City of Chula Vista
Home MenuResources
Business Resources Guide
Welcome to Chula Vista!
We wish you the very best on your journey as a small business owner in our community and are here to support your success. To provide you with the building blocks to successfully open and operate your business in Chula Vista, you can download the Resource Guide pdf here or find the information below.
| Business Organization | Organization Profile/Summary | Services |
| Asian Business Association | Association offering a wide range of low and no-cost resources to Asian Pacific Islander owned small businesses |
|
|
California Office of the Small Business Advocate
|
State organization ensuring access to information and direct support to better navigate resources, programs, and regulations |
|
| Chula Vista Chambers | Organization advocating for businesses and professional people of Chula Vista |
|
| City department providing business concierge services |
|
|
| Advancing inclusive Economic Development with innovative programs, networking opportunities, and business partnerships. |
|
|
| State program providing funding to employers to assist in upgrading the skills of their workers through training. |
|
|
Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GOBIZ) |
State department leading job growth, economic development, and business assistance efforts. |
|
|
|
The largest Latin business organization in the nation providing support to more than 800,000 Latino-owned businesses |
|
| Mission Driven Finance | San Diego lender who offers flexible use quasi-philanthropic loans tailored to the needs of the businesses. |
|
| Organization offering flexible financing options to meet the needs of small growing businesses. |
|
|
|
San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce
|
Advocate for businesses and acts as a nexus of connection and collaboration amongst businesses in the San Diego-Baja region. |
|
| Organization that works directly with companies looking to expand, stay, or locate in the San Diego Region, free of charge. |
|
|
| San Diego Workforce Partnership | Creating opportunity through supporting job seekers and businesses with a robust suite of resources and services. |
|
| Helping businesses grow and succeed through no cost business consulting and low-cost training to new and existing businesses. |
|
|
| South County Economic Development Council | Organization that provides a wide variety of resources to local businesses and new companies. |
|
| Association representing the property owners and businesses of the Third Avenue Village, Chula Vista's original neighborhood. |
|
Steps to Open Your Business
Follow these seven steps to successfully open your business in Chula Vista
1. Create your business plan
A business plan is like a roadmap; it shows you where you are in relation to where you want to be. Completing a business plan before launching your business is a crucial part of your success as it will help you avoid making costly mistakes.
- Business Plan Questionnaire: Use this template to assist you in setting up your business plan.
- Workshops, Advising & Training: The Small Business Development Center offers valuable training opportunities, many of which are free of charge.
2. Choose a structure
A business is a legal entity. It can own property, bank accounts, and is required to pay taxes. There are few different types of business entities, and it is important to know which your business will be as each business type has its own strengths and limitations. The Four most common types of business structures are; sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation.
- Business Entities Guide: Use this guide to determine what type of business entity your business will be.
3. Choose a location
Before you sign a lease, check to ensure the location you choose is zoned for your type of business. Zoning districts will specify what kind of uses are allowed (Single-Family Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Etc.).
- Use EZoning to find the Zone your property is in to determine if your business use is compatible.
- For any questions, contact the City's Development Services Department at (619) 585-5621, dsd@chulavistaca.gov or visit the public counter at 276 Fourth Av, Building B. Chula Vista, 91910
4. Choose a name & file with the County
Once you’ve decided on the perfect name for your business, it’s time to file it with the County for your Fictitious Business Name (FBN). This is required for all profit generating businesses.
5. Obtain a Business License & Permits from the City
A business license is required to do any kind of business in Chula Vista. Obtaining a business license will allow your business to transact and engage in business throughout the city.
- Business License Application: Apply for a business license with the City of Chula Vista online or in person at the City Hall Finance Department.
- Police Controlled Permits: Certain business activities may require additional permits that are administered through the Chula Vista Police Department. These businesses include:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Permit Guide: Use this guide to determine what kind of permits you may need to apply for. Additional permits may be required for other business-related activities such as changing signage, mobile food facilities (food trucks), HVAC improvements, etc. Keep in mind other permits and licenses may be required by other agencies. For example, the sale of alcohol requires licensing from the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and businesses selling food require a Public Health Permit from the County of San Diego.
6. Tax Information
There are several taxes that may be levied on businesses. These Include taxes such as City business tax, income tax and employment tax. It is important to understand these costs to your business.
7. Business Resources
Review this guide to see what resources are available to boost your business.
California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CALOSBA)
CALOSBA is a state run program that specializes in giving assistance to Small Businesses. They offer a variety of loans such as guaranteed loan, low-interest loans, disaster relief (COVID-19) loans, and more. Visit their website to find more information and to apply.
United States Small Business Association
The US Small Business Administration offers variety of guaranteed loans. Programs, such as their microloan program, are flexible and may be used for a variety of business needs. Visit their website and use their Lender Match to get matched with an SBA- backed lender. In some cases, SBA will offer direct loans in cases of disaster relief.
Mission Driven Finance is a local San Diego lender who provides loans for small businesses and nonprofits without requiring personal credit scores and personal guarantees. They offer flexible use quasi-philanthropic loans tailored to the needs of businesses. Go to their website to get connected directly with their borrower services team to get a loan.
Hiring and training employees can be difficult and costly. The resources on this page can help you alleviate some of that difficulty and/or cost.
Hiring and training employees can be expensive. These organizations and
programs offer financial assistance to help.
San Diego Workforce Partnership
The San Diego Workforce Partnership creates opportunity through work, supporting job seekers and businesses with a robust a suite of resources and services.
The Employment Training Panel (ETP) provides funding to employers to assist in
upgrading the skills of their workers through training that leads to good paying, long-term jobs.
This is a government program that can give employers up to $9,600 in tax credits for hiring individuals from targeted groups.
While owning a business doesn’t require a college degree, the skills required to
successfully operate your business require a lot of learning. These resources offer
mentoring and training opportunities to help you run your business.
San Diego Small Business Development Center
The SBDC offers a wide variety of resources to small businesses including 1 on 1 advising, live workshops, and on-demand training. If you need help with anything, from accounting to marketing and sales, go to their website to enroll in one of their free services.
The Small Business Administration offers free online courses in a variety of business-related subjects. Whether you want to learn how to grow your business or learn about different SBA programs, visit the learning center website.
You may run into situations while running your business that require legal
assistance. These resources offer services that may help you navigate your
legal questions.
Legal Aid Society of San Diego is a non-profit law firm that offers free legal services. You can call their free legal help hotline to answer your legal questions and get legal advice.
The San Diego Small Business Administration Office can pair you with an advisor that can assist you in navigating business laws. Visit their website for assistance.