1. Develop a Business Plan

2. Bridge the Gap

Once you have a business plan drafted, determine if your prospective business has particular needs that can be met by one of the City of Long Beach's business development programs.

The City of Long Beach's Bureau of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs has information on business loans, business incentive programs, starting a business, free business counseling services, job training, placement assistance, and export development assistance.

The City of Long Beach Economic Development and Cultural Affairs Bureau
110 Pine Avenue, Suite 1100
Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: 562. 570.3800
www.longbeach.gov/ecd/

3. Choose a Site for your Business

Either through working with a broker or using the resource available on this site, select options suitable for your business that are aligned with the business model outlined in your business plan.

View Available Spaces

4. Confirm that Zoning will allow your Intended Use

All land and buildings in Long Beach are subject to zoning by the City of Long Beach. Among other things, zoning regulates the types of use allowed on each site. It is imperative that the business you intend to open is aligned with the zoning. For more information about the uses permitted on the site, contact the City of Long Beach's Department of Development Services:

The City of Long Beach Department of Development Services
Phone: (562) 570-6194
View PDF

5. File a Fictitious Name (dba)

If you intend to name your firm anything other than your own name, you must file a fictitious business name, also called a dba (Doing Business As). To File a Fictitious Business Name:

Los Angeles County Registrar
Phone: (562) 462-2177
LA County Registrar Website

6. Get a Business License

Any person operating a business in the City must obtain a business license and pay an annual business license tax. Additionally, the Business License Division can tell you which permits are necessary before opening.

The City of Long Beach Business License Division
Phone: (562) 570-6211
www.longbeach.gov/commercial/business_licenses.asp

7. Get Important State Permits

The Business Development Center, the Business License Division, and the Development Services Center can all help you determine what other permits or licenses you may need. Contact the appropriate offices listed below.

For Wholesale and Retail Businesses
To Apply for a Seller's Permit:
State Board of Equalization: (310) 516-4300

For Restaurants and Food Vendors
A Health Inspection is required.
City of Long Beach Health Department: (562) 570-4132 ext. 0

For Restaurants Serving Alcohol and Liquor Stores
A Liquor License is required.
California Department of Alcoholic Beverages Control: (562) 982-1337

For Some Types of Retail and Manufacturing
South Coast AQMD: (310) 233-7000
www.aqmd.gov

Business Structure
If you are filing as a corporation, S corporation, partnership, or limited liability company, you must register with the Secretary of State.
Secretary of State: (916) 657-5448
www.ss.ca.gov

8. Get the Right City Permits

The City of Long Beach's Development Services Center has representatives from various City offices to help determine the permits you will need. The Center is located in City Hall, 4th Floor, 333 West Ocean Boulevard. Contact Development Services staff directly at the numbers listed below:

Zoning
For questions about Zoning, Environmental Review, Land Use, and Conditional Use Permits.
Phone: (562) 570-6194

Development Services
For questions about Plan Check, Mechanical, and Electrical Permits.
Phone: (562) 570-6651

Business License
Phone: (562) 570-6211

Public Works
For questions on public right-of-way, sanitation, and recycling.
Phone: (562) 570-7082

Fire Prevention Services
Phone: (562) 570-7086

Permit Processing Assistance
The Development Services Help Desk offers business assistance by providing information, guidance, counseling, mediation and referral services in getting through the City's permitting process.
Phone: (562) 570-6952

9. Get a Federal Taxpayer Identification Number

A partnership, corporation, or a sole proprietorship with employees requires a Federal Tax I.D. Number. A sole proprietorship without employees can use the owner's social security number.

Internal Revenue Service
Phone: (562) 491-7751
irs.gov

10. Get a CA State Identification Number

The same rules generally apply for a State Tax I.D. Number as for a Federal Tax I.D. Number.

Franchise Tax Board
Phone: (800) 852-5711
ftb.ca.gov

11. Open a Checking Account for Your Business

Separate business and personal accounting is essential when you file your tax return. Contact your local bank or credit union to create a checking account for your new business.