Start Your Business
Merced County Welcomes Your Business
Starting a new business is exciting and sometimes challenging. The information on this page is provided to assist you through the process of starting a business in Merced County.
The following items should be examined prior to opening your business. We hope that by reviewing this, we may better assist your efforts to get your business open in a timely manner.
1. Prepare a Business Plan
There is no way to eliminate all risk associated with starting a business, but you can improve your chances of success with proper planning and preparation. A good starting point is to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses by creating a Business Plan. This will help determine whether or not you are ready to start a business.
A Business Plan is the blueprint or road map for where your business will travel. Your plan may also serve as a tool for raising capital and is usually required when applying for a loan or attracting financial investors.
For free and/or low cost assistance with creating a business plan, as well as start-up incubation and training, please visit: The UC Merced Small Business Development Center (SBDC) or The Merced College - Business Resource Center (BRC)
2. Verify Zoning Regulations
Before finalizing your business location or signing lease agreements, contact the County of Merced’s Community and Economic Development Department to determine the zoning designation of your proposed site. All businesses must locate in areas that allow specific kinds of business activity. Staff will help you determine if your business is an eligible use for a particular location and whether any special approvals are necessary.
Contact: Merced County Community and Economic Development Department (209) 385-7654.
If you plan to operate a business out of your home, you will need to fill out a Home Occupation Permit application.
Contact: Merced County Community and Economic Development Department (209) 385-7654.
3. Determine your Business Structure
If you want to establish your business as a corporation you must contact the Corporation Division of the California Secretary of State's Office. This office will supply you with all the information and forms you need. In addition, the Name Availability Unit can assist you in determining corporate name availability. For more information, contact the State of California Secretary of State's Office, 1230 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, (916) 653-6814.
4. Obtain Federal Tax ID Number
Federal Income Tax Identification Numbers, also known as Federal Employer Identification Numbers (EIN's). To find out if your business will require EIN or to apply on line, visit Federal Employer Identification Numbers
5. Register a Fictitious Business Name
If you invent a name for your business that is other than your own, the name is considered a Fictitious Business Name. All businesses should first register fictitious business names with the Merced County Clerk's Office before obtaining a Business License with the Merced County Business License Division. For more information, please call the Merced County Clerk's Office at (209) 385-7627 or visit Fictitious Business Names (FBNs).
6. Obtain your Business License and Sellers Permit
- Business License
- Seller’s Permit
Temporary permits are available to those whose sales activity will last no longer than 30 days, such as Christmas Tree Sales or sales at craft fairs, etc.
7. Obtain Permits and Licenses
- Building Permit
- Sign Permits
Contact: Merced County Community and Economic Development Department (209) 385-7654.
- Restaurants and Food Vendors
- Cottage Food Businesses
- California Department of Consumer Affairs License
To find out if you must register your business, please visit California Department of Consumer Affairs
- Import/Export Permit
- Other Permits & Licenses