Fort Bragg and Mendocino County that will help you determine if your idea is a good fit for this community.

Make a Plan. When starting a new business, people generally begin with a business plan, a ‘blueprint’ of every aspect of the business, early in the process of starting a business.  Click on Small Business Administration for a tutorial on how to create your plan.  Or contact West Company for free training, consulting, and advice on starting a business in Mendocino County.

Find the Right Spot You’ll need to find a location in Fort Bragg that’s appropriate for the kind of business you want to start. To learn about zoning, to see what locations are zoned properly for your business, or to find real estate resources are available to help with your search, visit the Site Location section of this site.

Apply for a Business License, Possibly a Permit Too. Businesses also require licenses, some need permits too. Visit CalGold for a general discussion of permits and licenses. Go to the Business License & Permits section of this site to learn what your business needs in Fort Bragg.

Decide on a Business Identity. You’ll need to choose a business structure. The principal types of legal business structures available in California include: Sole Proprietorship, Limited Liability Company, General Partnership, Limitied Liability Partnership, and Corporation. Visit CalGold to learn more about business structures. Then consult a legal representative and accountant before deciding which type of business entity to form.

File Tax and Employer Documents. Your next step will be to file  tax and employer identification documents. If you would like help understanding these documents contact West Company.

Having trouble making the pieces fit? We can help!

Contact West Company at (707) 964-7571

or call the City’s business assistant specialist at (707) 961-2827

Download Starting A New Business brochure