Thinking of doing business in Los Angeles? 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; Los Angeles has excellent options to take off and land:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Los Angeles or LA County. Make sure you’re up to code by checking with the relevant Business Licensing Department.
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.
Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles and how they could possibly benefit your business.
Buying or selling a business in Los Angeles? Our team has info you need to help assist in a smoother transaction.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Curated spots to work, recharge, and connect—handpicked for busy entrepreneurs on the move.
Doing business in Los Angeles means learning to work with one of the most ever-changing municipal regulatory systems in the country.
Required if you operate under a name different from your legal name. Sole proprietors file this through the LA 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.