CONNECT with the CityThe StartUp
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.
Hours, 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 will 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.
Regular Hours | |
|---|---|
| Monday | Noon - 5 p.m. |
| Tuesday | Noon - 5 p.m. |
| Wednesday | Noon - 5 p.m. |
| Thursday-Saturday | Appointment Only |
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 nonprofit, 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 as a business license.
Book Recommendations
Online Resources
Find information related to what you want to do next with your small business or patent and trademark idea. Links with an * require a library card number to access.
- Find information on starting your business plan.
- Gale Business: Entrepreneurship*
- Gale Business Plans Handbook*
- U.S. Small Business Administration: Write Your Business Plan
Explore legal information for small businesses and nonprofits
- Find legal forms to start and run your business.
- San Diego County Law Library's NOLO Legal Information Reference Center* Login instructions are on the website
- Get access to free legal help for your business or nonprofit.
- San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program's Microbusiness and Nonprofit Support Program
Explore information for California businesses
- Small business and nonprofit startup information all in California
- California Office of Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA)
- Get marketing insights from these resources with information on potential customers to other competitors
- Data Axle-Reference Solutions*
- Gale Business: Insights*
- Demographics: San Diego
Find a business mentor and explore local business resources
- San Diego SCORE -- Face-to-face or online advice from volunteer business mentors who help small businesses with their goals.
- Startup San Diego
Research competitors and business insights
- Data Axle-Reference Solutions*
- Gale Business: Insights*
- Flipster Digital Magazines* -- Log in with your library card number to access business and finance magazines, such as Black Enterprise, Entrepreneur, and Fast Company.
Learn about setting up a business structure
- U.S. Small Business Administration: Choose a Business Structure
- San Diego SCORE -- Face-to-face or online advice from volunteer business mentors who help small businesses with their goals.
Search for patent and/or trademark information
- Find information on filing a trademark application
- Trademarks at the United States Patent and Trademark Office
- Find information on applying for a patent
- Patents at the United States Patent and Trademark Office
Questions? Email us at thestartup@sandiego.gov