Business Start-Up Guidelines

Disclaimer: Great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information provided here. Nonetheless, the new business owner is cautioned to contact the City of Foster City and the San Mateo County governments to confirm the requirements and to determine if other requirements are necessary for their business. The Foster City Chamber of Commerce assumes no liability for the correctness of the information presented here.

Starting Your Own Business

1. Create a Business Plan
2. Make Financial Projections
3. Consult Professionals
4. Choose a Business Structure

Local (Foster City & San Mateo County) Requirements

1. Zoning and Local Permits
2. Obtain a Business License – Local Tax Registration Certificate
3. Register Fictitious Business Name with County
4. Publish your Fictitious Business Name Statement
5. Sign Ordinance
6. Additional Licenses and Permits

State (California) Requirements

1. Filing Organizational Documents
2. Obtain a State Seller’s Permit / Resale Permit
3. Check if your business requires a State License
4. State Income Taxes
5. For Employers:
a. Employer Registration / State Employer Identification Number
b. New Employee Registry
c. Withholding, Insurance, Taxes
d. Workers’ Compensation Insurance
e. Wages, hours and working conditions
f. Proof of Residency Requirement
6. Commercial Vehicles
7. Regulatory Compliance and Agricultural Standards
8. Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control

Federal Requirements

1. Obtaining a Federal Employer Identification Number
2. Federal Taxes

Resources Available

1. Foster City Chamber of Commerce
2. California Commerce & Economic Development Program
a. Small Business Development Center
b. State Loan Guarantee Program
3. U.S. Small Business Administration (Federal SBA)
a. Counselors to America's Small Business (SCORE)
b. Business Information Centers
c. Online Women’s Business Center (OWBO)
4. Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA)
5. Minority Business Development Agency
6. International Trade