Starting a Business in California

Find out how to start a small business in the state of California.

To form an LLC in California, here's everything you need to know.

To establish a partnership in California, here's everything you need to know.

To establish a corporation in California, here's everything you need to know.

To establish a sole proprietorship in California, here's everything you need to know.

January 1, 2021. California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the state’s 2020 Budget Act on June 29th. The new spending plan includes measures aimed at supporting small businesses struggling in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before you start a home-based food business in California, learn about cottage laws, permit requirements, and other legal issues.

Make sure you understand the basic legal issues involved with opening a child care business in California.

What you need to know before you decide to open a restaurant business in California.

Thinking of starting a cleaning business in California? Make sure you understand these important legal and financial issues.

Key legal issues to think about before you start a catering business in California.

Key legal issues to consider before you start a consulting business in California.

Legal and other issues you should know about before you start your own clothing business line in California.

Understand the legal issues involved with a dog walking business in California.

Empower Yourself: DIY Products by Nolo

Sidestep the lawyers with do-it-yourself books, documents, and software.

Manage the legal and tax affairs of your LLC with this set of books. Form and operate your LLC with Nolo's LLC Handbook. Understand LLC taxation with Tax Saavy for Small Business.
Use this pair of Nolo’s bestselling business books to answer your routine legal questions and guide you in filling out the forms, documents, and contracts needed to run your day-to-day operations.
Our form provides everything you need to establish the internal rules of your limited liability company.
Building Your Business is Expensive. Launching Your LLC Shouldn't Be.

Nolo offers hundreds of consumer-friendly, do-it-yourself legal products for all types of legal situations. Browse our full product list.

More Legal Issues

Click below to view more legal issues. Our extensive collection of legal topics ranges across different areas of practice.

Learn About Our Team

Learn About Our Team

Our editors have over 100 years of combined experience practicing law. These professionals have worked in a wide range of legal areas, from estate planning to criminal law to business formation and beyond. They’re experts at explaining complicated legal issues in easy-to-understand terms.

Learn more about the team that manages Nolo’s articles, books, and DIY tools.

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