Want to do business in San Diego? Hustler’s Library has gathered all the best resources for business owners in the city.
Whether you’re flying private, traveling business class, or taking economy; San Diego has efficient options to take off and land:
San Diego International is the primary airport serving the region and is located just minutes from Downtown. Best for most business travelers, with quick access to the city center and coastal business districts.
McClellan-Palomar is a smaller regional airport serving North County. Ideal for private, charter, and limited commercial flights, especially for meetings in Carlsbad, Encinitas, and surrounding areas.
Tijuana International can be a cost-effective alternative for certain routes, particularly when combined with the Cross Border Xpress (CBX). Best for travelers comfortable navigating cross-border logistics with destinations in the greater San Diego area.
The first step to doing business in San Diego is getting set up legitimately. Follow these three rules of thumb to make sure your business is always in compliance when hustling in SD.
A great first step is to officially register your business with the state of California. Whether you’re launching a startup, independent contracting, or building a full brick-and-mortar shop; you’ll need to file the necessary paperwork with the California Secretary of State. For businesses operating under a name different from your legal name (DBA).
Depending on your industry and business activities, you might need specific licenses or permits to operate legally in the city of San Diego or San Diego County. Make sure you’re up to code by checking with the relevant Business Licensing Department.
Try to watch out for the latest updates and requirements by bookmarking relevant government websites and subscribing to newsletters. Staying compliant isn’t just good business sense; it’s the key to keeping your hustle thriving in this dynamic city. Getting a solid San Diego business attorney can also increase your ability to stay compliant.
San Diego has a wide range of local resources dedicated to business owners and entrepreneurs.
Our team has done our research and found top local banks and credit unions for business owners & entrepreneurs. See what options are available and how they could potentially improve your operations.
Opportunity zones bring unique value to business owners and entrepreneurs of all sizes. Each having their own unique aspects and potential advantages. See what opportunity zones are around San Diego and how they could possibly benefit your business.
In an affluent city like SD, connections can be made anywhere; but to meet like-minded people, you need to network with purpose. Hustler’s Library has put together the top events for entrepreneurs and business owners in the city.
We know where to find it.
Finding Funding in San Diego
In a city filled with yachts and beachfront homes, it can sometimes seem like everyone has money. But the reality is many business owners are in desperate need.
Where You Can Find Funding In San Diego:
From legal support to digital marketing, find the expert services your business needs to thrive.
Contracts, IP, and regulations? We’ve found some of San Diego’s best legal minds that will help keep your paperwork right.
Taxes and finances, handled. Work with startup-savvy CPAs to boost profits and stay stress-free.
We have the information you need from top commercial realtors to places you can find properties.
Start understanding how Artificial Intelligence can help make your business more efficient and increase overall productivity.
Launch a stunning, user-friendly website that captures your brand and drives results. Wether you’re looking to build a site for SD locals or the world, we have you covered.
Grow your brand’s reach in San Diego and beyond with data-driven marketing, from SEO to social media. No more fluffed up stats, just real KPIs and results.
Curated spots to work, recharge, and connect—handpicked for busy entrepreneurs on the move.
Doing business in San Diego means learning to work with one of the largest municipal regulatory systems in the country.
Required if you operate under a name different from your legal name. Sole proprietors file this through the SD County Clerk’s Office.
Needed for any business selling taxable goods or services. Register through the California Department of Tax & Fee Administration.
Businesses like active Restaurants, Food Markets, Apartment Buildings, Condominiums, Swimming Pools, Food Trucks, Camps, and Cannabis Facilities are all required to obtain and prominently display their health rating. Anyone handling or near food is going to need California Certified Food Handler Card.
California classifies mobile vendors like food trucks as or Compact Mobile Food Operations aka CMFOs. Examples of CMFOs include pushcarts, pedal-driven carts, wagons, or other non-motorized conveyances.
If you want to set up outdoor seating, plan ahead—permits can take several months depending on your borough.
Needed for businesses with commercial cooking, fire extinguishers, chemicals, or compressed gas.
