I'm interested in starting a business in San Carlos. What do I need to do?

The Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the City of San Carlos and its Redevelopment Agency, publishes a "Doing Business in San Carlos” booklet. The booklet contains the following information:

1. Information about San Carlos’ requirements--business registration, zoning, architectural review, building permit, and other approvals.
2. Flow charts to show you what you are required to do and what the city is responsible for.
3. Check lists to help you keep track of what you should do and what you have accomplished.
4. General descriptions of the various departments and their requirements.
5. County, state and federal requirements.
6. Additional information you may find helpful: business development resources.

The booklet is updated periodically.

For additional information about the booklet or to receive a copy, contact the Chamber of Commerce at (650) 593-1068 or City Hall at (650) 802-4263.

The San Carlos Chamber of Commerce can get you a Starting Business Kit for around $30. They offer kits for Sole Proprietors, Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, and Corporations. These kits contain all the legal documents and government forms that you need for starting a business and for tax purposes throughout the year. Call the Chamber of Commerce at (650) 593-1068 for more information and other helpful advice. You can also visit their website at www.sancarloschamber.org.

Where is the San Carlos Chamber of Commerce? What do they do?

The San Carlos Chamber of Commerce is located at 1500 Laurel St., Suite B. It provides many resources for new and existing businesses, including regularly scheduled seminars, business mixers, ribbon cuttings, and networking and low-cost advertising opportunities. The Chamber hosts the annual "State of the City" Breakfast and the annual Art and Wine Faire. An association of businesses, the Chamber works to promote a vital local economy. It also functions as an advocacy group for businesses in and around San Carlos. The Chamber publishes a monthly newsletter, San Carlos Business, a Community Guide and a Business Directory. It maintains a website with local information and a list of member businesses. For more information about any of these activities, contact the Chamber Monday through Friday at (650) 593-1068 or 24 hours a day at www.sancarloschamber.org.

Can I get a listing of all the businesses located in San Carlos?

The Business Directory, published every two years by the Chamber of Commerce, is available free at the Chamber office at 1500 Laurel St., Suite B. It lists all Chamber member businesses (about 700). Chamber member businesses may receive an up-to-date roster of businesses anytime or may purchase a set of mailing labels for $50. An electronic or paper copy listing all San Carlos businesses that currently hold valid business licenses is available through the City of San Carlos Finance Department for $35. For more details, contact the Finance Department at (650) 802-4215.