Prepare Your Business Plan

• A business plan may serve as a tool for raising capital and is usually a requirement if you apply for a loan or want to attract financial investors. Get started with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Write Your Business Plan.
• The Silicon Valley Small Business Development Centers of Northern California (SBDC) offers free and low-cost training and business mentoring.

Determine Your Business Structure

• Research the different forms of business structures to determine which one best fits your needs and goals. Learn about business structures with this Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guide.
• If your business is new or you’re changing your business structure, unless you’re a sole proprietor, you must file formation documents with the California Secretary of State.
• All businesses must file both state and federal tax returns. IRS publications describe tax requirements and can assist you in developing a tax reporting system. For more information, call 800-829-1040.
  Get the IRS' Tax Guide for Small Businesses
• Your business must have a Federal Tax ID number, also known as the Employer Identification Number (EIN). Get information from the IRS about Federal Tax ID numbers.
• If you're doing business in California or you plan to start a California business, you’ll need to classify your business correctly. Get information on classifications and tax requirements from the California Franchise Tax Board.

Register a Fictitious Business Name

• If you invent a name for your business that differs from your own, register your fictitious business name with the Santa Clara County Clerk’s Office before obtaining a business license with the City of Sunnyvale.

Go to Step 2: Verify Your Property Zoning