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Small Business Guide

Starting a business in Monterey County involves many steps including planning, making key financial decisions, and completing a series of legal activities. Scroll down to learn more about each step.

1. Write a Business Plan
A business plan is the foundation and roadmap of your business. Not sure where to start and which format to use? No problem, use the U.S. Small Business Administration's business plan builder!

2. Get Business Assistance and Training
SCORESmall Business Administration Learning CenterSmall Business Development Center

3. Pick Your Business Location
Whether you're planning to have a brick-and-mortar business or launching an online store, the choices you make could affect your taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. read more

4. Fund Your Business
Your business plan will help you figure out how much money you'll need to start your business. If you don't have that amount on hand, you'll need to either raise or borrow the capital. Fortunately, there are more ways than ever to find the capital you need.
Environmental Resource Policy Division Office of Economic DevelopmentCalifornia Coastal Rural Development CorporationOpportunity Fund 

5. Choose a Business Structure
Guide to business taxesNonprofits

6. Choose and Register Your Business Name
Fictitious Business Name

7. Get Employer Tax ID Number (EIN)
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity.Apply for an EIN Online

8. Register for State/Local Taxes
California's one-stop shop and California State Board of Equalization (831-443-3003)

9. Obtain Business Permits/Licenses
Monterey County does NOT require a business license to conduct business within unincorporated areas of the County. Each city requires the purchase of a business license annually. Visit each city's website to find the office of Business Licenses

10. Open a Business Bank Account
With EIN number handy along your business permits and licenses, you can now head to your bank of choosing to open a business bank account. Select one of our local banks for this final step.

Resources

Business Resource Connection Center - 1st & 3rd Thursday of Each Month | 11AM-1PM - New Resource for Members and the Monterey Bay Business Community!

Welcome

Baker's Bacon

Pac Rep Theatre

Team Beesley -
Keller Williams Coastal Estates

“I have been a member of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce since 2014, and highly recommend joining this peninsula-wide Chamber to other businesses. During the pandemic, they really stepped up to secure grant funding for some of our most vulnerable businesses, regardless if they were members. The Chamber also provides great networking and marketing opportunities, which is very helpful, especially for new business owners.”
Jacquie Atchison, Executive Director
Arts Council for Monterey County, Seaside
Member Since 2014
Jacquie Atchison, Executive Director
“Graniterock has been a proud member of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce for over 40 years! The social aspect of chamber membership has always been a highlight and in today's rapidly changing world the networking, support and resources afforded our company have been invaluable. I would urge any business in the area to join the chamber and as with any organization, the more involved you are, the more you will get out of it.”
Keith Severson, Director of Marketing and Community Involvement
Graniterock, Seaside
Member Since 1978
Keith Severson, Director of Marketing and Community Involvement
“The Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is about the voice of business and has always been the voice of business on the Monterey Peninsula. We need to make sure the Chamber and its voice on government affairs and community relations is ever present. As a member of the Chamber since the 1980s I believe in the mission of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and the legacy of its beneficial contributions to our community.”
David Armanasco, President
Armanasco Public Relations, Monterey
Member Since 1985
David Armanasco, President
“While The Carmel Foundation is over 70 years old, I've only been back in the area for 6 months, so being a member of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has been a great way to get reoriented, meet new people, learn about current issues, and who is doing what to make our region a better place to live, work and play. I also find the Business Roundtable Recaps in the chamber's newsletter are really useful and well done. Overall being a member has been a wonderful resource and I am pleased to recommend the chamber.”
Megan Whilden, Director of Development
The Carmel Foundation, Carmel
Megan Whilden, Director of Development
“Starting with the Monterey Chamber back in 1991, The Professional Women's Network has enjoyed the remarkable individuals and the networking is extremely valuable. The chambers mission aligns with our non-profit as it provides resources and support to area businesses, markets the strength of the region, and provides a voice to be heard. We are pleased with the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce as a partner in developing the future of our City!”
Theresa Ream, President
The Professional Women's Network
Member Since 1991
Theresa Ream, President
“We are proud to be members of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce for many reasons. First and foremost, the weekly Business Roundtable calls are a great resource. Being connected to the local economy and having the weekly insights and updates as to what is happening across the various industries is super essential today in business. We also love the recognition programs and the connectivity that it builds among common businesses and across different industries. We are proud to recommend the Chamber to local businesses.”
Scott Julian, President
Lewis Builders, Carmel
Member Since 2017
Scott Julian, President
“Since 1982, MBS has been a part of our local community and we are proud to be a long time member of the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. The Monterey Bay Area is a small but thriving business community and we love how the Chamber keeps us all connected through lunches, award dinners and information sharing. I encourage local businesses and even non-profit organizations to consider Chamber membership when they're looking to be a vibrant and successful component of our community.”
Kellie Murphy, President
MBS Business Systems, Salinas
Member Since 2004
Kellie Murphy, President
“Being a member of the Monterey Chamber for 10 years now provides opportunity for Disaster Kleenup Specialists to meet new business contacts, exchange ideas, strengthen existing relationships, and enhance our brand with members. Each individual chamber event has its own attraction to attendees and sponsors which provides a lot of diversity. The best way to get the most out of your membership is by showing up. We love being part of the Chamber and the support it brings to our community!”
Megan Merz, Business Development Coordinator
Disaster Kleenup Specialists, Sand City
Member Since 2011
Megan Merz, Business Development Coordinator