Newark, CA
Home MenuHOW TO START A BUSINESS IN NEWARK
A Step-by-Step Guide
Welcome Message
Welcome! Thank you for selecting the City of Newark as the location for your business.
We’re thrilled to have you join our vibrant community of entrepreneurs and innovators. Starting a business is an exciting journey, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Our city offers a wealth of resources, a supportive network of fellow business owners, and a thriving customer base eager to discover what you have to offer.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to grow, we encourage you to take advantage of the various programs, workshops, and networking opportunities available. Your success is our success, and we’re committed to helping you thrive in our city.
Meet the Economic Development Team’s Business Liaisons. We’re here to help you navigate your way to establishing a business in our community.
A business plan offers a structured blueprint for achieving business goals. It will help you identify the actions you need to take, and ensure you stay on track. Many businesses fail without a solid business plan. Having a good business plan can be beneficial when you apply for a loan.
Start Here
The City has partnered with business advisors to guide you through the process of starting and operating a business. Advisors provide personalized, one-on-one assistance to help you craft a business plan - completely free of charge. To learn more or schedule a session, contact naz.jalalidin@newarkca.gov.
The City of Newark also offers a variety of workshops covering financial resiliency, business planning, cybersecurity, and digital marketing to support our business community. These workshops are offered in multiple languages. To stay updated on upcoming workshops and other business resources, scan the QR code and subscribe to our Newark Business Buzz newsletter.
The East Bay Small Business Development Center (SBDC), SCORE, Small Business Administration (SBA), and other organizations also provide business advising, workshops, and assistance with business planning, sales & marketing, financial management, and other business issues, at low or no cost. Please contact them for more information.
When beginning a business, you must decide what form of business entity to establish. Your choice of legal structure will affect your income taxes and personal liability. Determining this will clarify what formational documents are required by the State.
A sole proprietor is someone who owns an unincorporated business by themselves. If you are a sole proprietor, no formation documents are required to be filed with the California Secretary of State.
A partnership is the relationship between two or more people to do business. A partnership must file an annual information return to report the income, deductions, gains, losses from its operations, but it does not pay income tax.
A corporation is an entity that is separate from its owners, providing limited liability protection. A limited liability company (LLC) is a flexible business structure that combines the limited liability protection with the taxation simplicity of a partnership. If you are starting a corporation or a limited liability company, you must contact the California Secretary of State’s Office, and they can supply you with all the information and forms needed.
California Secretary of State
1500 11th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 653-6814
You are strongly advised to contact your own accountant or attorney for advice determining the best legal structure for your business.
Important!
Before signing a lease or purchasing a property, contact the City of Newark’s Planning Division to verify if your business use is allowed in the space or if a Use Permit is required. City zoning ensures that businesses operate in suitable areas, protecting both you and your neighbors from incompatible uses.
Planning Division
(510) 578-4330
planning@newark.org
The following tools and listings may help you explore available commercial properties and development opportunities.
If you can’t find what you are looking for, the City of Newark’s Economic Development team is eager to help. Feel free to contact the Deputy Economic Development Director at angela.tsui@newarkca.gov.
If your business will operate under a fictitious name or Doing Business As (DBA), you will need to register with the Alameda County Clerk’s Office. This step needs to be completed 40 days before your first transaction and before obtaining a City of Newark Business License. For more details, visit the Alameda County Clerk's Office website.
Also, public notices announcing your business name must be posted for four weeks in the local newspaper, such as East Bay Times, the Tri-City Voice, or the Mercury News.
Try This Tip:
You can generate a short, brandable business name using AI business name generator Namelix at https://namelix.com.All Businesses are required to file State and Federal tax returns. For State tax information, visit www.taxes.ca.gov. For Federal tax information, visit www.irs.gov/businesses.
Will you sell a product? The California Board of Equalization can assist you in determining whether you need a Seller’s Permit. You may also be required to collect sales tax. To do so, the Board of Equalization will need to issue you a resale number to report that sales tax.
Whether you are self-employed or an employer with one or more employees, you must also pay Social Security taxes.
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Franchise Tax Board 1515 Clay Street, Suite 305 Oakland, CA 94612 (800) 852-5711 www.ftb.ca.gov |
Board of Equalization 250 South Second Street San Jose, CA 95113 (408) 277-1231 www.boe.ca.gov |
Social Security 280 S. First Street, Room 244 San Jose, CA 95113 (800) 772-1213 www.ssa.gov |
Use Permits
Use Permits may be required depending on the type of business proposed and the extent of the building alterations involved. Application for permits and other required forms can be downloaded from the City of Newark’s website at https://www.newark.org/departments/community - development/planning-division
Building permits are required for most tenant improvements, including any type of construction work, demolition, equipment installation and removal. Before starting any type of work in your store, please check with the Building Inspection Division. File for permits online at Permits Online eTrakit.
(510) 578-4261 (press 1)
building.inspection@newarkca.gov
Sign Permit
If your business would like to display a sign that is visible from outside a building, a Sign Permit is required from the Building Inspection Division. Permits are needed for both permanent and temporary signs. Contact Building Inspection Division for more information.
(510) 578-4261 (press 1)
building.inspection@newarkca.gov
Any person conducting business, including Internet-based businesses, within the City of Newark is required to have a business license on file. This ordinance also applies to those businesses advertising a Newark address as their physical location and/or using a Newark address for business mailing purposes. Business licenses are non-transferable and do not cancel automatically.
Complete your business license application here: www.blapp.newark.org. If you have questions, visit or call the City of Newark Finance Department Front Desk.
Finance Department Front Desk
(510) 578-4310
Home-Based Businesses
Any Newark business that does not have a commercial storefront, office, retail or industrial location is considered to be a home-based business, even if the sales or services are performed on the Internet or outside the residence.
Home-based businesses, also need a home occupation permit. Planning approval is required prior to issuance of business license. For more details, visit City of Newark’s website at https://www.newark.org /departments/administrative-services/finance/business-license/home-based- business.
Before starting any construction work for your business, we strongly encourage you to discuss your project with the Building Inspection Division. Skipping this step can lead to unnecessary costs and complications down the road - something we want to help you avoid.
A quick conversation with the Building Inspection Division can help you avoid these pitfalls and ensure a smooth, hassle-free project. The Building Inspection team is here to support you, so please reach out and let's make your construction experience successful from the start!
Building Inspection Division
(510) 578-4261 (press 1)
building.inspection@newarkca.gov
Matthew Farrell
Chief Building Official
(510) 578-4217
Planning Division
Verify the zoning designation of your selected location to ensure your business type is permitted. Depending on the zoning regulations, you may be required to obtain a Use Permit. Your first step should be to contact the Planning Division for guidance and confirmation.
Building Inspection Division
As a second step, schedule an appointment with the Building Inspection Division to review any proposed tenant improvements. This should be done before beginning any construction work.
Smaller projects may qualify for an over-the-counter plan review, which can help expedite the permitting process. To avoid unnecessary costs and delays, it’s important to clearly understand your project scope and consult with the Building Inspection Division early in the process.
In most cases, your project plans include your architectural drawings with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing details, a recycling plan, fire prevention and safety features. Additionally, if your project includes a new signage, you may need to submit a separate Sign Permit Application.
Business License
Most projects require a Building Permit, including installations such as flooring, tables and chairs, or hanging displays that could pose a safety risk to patrons. While all projects require an application and plans, the level of detail needed may vary depending on the scope of work.
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After you complete the Use Permit and Building Permit processes, apply for a Business License. Applications can be submitted online or in-person. Business licenses must be renewed annually.
Depending on the type of business, you may be required to obtain permits or licenses from the following county, state, or federal agencies.
- Alameda County Environmental Health Permit: deh.acgov.org
- Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) License: www.abc.ca.gov
- California Department of Consumer Affairs License: www.dca.ca.gov
- Import/Export Permit: www.cbp.gov/trade
- Family Child Care License: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing
- Retail and Wholesale Business Permits: https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/taxes-and-fees/faqseller.htm
- Contractor’s License Construction: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/
- Other Permits and Licenses: https://www.calgold.ca.gov/
Try This Tip:
To determine what other regional, state, and federal permits and licenses your business may need, please visit the State’s CalGOLD Business Permits Made Simple website at www.calgold.ca.gov.
If you have employees, you are required to be located in a commercial location. You will need to contact IRS to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Also, be sure to register with the California Employment Development Department (EDD). They will provide you with the necessary forms and answer any questions you may have regarding your responsibilities. As an employer, the State requires you to do the following:
- Withhold state income tax
- Withhold state disability insurance
- Pay unemployment tax
- Pay for any employment training costs
As an employer, you are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. You may obtain this insurance through your own insurance agent or the State Fund of California.
Workforce Development Support:
Alameda County Workforce Development Board provides support to help businesses find and train employees.
The Ohlone College Career Center has many different services available to help you match your hiring needs.
Businesses can play a significant role in reducing waste by recycling and composting properly, which is not only environmentally responsible but also a legal requirement in California. By adopting these practices, businesses contribute to a greener future and comply with state regulations.
Check This:
StopWaste helps businesses in Alameda County reduce operating costs, improve efficiency, and protect the environment through waste prevention strategies. Services include assistance with hazardous waste management, recycling programs, food scraps collection, green business certifications, and grant opportunities.
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Ready to open your doors after all your hard work? If you’re planning a grand opening, we’d love to celebrate with you and officially welcome you to our community! Reach out to us at naz.jalalidin@newarkca.gov to plan your ribbon cutting. Your grand opening will be highlighted in our Newark Business Buzz newsletter and on the City website. |
Small Business Saturday |
The City of Newark celebrates Small Business Saturday each year on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. This event encourages holiday shoppers to support small and local businesses. You can showcase your business by offering giveaways, sharing coupons, or displaying promotional flyers. Please contact naz.jalalidin@newarkca.gov for more information. |
Newark Days |
This four-day festival occurs every year to celebrate Newark. The event is organized by Newark Days Celebration, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Businesses can participate by hosting a booth or walking in the parade. Applications to participate are typically available in early spring. |
Manufacturing Week |
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Stay connected with us to get timely updates on business news, events, and other resources. Scan the QR code and subscribe to our Newark Business Buzz newsletter. |
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Emergency Preparedness |
The Plan, Prepare, Response, and Recover (PPRR) is a free training program to equip businesses and their employees with essential knowledge and skills to best position for continuity and resiliency. Contact naz.jalalidin@newarkca.gov for more details.
Visit www.ready.gov to see the disaster preparedness resources that are available to businesses. |
Online Business Courses |
The Newark Library offers a variety of online learning tools to help you and your employees develop skills in areas like basic computer use, financial planning, and more through Udemy.
Access these resources with your library card by visiting www.aclibrary.org and exploring these free tools.
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Grant & Funding Opportunities |
Several federal, state, and local programs can provide financial assistance for your business. The most common resources are:
Visit the City of Newark’s website to view internal and external grants and funding opportunities. |
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The Newark Police Department invites businesses to join the Business Watch program. This is a partnership between businesses, law enforcement, and other organizations that represent business interests. Business Watch actively reduces and prevents crime through cooperation and education. If you are interested in learning more about this program, contact Community Engagement Manager Shobna Sharma at shobna.sharma@newarkca.gov. |
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Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is an approach to reducing crime and fear of crime by integrating architectural and urban planning principles. Our Economic Development Division has in-house expertise to provide free consultation and assessments on how to integrate crime prevention elements to your business. Contact angela.tsui@newarkca.gov for more information. |
- Newark Chamber of Commerce
35501 Cedar Blvd
Newark, CA 94560
(510) 578-4500
- Old Town Business Association
Veronica Reyes
President
(510) 938-7944
Hector Soto
Membership Committee
(510) 378-4730
