How to quickly start your business in San Francisco

1. The single most important step of starting your business is choosing its name.  Pick carefully, and make sure it has an appropriate web address. The best way to check is at Go Daddy.  Simply type in sample names and see if they are taken:

2. Although it is very unlikely, make sure the name is not already registered to a similar business by searching the registration files of the San Francisco Office of The County Clerk and business on file with the California Secretary of State.

	Time	Task
1.	5min	Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS This will protect your personal SSN as you file forms with other agencies and companies.
2.	5min	Fill out a San Francisco Sole Proprietorship Application  An easy form if you want to begin a Sole Proprietorship.
3.	5min	Apply for a San Francisco Business Tax Registration Certificate  You must file this within fifteen days of starting your business, and will track sales taxes for business conducted within San Francisco.
4.	5min	File a California Seller's Permit  If you intend to sell or lease goods, this will allow you to purchase items for resale without paying local taxes.  It will also be used to track taxes for sales within California.
5.	5min	File a Fictitious Business Name Registration with San Francisco's County Clerk This is required if your business name is not the same as your legal name
6.	15min	Publish your Fictitious Business Name Statement  You will need to publish it within thirty days, in a court approved newspaper  once a week for four consecutive weeks.  Feel free to choose the least expensive option.

Useful sites are:

For some businesses, specialized permits are granted by the San Francisco: Arts Commission, Building Inspection, Consumer Assurance, Entertainment Commission, Fire Dept., Police Dept., Public Health Dept., Public Works Dept.

III. Opening your online store

1. Prostores (recommended -- first month free) or Yahoo Merchant Solutions
2. Sign up for Paypal's Website Payments Pro to handle credit cards

Information on online stores will be covered in more detail in a future Knol.