Starting and Growing Your Business

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
(Serving Sonoma and Marin Counties)

(707) 595-0060 – Main Number
Ann Johnson- Stromberg, Business Services Coordinator
(707) 826-3975 – Direct Line

The Santa Rosa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has undergone some management changes and they have updated their local phone number, but no other changes in services are expected.

Their expertise is intended to help take the mystery out of business management and allow entrepreneurs an opportunity to focus on the issues most critical to the success of their company. The Santa Rosa SBDC is part of a larger regional network serving Northern California and the Bay Area and is the leader in small business technical assistance. In addition to no-cost individual consulting services helping entrepreneurs with Business Plans, financial projections and budgeting, they can assist with operating challenges and negotiating property or business sales. The SBDC has a mix of specialty and general Business Advisors and also offers low cost workshops and trainings in Sonoma and Marin counties.

NEW! The SBDC announces a new series, "So You Want to Start a Business". This 3-part series provides small business start-up information to people who have developed a business concept and have initiated the planning process to start their business. Classes run from January to Febuary 2013. Click here to learn more.

RENAISSANCE ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTER
1115 3rd St
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 755-1155
www.rencentermarin.org

Renaissance Marin, a nonprofit small business development center, is a program of Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center.

Launched in partnership with the Marin Community Foundation, Renaissance Marin provides critical access to training, resources and support services designed to help aspiring and established entrepreneurs achieve their dreams of small business success and financial independence.

Whether you are a retailer, designer, manufacturer, contractor or bookkeeper — in the startup or expansion phase — Renaissance Marin will provide you with the training, tools, resources and networks needed to create your own thriving business.

Renaissance Marin provides office space in a small business incubator as well as drop in co-working space.

Be sure to take advantage of special offers to SR Chamber members!

San Rafael Chamber Members:

• can enjoy a 25 percent discount on all classes and workshops offered during 2013.
• receive a 33 percent discount for a One-Year membership into our Entrepreneurs Cooperative giving you access to our shared workspaces including our lounge, café and meeting rooms. That brings your annual fee down to only $100! (Offer good until 12/01/2013)
• will receive one free month of rent when signing a Six-Month lease to our new Incubators currently renting from $250 to $350 per month including WiFi, receptionist, phone, private conference room, mailbox.
• will be among the first to be able to sign up for our monthly forum series on business, the economy and culture. (These fill to capacity each month.)
• will receive 25 percent discount for renting our classrooms for business workshops when available ($37.50/hr from $50/hr).   

Supporting a Skilled Workforce -- Building a Sustainable Community
MARIN EMPLOYMENT CONNECTION
120 North Redwood Drive
San Rafael, CA
(off Smith Ranch Rd.)
Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
(415) 473-3330, TTY: 415-473-3344
 info@marinemployment.org

Business ownership offers many rewards as well as challenges. The Marin Employment Connection (MEC) offers outstanding resources to help local employers meet these challenges and reach their business goals. Employer services available through MEC include: workshops, seminars and information on a wide variety of topics of concern to businesses; customized employee training programs; basic employment skills evaluations; staff available to answer employment-related questions; CalJOBS: no-fee Internet job listing service; facilities for on-site recruitment; a library of forms and publications; and consulting and other services for small businesses and start-ups.     

• Who is required to have a San Rafael Business License?

• I am paid on a 1099 basis, not as a W2 employee. Do I need a business license?

• Does a non-profit organization need a business license?

• Do I need a license if I run a business out of my home?

• What if I have more than one business location?

• I conduct business in several cities. Can I get one license for all cities?

• I just purchased an existing business. Can I use the previous owner's license?

• What if I close or sell the business?

• What if I want to move the business?

• Will the City of San Rafael notify me when it is time to renew my license?

• I mailed my renewal by the due date. Why was I charged late penalties?

• The City received my renewal only a few days after February 15. Why was I charged late penalties?

• Why am I being charged a Fire Inspection Fee on my business license renewal?

• Are there any restrictions on where I do business?

• Do I need a seller's permit?

• What about selling food?

• Do I need a Fictitious Business Name?

• Does San Rafael regulate business signage?

• Can I leave handbills at homes to advertise my business?

• Is my business information confidential?

• Is my business license tax deductible?