Welcome to Clovis as a Business Opportunity!

To assist you in getting your business started, please use the following checklist of items that should be examined prior to opening your business. We hope that by reviewing this, we may better assist your efforts to get your business open in a timely manner.

• Is the location you have selected properly zoned for the type of business you propose? Is there a need for a formal public hearing to obtain City approval prior to the opening of your business? (For information, contact the Planning Department at (559) 324-2340)
• Have you checked to determine if the number of parking spaces on the site is adequate for your use? (For information, contact the Planning Department at (559) 324-2340)
• Have you obtained sign review and permanent signs? (For information, contact the Planning Department at (559) 324-2340)
• Have you checked municipal sign ordinance requirements regarding the use of temporary signs and advertising materials? (For information, contact the Planning Department at (559) 324-2340)
• Is your business in compliance with fire and building safety requirements? (For information, contact the Building Inspection Division at (559) 324-2390)
• Have you inquired about the “lead time” necessary in establishing new trash/garbage pick-up service? (For information, contact the Finance Department at (559) 324-2313)

Help yourself minimize the chance of any unknown “surprise” expenses in this process. We invite your questions about any of these subjects. Please contact the referenced phone numbers above and we will do our best to help get your business started in Clovis.

Business License Fee Waiver Program

The Business License Fee Waiver Program allows home-based businesses moving into a commercial unit in the City of Clovis, to obtain a one-time two-year business license fee waiver. To qualify, businesses are required to complete a small business training course offered by the Central Valley Business Incubator (CVBI) or Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Proof of completing either course will be required to receive the waiver. In addition, businesses must have a current businesses license.
For more information please call 324-2083.

CVBI can be reached at 559-292-9033 or by visiting: www.cvbi.org. SBDC can be reached at 559-230-4056 or by visiting: http://www.ccsbdc.org/

Business Plan Basics

A business plan precisely defines your business, identifies your goals, and serves as your firm's resume. The basic components include a current and pro forma balance sheet, an income statement, and a cash flow analysis. It helps you allocate resources properly, handle unforeseen complications, and make good business decisions. Because it provides specific and organized information about your company and how you will repay borrowed money, a good business plan is a crucial part of any loan application. Additionally, it informs sales personnel, suppliers, and others about your operations and goals.

The importance of a comprehensive, thoughtful business plan cannot be overemphasized. Much hinges on it: outside funding, credit from suppliers, management of your operation and finances, promotion and marketing of your business, and achievement of your goals and objectives.  "The business plan is a necessity. If the person who wants to start a small business can't put a business plan together, he or she is in trouble," says Robert Krummer, Jr., chairman of First Business Bank in Los Angeles.

Despite the critical importance of a business plan, many entrepreneurs drag their feet when it comes to preparing a written document. They argue that their marketplace changes too fast for a business plan to be useful or that they just don't have enough time. But just as a builder won't begin construction without a blueprint, eager business owners shouldn't rush into new ventures without a business plan.

Before you begin writing your business plan, consider four core questions:

• What service or product does your business provide and what needs does it fill?
• Who are the potential customers for your product or service and why will they purchase it from you?
• How will you reach your potential customers?
• Where will you get the financial resources to start your business?

All of this information should be clearly detailed and printed as a “guide” that is concise and easy to understand. 

Marketing Plan

There are many ways to develop and format a marketing plan (you can find many samples on line). Most importantly, you will want to address the following areas.

• Purpose and Mission
• Situational Analysis
• Strategy and Objectives
• Tactical Programs
• Budgets, Performance Analysis, Implementation

We're Here to Help!

Please contact the Clovis Community Development Agency for assistance with starting your new business.