Doing Business In Los Angeles

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

Arriving in LA:
Airport Tips for Business Travelers

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

Los Angeles International (LAX)

LAX is the main international airport, offering the widest range of domestic and global nonstop routes. Best for long-haul and international business travel, though congestion and traffic should be planned for.

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Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

Burbank Airport is smaller and faster than LAX, with short security lines and quick curb access. Ideal for domestic travel to Hollywood, Downtown LA, and the San Fernando Valley.

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Long Beach Airport (LGB)

Long Beach Airport offers a calm, efficient experience with limited flight volume and quick exits. Best for domestic travel and meetings in Long Beach, or getting to Orange County.

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Los Angeles City Compliance

The first step to doing business in Los Angeles is getting set up legitimately. Follow these three rules of thumb to make sure your business is always in compliance when hustling in LA.

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 the city of Los Angeles or LA County. Make sure you’re up to code by checking with the relevant Business Licensing Department.

Stay in the Know

Regulations can change faster than Hollywood headlines. 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 LA business attorney can also increase your ability to stay compliant.

LA Business Resources

Los Angeles has a wide range of local resources dedicated to business owners and entrepreneurs. 

Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles

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 Los Angeles and how they could possibly benefit your business. 

Business Acquisition Guides

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

Networking In Los Angeles

In a city as fast as LA, 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.

January 4-6 2026

CES 2026

October 15-16 2025

The Business Show

August 7–10 2025

DEF CON

Need Business Funding In LA?

We know where to find it. 

Finding Funding in Los Angeles 

In a city all about appearances like LA, it can sometimes seem like everyone has money. But the reality is most business owners are struggling. Start looking for real funding and ditch the flash.

Where You Can Find Funding In Los Angeles:

  • State funding & small business support programs
  • Local lenders & credit unions
  • Local angel investors 
  • Local incubators

Top Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles’ 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 LA locals or the world, we have you covered.

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

Local Picks for Hustlers

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

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Navigating Los Angeles Permits & Regulations

Doing business in Los Angeles 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 LA 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.

Around the City

A glimpse into the energy, hustlers, and style of Los Angeles.