Documents 
Make a Business Plan
1. Evaluate your Needs and Develop a Business Plan
There is no way to eliminate all the risk associated with starting a business; however, 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. A business plan is the blueprint or road map for where your business will travel. Your business plan may also serve as a tool for raising capital and is usually a requirement if you plan to apply for a loan or want to attract financial investors.
Below is a list of agencies that can provide a variety of services, resources and workshops to help you develop your business plan:
Ripon Chamber of Commerce
– Offers a wealth of benefits designed to attract and support businesses in the community. Provides services, programs and leadership to promote economic growth and foster a healthy business environment. For more information, call 209-599-7519 or visit www.riponchamber.org
San Joaquin Delta College Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
– Offers new and existing businesses help with financial, marketing, production, organizational and technical issues. Provides up-to-date consulting, training and research assistance in all aspects of business operation, management and start-up. For more information, call 209-943-5089 or visit http://www.delta.edu/.
United States Small Business Administration
– Offers small businesses
a comprehensive and easy to use interactive tool guide intended to serve
as a roadmap for starting a business. Provides numerous electronic links
for additional resources.
Visit their web site at www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/index.html.
2. Check & Clear Zoning Regulations
If your business will be located within the corporate limits of the city, (commercial building, your residence, etc.) contact the City of Ripon Planning Department at 209-599-2108 to determine the zoning designation of your proposed site before finalizing your business location or signing any lease agreements. All businesses must locate in areas zoned to allow that particular business activity. Planning Division staff will help you determine if your business is an eligible use for a specific location and whether any special approvals are necessary.
Be aware that new business ownership or change in building use may require modifications to bring the building up-to-current code.
For additional information regarding Planning Permits and Approvals, contact the Planning Department at 209- 599-2108 or visit the Community Development Application Packets page. Applications can also be picked up at City Hall or mailed upon request.
3. Check & Clear Building Requirements
A Building Permit is needed for all new construction in the City of Ripon. In most cases, a permit is also required for replacement of existing construction, additions and remodeling. Building Permits are how the City of Ripon regulates construction to ensure it is safe for occupancy or use. This is done through the review of plans and periodic inspections to verify compliance with the California Building Code and local regulations. A Building Permit Application must be submitted along with the applicable fees.
Owner/Builder Permit Application
For additional information regarding Building Permits, contact the Building Department at 209-599-2151.
4. Determine your Business Structure
When beginning a business, you must decide what form of business entity to establish. The most common forms of business are Sole Proprietorships, General and Limited Partnerships, Corporations, and Limited Liability Companies. Each legal structure offers organizational options which are appropriate for different personal situations and which affect tax and liability issues. We suggest you research each legal structure thoroughly, and consult a tax accountant and/or attorney prior to making your decision.
For additional information, contact the State of California Secretary of State’s Business Portal at www.ss.ca.gov/business/business.htm.
5. Register a Fictitious Business Name
Any business name that does not include the last name of all the individuals who own the business or a business name that suggests the existence of additional owners, such as the words “company” or “association”, is considered a fictitious business name. In the case of a corporation, a fictitious business name is any name other than the corporate name stated in its articles of incorporation. No fictitious business name may include the words “Corporation”, “Inc.”, “Incorporation” or “Corp.” unless it is a corporation registered with the Secretary of State.
Every person who regularly transacts business in this state for profit under a fictitious business name must file a fictitious business name statement form with the San Joaquin County Recorder’s Office. Non-profit corporations or associations or charitable organizations do not need to file. Corporations do not need to file unless doing business under a name other than the corporate name.
For more information, please call the San Joaquin County Recorder’s Office at 209-468-3939 or visit www.co.san-joaquin.ca.us/recorder.
6. Pay your Business License Fees
Per Ripon Municipal Code Section 5.04.020, anyone wishing to commence
or carry on any trade, calling, occupation, profession or pursuit, must
first pay the required license fee and obtain a Business License from
the City of Ripon.
