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The StartUp

Office chairs around a white desk in a business office setting

 

Located on the Third Floor of the Central Library

The StartUp is a free resource that can help transform small business ideas into reality. The center has a collection of business planning resources including reference books, online databases and advice from business representatives. It can also be used for research and team brainstorming.

For patent and trademark help, entrepreneurs can connect with Central Library’s Patent and Trademark Research Center staff.

The StartUp will also offer guest speakers, workshops and networking opportunities. All programming will be listed on this page. 

Consultation Request

 

Quick links:

 

Resources and Equipment

  • Reference books on different business subjects, such as planning, legal, and financial, and how-to books for today’s most popular independent startup businesses.
  • A high-powered computer with Adobe Suite to help with designing graphics and logos.
  • Reference computers with access to our research databases to help guide you through the process of starting a business.
  • Special events with guest entrepreneurs and local business representatives.
  • Comfortable office space with greenery, large tables, a whiteboard, and a podium.
The StartUp sign on top of a bookshelf

 

Startup Guide

Ten Steps to Begin Your Startup

1. Conduct market research
Conduct market research to find a target audience for your business. Ask for feedback from potential customers.
 

2. Create your business plan
Create your business plan. Outline your goals, and actions you need to take to start your business.
 

3. Fund your business
Determine how much outside funding you need. Find investors or lending institutions to secure funding for your business.
 

4. Pick a location
Find out what zoning permits are needed. Starting a home or online business? See if there are special requirements.
 

5. Establish a legal structure
Establish a legal structure for your business. Will it be a non-profit, for-profit, limited liability company, partnership, or sole proprietor?
 

6. Determine a business name
Determine a business name – Determine if you will be using a Fictitious Business Name (FBN) for your business or an owner’s name, e.g., Jake Smith Plumbing.
 

7. Register your business name
Registering your business name with the USPTO will protect it and give you legal rights to its trademark.
 

8. Get Federal & state tax IDs
Get state & federal tax IDs. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) identifies your business for tax purposes.
 

9. Apply for licenses & permits
Determine what specific business licenses and permits you need to open your business.
 

10. Apply for Business License
Starting a business in San Diego requires a Business Tax Certificate, which is the same thing as a business license.
 

View Complete Startup Guide

Book Recommendations

Online Resources

  • Local Consulting, Development, Education and Funding Resources
    • San Diego Small Business Resources: The list of resources in the link provides entrepreneurs with contact information for agencies that can help entrepreneurs plan, finance, site, and market a successful business in San Diego. 
    • U.S. Small Business Administration San Diego District: Provides help with SBA services including funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery. The office can also connect you to their partner organizations, lenders, and other community groups.
    • Accessity: Loan capital, expert guidance, and business support network primarily to entrepreneurs of color, women, and immigrant entrepreneurs.
    • Women’s Business Center: Provides training, mentoring, business development, and financing opportunities to women entrepreneurs throughout San Diego and Imperial counties.
  • State Consulting, Development, Education and Funding Resources
    • CalGold: This website assists you in finding appropriate permit information for your business. It also provides contact information for the various agencies that administer & issue these permits.
    • California Office of Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA): CalOSBA provides information for new startups and established small business and helps them access capital, markets, and networks in California.
    • California Grants Portal: Find all grants and loans offered by California state agencies.
  • Business Licensing and Registration
  • Business Insights
    • Flipster Digital Magazines: Login with your library card number to access these business and finance magazines, and many more.
      • Black Enterprise: A magazine that provides business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. 
      • Entrepreneur: A magazine in print and online with a focus toward small business covering such topics as leadership, marketing, finance, social media, start up, and more.
      • Fast Company: A magazine dedicated to reporting about how businesses, companies, and entrepreneurs stay on the “cutting-edge" of doing business.

Questions? Email us at thestartup@sandiego.gov
 

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