SMALL BUSINESS IS BIG BUSINESS
Your Guide to Unlocking Opportunity in Riverside
Start Your Business
1
Create Your Business Plan
A business plan is your roadmap—showing where you are today and where you want to go. Completing one before you launch helps reduce risk and avoid costly mistakes.
2
Choose a Legal Structure
Select the business entity that fits your goals. Common legal structures include a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation. Each has unique tax implications and responsibilities.
3
Select a Business Location
Before signing a lease, confirm that the property is zoned for your business type. Zoning districts determine which uses—commercial, industrial, or residential—are permitted at a location.
4
Choose a Name & File with the County
Once you’ve selected your business name, file your Fictitious Business Name (FBN) with Riverside County. This filing is required for all profit-generating businesses.
5
Obtain a Business License & Permits
A business license is required for any business operating in Riverside. Your license allows you to transact business legally throughout the city.
6
Business Resource Guide
Click below to download the free Business Resource Guide
View Business Resource Guide
One-on-one guidance
from local experts
Innovative ecosystem
Access to global
logistics routes
Quality of life
Government Resources for Opening Your Business
Use these verified government resources to complete filings, obtain permits, and stay compliant as you launch.
Supports businesses through entity registration, trademarks, and secured creditor filings.
(916) 6536814
http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/
California Secretary of State
Regulates the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages.
(951) 7824400
http://www.abc.ca.gov/
California Department of
Alcoholic Beverage Control
Assists business owners with compliance for business personal property and filings.
(951) 9556200
https://www.asrclkrec.com/business-personal-property
Riverside County Business Personal Property Division
Handles birth, death, marriage, real property records, and Fictitious Business Name filings.
(951) 9556200
http://www.asrclkrec.com/
Riverside County Clerk & Recorder’s Office
Provides healthrelated permits and licensing for local businesses.
(951) 9558980
http://www.rivcoeh.org
Riverside County Department of Environmental Health
Site Selection
Confidently choose your location in
Riverside. When you choose Riverside, Riverside chooses you.
Riverside continues to attract investment because it delivers what growing businesses need most: affordability, innovation and quality of life.
Access site selection support:
View our site selection tool by clicking
the icon
Contact us directly for personalized assistance by clicking the icon
Additional Resources
& Support
Funding
Explore local funding options and partners.
InSoCal CONNECT
Connects startups and tech companies with government partners, universities, service providers, and investors.
Contact: (951) 8262438
https://www.riversideca.gov/cedd/economic-development
Technical Assistance
Receive expert advising on marketing, networking and operational support.
Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (IESBDC)
Nocost consulting and entrepreneur resources.
(951) 7812345
https://ociesmallbusiness.org
Inland Empire Women’s Business Center (IEWBC)
Empowers women entrepreneurs through training, consulting, and support programs.
(909) 8901242
http://www.iewbc.org
Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce
Supports more than 1,300 businesses through networking, advocacy, and technical resources.
(951) 6837100
http://riverside-chamber.com
Hiring & Workforce Training
Build your workforce with supportive partners.
Riverside County Workforce Development
Provides hiring support, training incentives, and job matching resources.
Nicole Rand — Development Specialist III
(951) 9559918 | nrand@rivco.org
Jason Tang — Development Manager
(951) 9553046 | jtang@rivco.org
Employment Training Panel (ETP)
Funds workforce training that leads to high-quality, long-term jobs.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Provides up to $9,600 in tax credits for hiring individuals from targeted groups.
America’s Job Center of California – Riverside County
Fullservice resource for employment, education, and workforce training.
(800) 3015616
https://rivcoworkforce.org/
Employment Development Department (EDD)
Administers unemployment, disability, and paid family leave programs.
(800) 4803287
https://edd.ca.gov/
RCCD Workforce & Economic Development
Strengthens talent pipelines through training, education partnerships, and employer incentives.
(951) 2228885
https://wed.rccd.edu/
Supporting All
Communities
Veteran Entrepreneurs
Access tailored programs, funding opportunities, and support services for veteran-owned businesses.
Founders Hike
Join meetups designed to foster connection, community, and idea sharing among local founders.
