Starting Your Business

The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (also known as the Labor Commissioner’s Office) issues permits for several industries. Those are:

Farm labor contractors
Garment manufacturers (and Contractors)
Car washing & polishing firms
Talent Agency License and Fee-Related Talent Services
Studio teachers
Industrial homeworkers
Sheltered Workshops and Special Minimum Wage Workers
Employers, transporters and supervisors of minors involved in door-to-door sales
Minors Employed in the Entertainment Industry

The Division of Occupational Safety and Health (also known as Cal/OSHA) issues permits for industries where significant safety risks can exist:

Other Industries – Teachers, Real Estate Agents, Physicians, Dentists, etc are granted permits through the Department of Consumer Affairs:

Understand Employer Responsibilities

Additional questions regarding holidays, overtime, rest periods, retaliation/discrimination are answered here
Make sure you know exactly what records you need to keep as a business owner, what forms your employees need to fill out, what benefit plans you can offer, and more here: http://www.sba.gov/content/10-steps-hiring-your-first-employee

Google has partnered with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), Intuit, the NFIB and several regional chambers of commerce to create “Get Your Business Online” a free resource to California small business. The service provides a free easy-to-build Intuit website, free customized domain name, free web hosting for one year, and many more online tools and training.

The Department of Industrial Relations is a resource for small businesses. Contact us for information and assistance with workplace requirements.

Get resources on workplace safety and health requirements.

Call Cal/OSHA's Call Center 833-579-0927 or contact a Consultation Office or Enforcement Office

Know how to pay workers properly.

Email the Labor Commissioner's Office for help with labor laws
MakeitFair@dir.ca.gov or Contact an office

Learn about having an insurance plan to cover workplace injuries and illnesses.

Find workforce solutions by developing an approved apprenticeship program.