Santa Ana Businesses Offered Licensing Workshop

- The City of Santa Ana's Economic Development Division offers its own free Business Start-Up Workshops on the second Wednesday of each month in English and on the third Wednesday in Spanish. These workshops are designed to guide entrepreneurs through the initial stages of launching a business in the city. - For businesses operating out of a residence, a Home Occupation Permit is required. The city has recently taken steps to be more accommodating to home-based businesses by reducing the fee for this permit. - All businesses operating within Santa Ana must obtain a business license and pay an annual business license tax, regardless of whether the business is profitable. Failure to do so before commencing business can result in a penalty of 50% of the current year's license fee. - The Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a key resource for Santa Ana businesses, offering no-cost business consulting, training, and online courses. They provide assistance with business planning, marketing, financing, and government contracting. - Independent contractors and individuals who receive a 1099 form are required to obtain a City of Santa Ana Business License. - Certain business types, such as those selling alcohol or pawn shops, require a referral to the Santa Ana Police Department for regulatory review and approval as part of the licensing process. - A business license is not transferable to a new owner. The new owner must apply for their own license. A change in business location also requires a new application and approval from the relevant city departments. - To support new and growing businesses, the City of Santa Ana provides various economic development programs, including the Santa Ana WORK Center for workforce assistance, the Shop Santa Ana initiative to promote local businesses, and various financial incentive programs.