Doing Business In Riverside

Thinking of doing business in Riverside? Hustler’s Library has gathered all the best resources for business owners in the city.

Arriving in Riverside:
Airport Tips for Business Travelers

Whether you’re flying private, traveling business class, or taking economy; Riverside has nearby options to take off and land:

Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Ontario International is the most convenient airport for Riverside business travel. It offers strong domestic connectivity, lighter congestion than LAX, and direct freeway access into Riverside and surrounding Inland Empire cities.

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Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)

Palm Springs International provides a relaxed, efficient arrival experience with select domestic routes. Best for travelers combining business with meetings in the Coachella Valley or eastern Riverside County.

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San Bernardino International Airport (SBD)

San Bernardino International is a smaller regional airport with limited commercial service. It can be a useful option for travelers prioritizing quick exits and proximity to Inland Empire business hubs when routes are available.

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Riverside City & County Compliance

The first step to doing business in Riverside is getting set up properly. Follow these three rules of thumb to make sure your business is always in compliance when hustling in IE.

Register Your Business

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). 

Get Your City Licenses & Permits

Depending on your industry and business activities, you might need specific licenses or permits to operate legally in Riverside, CA. Make sure you’re up to code by checking with the relevant Business Licensing Department.

Stay in the Know

Its best to keep an eye 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 Riverside business lawyer can also increase your ability to stay compliant.

Riverside Business Resources

Riverside has a tons of local resources dedicated to business owners and entrepreneurs. 

Riverside Credit Unions & Local Banks

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 in Riverside

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 Riverside and how they could possibly benefit your business. 

Business Acquisition Guides

Buying or selling a business in Riverside? Our team has info you need to help assist in a smoother transaction.

Networking In Riverside

In a sprawling landscape like Riverside, connections can be made anywhere. However, 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.

January 4-6 2026

CES 2026

October 15-16 2025

The Business Show

August 7–10 2025

DEF CON

Need Business Funding In Riverside?

We know where to find it. 

Finding Funding in Riverside

In an area as expansive as Riverside, it can sometimes seem impossible to find quality funding sources. However, the reality is there are massive local opportunities.

Where You Can Find Funding In Riverside:

Top Riverside Professionals

From legal support to digital marketing, find the expert services your business needs to thrive.

Contracts, IP, and regulations? We’ve found some of Riverside’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.

AI Consulting

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 Riverside locals or the world, we have you covered.

Grow your brand’s reach in Riverside and beyond with data-driven marketing, from SEO to social media. No more fluffed up stats, just real KPIs and results.

Local Pro Tip:

If you can’t find a service provider that fits your business’ needs in riverside, you can also try neighboring regions like Palm Springs, Los Angeles, or Orange County.

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Curated spots to work, recharge, and connect—handpicked for busy entrepreneurs on the move.

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Navigating Riverside Permits & Regulations

Doing business in Riverside means learning to work with one of the most ever-changing municipal regulatory systems in the country. 

Business Certificate (DBA)

Required if you operate under a name different from your legal name. Sole proprietors file this through the Riverside County Clerk’s Office.

Sales Tax Certificate of Authority

Needed for any business selling taxable goods or services. Register through the California Department of Tax & Fee Administration.

Food Service Establishment Permit

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

Mobile Vendor License

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.

Sidewalk Café License

If you want to set up outdoor seating, plan ahead—permits can take several months depending on your borough.

FDNY Certificate of Fitness

Needed for businesses with commercial cooking, fire extinguishers, chemicals, or compressed gas.