Small Business Services

Depending on what kind of business and how you want to operate your business, you may need to contact one or more of the following agencies:

State of California Permits

You must obtain a seller's permit from the Board of Equalization if you are engaged in business in California and intend to sell or lease tangible personal property that would ordinarily be subject to sales tax if sold at retail.

The Monterey County-Clerks Office requires a Fictitious Business Statement (FBN) if your business is any other name than your own.

The Monterey County Health Department should be contacted for any food related businesses and to obtain a Food Permit. 

City of Salinas Process

 The City of Salinas requires a business license if you are planning to do business within the city of Salinas. Please look at our submittal process to look at the steps to take. If you would like to open a home-based business 

For questions concerning the City of Salinas Business License fee, please call the City's Finance Department at (831) 758-7211 or go to our finance page here for more information

To support our local small businesses, City of Salinas staff and the Economic Recovery Taskforce will be putting forward initiatives to encourage residents to shop local and support the marketing of businesses in Salinas.

Salinas Spring Loteria - Celebrate the Small Business Week and Mother's Day by shopping at your favorite local establishments! To support our small business community, the City of Salinas, in collaboration with SUBA, will hold a Loteria in the Alisal District from April 30 Extended Until June 30th. What is Salinas Loteria? The Salinas Lotería initiative seeks to engage locals and visitors by encouraging them to invest in and celebrate the Alisal District's culture. The game is based on the classic Latin American bingo game Lotería , but with a local twist. Salinas Lotería is a "shop local" campaign that encourages residents to explore and discover local businesses while also supporting their favorite stores. The campaign will begin as a pilot initiative in the Alisal Area, with the prospect of being expanded citywide, with each city district themed with a holiday (Valentine's Day, Christmas, Halloween, and so on). How to Play & Where to Get a Table? To play, get your Tabla (gameboard) from any of the businesses and organizations listed below.

1) Shop at a participating small businesses along the Alisal Commercial Corridors. You will receive a sticker icon for your gameboard with each qualifying purchase.

2) Complete a Vertical, Horizontal or Diagonal Play.

3) Email Us A Picture of the Winning Table with the Subject "Salinas Loteria" @Bizsupport@ci.salinas.ca.us with your contact information.

4) Winning Tables are Entered Into a Raffle

Winners will be selected at random on July 3, 2023! 

   

List of 25 Businesses Participating in our Spring Loteria!

El Primo Western Wear-828 E. Alisal Street

Jugería Tropical-822 E. Alisal Street

Changing Faces-813 E. Alisal Street

Leal’s Bakery -805 E. Alisal Street

Alicia's Boutique-649 E. Alisal Street

El Primo Western Wear-645 E. Alisal Street

Medina's Bridal Shop-639 E. Alisal Street

El Pollo Dorado-701 E. Alisal Street

Nelly's Beauty Salon-716 E. Alisal Street

Classic Weddings-650 E. Alisal Street

Electronic Plus-646 E. Alisal Street

Mary's Rinconcito - 626 E. Alisal Street

Blanca's Fashion-548 E. Alisal Street

GTO Printers-526 E. Alisal Street

One Stop Market-980 Acosta Plaza

Salinas Pizza-988 Acosta Plaza

Panaderia, Pasteleria, Deli La Estrella-613 N. Sanborn Road

Dulceria Vargas-60 N. Sanborn Road

More Than A Haircut-734 E. Market Street

Gorditas Dulceria Maria-732 E. Market Street

Ruby O's Flowers-699 E. Market Street

Neighborhood Market & Taqueria-505 E. Market Street

Culturas Hidalgo y Oaxaca-473 E. Market Street

Deluxe Boutique-480 E. Market Street

Available Grants!

Salinas Marketing and Technology Grant 

The objective of the marketing and technology micro-grant program is to provide financial assistance for business owners seeking to improve their technology skills or to promote their business in digital platforms. The grant program is intended to address the technological barriers and gaps within the small business community. These micro-grants will help business owners incorporate new digital tools into their businesses to streamline their online operations and marketing strategies. Business owners are able to apply for grants of up to $2,500 in each of the following categories: Social Media Marketing Assistance, Financial Literacy Assistance and Computer Literacy Assistance! Applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted.

Is your Business located in the Alisal area? Click here 

Is your Business located outside of the Alisal area? Click here

Salinas Downtown Outdoor Dining Forgivable Loan Program

Interested business owners apply here

For questions regarding the grant programs contact the Small Business Assistance Hotline at bizsupport@ci.salinas.ca.us or 831-758-7367