Starting a Business in Brawley

When you start your own business in the City of Brawley, there are several steps to follow to insure success.  The steps below are designed to help you navigate the start of your new business.

Step #1 Zoning
Contact the City of Brawley Planning Department for proper zoning and procedures.  If necessary, a no cost pre-application meeting can be scheduled with the Development Review Committee (DRC) to outline the steps required initiate your project.  This is a great pathway for obtaining feedback from City departments. 

City of Brawley
400 W. Main St. Suite #2
Brawley, CA 92227
(760) 344-8622
http://www.brawley-ca.gov/departments/planning/

Step #2 Fictitious Name
Do you need a Fictitious Name? Any business name that does not include the surname of the individual owning the business must file a Fictitious Business Statement with the County Clerk of  Imperial  County. Within 30 days of the filing the registrant is required to publish this statement in a newspaper in the county (four insertions, one a week for four weeks).

Office of the Clerk- Registrar
940 W. Main St., Suite #202
El Centro CA 92243
(760) 482-4427
http://www.co.imperial.ca.us/recorder/default.htm

Step #3 Sellers Permit
If you are selling or acquiring any tangible items for repair or use in your business you must have a resale permit.

State Board of Equalization
1550 W. Main Street
El Centro, CA 92243- 2832
(760) 352-3431
http://www.boe.ca.gov/members/msteel/index.html

Employer Tax Identification Number
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98350,00.html

Hiring Employees?
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=172179,00.html

Also contact your IVSBDC and SCORE which provide business consulting and business plan writing assistance in any area of need: financial, marketing, operations, etc.

Step #4 Business License
The City of Brawley requires that anyone conducting a business or service or contracting work in the City of Brawley is to obtain a City business license. The Finance Department administers business licenses through an application and approval process.  Once a business license application is submitted, the Finance Department all inspections are completed and clearances provided by appropriate City departments.  This process will take approximately 1-2 weeks.  Most business licenses are billed and issued on a quarterly basis.  Please contact the Finance Department for applications, fees and any additional information at:

400 Main Street
Brawley, CA 92227
Phone (760)344-1550
http://www.brawley-ca.gov/i-am-a-business/licenses-and-permits/

Step #5 Join the Brawley Chamber of Commerce
Joining the chamber is not a requirement but does make sense. The Brawley Chamber exists to help in creating a strong local economy, promoting the community, providing networking opportunities, taking political action,  and representing the interests of business with government.  Joining the Chamber helps your business convey credibility and stability to your customers.  The Chamber can help your business grow through networking and the power of referrals. Call, visit online, or stop by the Brawley Chamber of Commerce to start your membership.

Brawley Chamber of Commerce.
204 South Imperial Ave.
Brawley, CA 92227
Phone: 760.344.3160
http://www.brawleychamber.com/