New member from SoCal looking to learn

[bigluelok]

Hi everyone names Luis. I'm 23 have a full time job and am looking to start a small t-shirt company. I just do not know what i need to do to get started legally in California any help would be great

I have a domain name & simple site which I am working to make better. I just need to know what steps to take.

[vangogh]

Welcome to the forum Luis. I almost remember being 23 myself. :)

You probably want to start by visiting the website for the Secretary of State in California (http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/be/name-availability.htm). The link will take you to a page on the site about the availability of business names in the state. I assume you've chosen a name already, but it's a good idea to search and make sure you can register the name with the state, which is also something you want to do.

You'll want to choose a business entity before too long. Sole proprietor is the easiest to set up. Here is Colorado it was filling out a simple form. You can probably do it online now. Another popular choice is an LLC, which will cost a little more to set up, but offers some personal protection. Odds are you'll be fine as a sole proprietor or in a partnership if you aren't doing this alone.

Spend some time on the Secretary of State site. That will likely have the information you need to get legally started or point you in the right direction. Departments of Revenue and Taxation are also good places to visit and learn from.

The SBA is another good site. Here's a page called Thinking of Starting a Business (http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/starting-managing-business/starting-business/thinking-about-starting). The site will help you get a general idea of things to do and there should be an office somewhere near you. I leaned on them a lot for information when I was first starting out.

Hope that helps and thanks or joining the community.

[websonalized]

ASide from the Secretary of State, where you incorporate, etc. You need a business license from whichever city you are'll be operating. IN los Angeles, if you get many clients, and/or do sell your product for more than 7 days during a year, you also need a license.

This link provides all info you need: OEBP - Mayor's Office of Economic & Business Policy (http://www.losangelesworks.org/)

[KristineS]

Hi Luis. I don't tend to recommend other forums on this forum, but since you want to start a t-shirt business, you might check out T-shirt Forums (http://www.t-shirtforums.com/) if you haven't already found that site. It's for garment decorators, and I'm sure you'll find it helpful.

[Spider]

Welcome aboard, Luis.

[tylerhutchinson]

Welcome to the forum. I am from Nor-cal and have my own consulting and marketing firm. I can tell you it was really easy to get up and going in my area. I was able to do everything through my county courthouse website. yours may be the same so I would check that out. Whats your site? I would love to check it out?