Business Start-Up Guides

Thinking about starting your own business?

If you’re exploring self-employment or ready to take the first steps as a small business owner, WEV’s Business Start-Up Guides are a great place to begin.

Because of the number of steps and the fact that they vary by location and industry, we know the question “how do I start a business” can feel daunting. We designed these easy-to-follow, region-specific guides to demystify the process and walk you through the key steps to legally and strategically launch your business in either Santa Barbara County or Ventura County.

From choosing your business structure to applying for licenses and understanding local regulations, these free PDFs are designed to help new entrepreneurs in California’s Central Coast avoid costly mistakes and start strong.

What’s Inside the Guide?

Each downloadable Start-Up Guide includes:

• Step-by-step instructions to launch your business
• Local resources, agencies, and permitting offices contact information
• Information about business licenses, zoning, and insurance
• Tips for business planning, financing, and marketing
• Contact info for local business support organizations, including WEV

Whether you’re just testing a business idea or preparing to apply for a business license, this resource can save you time, reduce confusion, and set you up for success.

Download Your Free Start-Up Guide

Santa Barbara County Start-Up Guide

Covers city-specific steps for Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, Lompoc, Santa Maria, and more.

Download WEV’s Santa Barbara County Business Start Up Guide here.

Ventura County Start-Up Guide

Includes details for business registration and compliance in Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Fillmore, and surrounding areas.

Download WEV’s Ventura County Business Start Up Guide here.

California State Resources

In addition to WEV’s county-specific guides, here are helpful statewide resources for new business owners in California:

• California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CALOSBA) supports economic growth and innovation for small business owners – and those interested in starting a business – by providing a range of resources to navigate the steps needed to start, manage and grow your business. This includes industry-specific “Quick Start” guides, as well as information on permitting and business registration. Check out the website for access to comprehensive, multi-lingual guidance on starting/running a small business in California.
• California Secretary of State – Business Programs Division
  Information on business entity types, registration requirements, and filing forms, with handy checklists to make sure you don’t miss important steps.
• CalGOLD (California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development)
  Find permitting, licensing, and registration information by city and county.

Related Resources

Looking for more support as you start your business? Check out these free and low-cost options from WEV:

• Smart Entrepreneurial Training (SET): A 14-week business planning course to help you launch with confidence
• Crafting a Value Proposition: A quick-start class to refine your idea and define your niche
• Bookkeeping Consulting: 1:1 help to set up systems, track income and expenses, and get ready for tax season
• Steps to Start Your Small Business Webinar: Free online webinar with more information on how to launch your business.

#startingabusiness

Date

October 7, 2025