Setting Up in California

SETTING UP IN CALIFORNIA

From opening a company in California to finding your perfect office space, the BABC Northern California is the perfect place to start your journey.  Explore some of the essential steps to help you to set up and grow your business.  By joining the BABC Northern California (more information here), we can quickly get you connected to the resources you will need to land, expand and accelerate.

Learn how the BABC Northern California, and our members, can help you to set up in California and expand your business in the region. We have close working relationships with a trusted network of advisors. Our members can provide your business with the support you need to set up and succeed.

You can learn more about setting up in California on this State of California web page: Starting a Business :: California Secretary of State

LEGAL

Determine what legal form your business will take and the best tax structure, familiarize yourself with any available tax incentives. Learn about intellectual property rights.  Get up to speed on how best to navigate labor and employment laws in California and find the right path for your company regarding business immigration.    Our members can also advise on Venture Capital, Fund formation, Capital Markets, Mergers and Acquisitions, Litigation, Cyber/Data/Privacy and Technology, Media and Telecoms

Our Top Tier Members that can help you:

 

                                    

BANKING & FINANCE

Find out what you need to open a business bank account in the US and the essential information about tax and incentive schemes to help your business thrive.

Have the correct documents to hand to help speed up your application. The common requirements from banks are:

  • Your business plan, key people, markets and customers: This information covers what your company will do, projected sales, income and expenditure, as well as key suppliers and customers.
  • Business Address: Registered and Physical
  • Formation Entity Documents: Including Articles of Incorporation (Registrations), Operating Agreements, By-Laws, Beneficial Ownership records and if the entity is doing business as (dba) or trade name, you will need to provide supporting documentation
  • Tax Forms:  W9 or W8
  • NAICS Code: The NAICS is the standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy.
  • Company structure chart: This information should cover ownership and respective percentage shares held down to an individual level. Banks ask for underlying documentation – certificate of incorporation, share registers, share certificates, partnership agreements and trust agreements.
  • Identification and verification: A passport, legal ID or Driver’s license is needed to verify the identities of key individuals and proof of residence. A recent bank statement or utility bill verifies addresses.
  • Bank statements: If your company is a newly incorporated subsidiary of an existing company, you will need to provide six months of statements from the parent company depending on where the initial funds come from and how much is invested. Your bank may also need bank statements from the beneficial owners, as well as an explanation of their source of wealth.

Our Top Tier Members that can help you:

                       

 

TAX, AUDIT AND ACCOUNTING

Our Top Tier Members that can help you:

 

               

 

REAL ESTATE AND OFFICES

When it comes to finding a home for your business, you will have lots of options! One of the best places to consider, that won’t break the bank while you are getting started here, is a co-working space such as Werqwise who have two locations in California.  In San Francisco, and down the Peninsula in San Mateo, close to Silicon Valley.  Werqwise offers a range of memberships designed to suit your stage of growth and all spaces can be re-configured to grow as you do.  If you need an entire building, or larger floor plates, our Member SVN can help you find the perfect office space.

 

Our Top Tier Members that can help you:

 

MOVING SERVICES

When the time comes to cross the pond with all your belongings, you’ll need to find the right company to get you here.  Through their worldwide networks, these members will be able to help you.