Modesto housing expansion creates opportunity for new businesses. Here’s how to get started
This month, Modesto began the largest housing project the city has seen in a decade, with 527 new homes in the works. With so many new residents on the horizon, you might think now’s the perfect time to start that business you’ve always had in mind.
“Many businesses pay attention to housing growth because it predicts population growth and spending potential growth in the area,” the city of Modesto said in a statement to The Bee. “Businesses may locate in anticipation of housing and population growth.”
If you’re wondering how to get started, nonprofit organization Opportunity Stanislaus may be able to help.
To start a business in Modesto, you need a California driver’s license and to fill out a business license application, at minimum. Depending on the business, additional documents are required.
For a restaurant, if it’s called anything other than your name, you may need to file a fictitious business name statement, a zoning clearance from the Modesto Planning Department, building and health permits, a food facility permit and an Alcoholic Beverage Control license, to name a few. The required documents vary by business type.
Opportunity Stanislaus assists entrepreneurs looking to open businesses in Stanislaus County. They work with over 100 local investors to help businesses in the area. They help with writing a business plan, marketing strategies, funding resources through acquiring banking loans, operations, financial analysis, and HR to name a few.
“When we work with a client, we start with research and planning,” said German Zavalza, chief innovation officer and small business development center director for Opportunity Stanislaus.
Before coming to Opportunity Stanislaus, entrepreneurs should do their own research, Zavalza said. “Identify a potential location, put some thought into telling me how this business is actually going to work,” he said. Drive through the location, just to get an idea of what the foot traffic looks like at different times of day.”
Zavalza noted that networking is vital to starting a business, not just in the Valley, but anywhere. “Even if you don’t want to approach a business in our area, find a similar business in another community similar to ours and just pick their brain,” he said. “Take the business owner out to coffee and talk about some of the challenges that they faced in launching their business, and the benefits as well.”
Opportunity Stanislaus also helps entrepreneurs decide which business structure best suits their ideas. For some businesses, handling operations remotely may work, while others may be better suited with a brick-and-mortar storefront.
You may want to establish a limited liability company if you’re going to have employees, Zavalza said. But if you’re in business with your dad, for example, you may not need the extra costs that come with an LLC.
The Stanislaus County Treasurer Tax Collector Department’s property tax division handles business licenses. Once filled out, the application must be submitted to the Planning Department for zoning approval. It is at Tenth Street Place, 1010 10th St., Suite 3400, Modesto, and can be reached at 209-525-6330.
Once the Planning Department approves the application, it can be returned to the Tax Collector’s Office with all required documents. The Tax Collector’s office is on the second floor of Tenth Street Place and can be reached at 209-525-6388.
This story was originally published August 20, 2024 at 12:00 PM.