Starting a Business

Fontana Business Concierge

The Fontana Business Concierge is your one-stop-shop for starting a business in Fontana. Our concierge service assists prospective business owners in successfully opening their business. Start today by contacting your concierge to schedule a free consultation to answer any questions you may have. 

Meet Your Concierge: Rhonesia Perry

Rhonesia is happy to speak with you about all things business. She can be contacted at (909) 350-6741 or by email. You can also request additional assistance by filling out the form here.

How We Help

At the Economic Development Concierge Desk, Rhonesia will provide assistance with:

  • Providing individualized assistance to begin your business
  • Connecting you with organizations, programs and other resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs
  • Offering guidance on the development process

Rhonesia will also assist you with items such as:

  • Site Selection: Click here for a list of available commercial properties
  • Site-Specific Demographics: If you want to find out who is in your potential market, let us know what area in the City of Fontana you are interested in and we can provide you with site-specific demographics 

In addition, the Economic Development staff has created a Small Business Resource Brochure that contains important information and steps for those who desire to start a small business in the City of Fontana.

Business Licenses

The Fontana Municipal Code requires all businesses operating (not necessarily located) within the City of Fontana to be properly licensed as well as in accordance with the standards for Planning (Zoning), Building and Safety, and Public Health. For more information, visit our business license page.

Starting a Business

Small Business Assistance Tool

Micro-Business Development includes all the programs, products and services that help small businesses start and grow. These include business counseling, training, loans geared for small business called Micro Loans, business incubators, and entrepreneur network programs.

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Loans

Acquiring a loan for your small business is an important step in getting your business off the ground. However, we do not offer loans. Visit the Small Business Administration's Financial Assistance website or AmPac Tri State CDC for more information on loans.

Inland Empire Small Business Development Center

The Economic Development staff recommends the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC) as the first stop for any individual who is just getting started or even just thinking about starting a business. The SBDC provides new and existing businesses with confidential consulting services and training opportunities in a variety of business topics. The consulting services are offered at no cost to the client, and training opportunities are offered at little-to-no cost.

Other Helpful Organizations

Inland Empire organizations are available to provide you with a full range of business services that include Finance programs, International trade counseling, Management training, Procurement assistance, Technical assistance, and technology training.

SCORE (Southern California Organization of Retired Executives) - SCORE is the nation's largest network of volunteer, expert and business mentors. They offer free business mentoring and education.

Fontana Chamber of Commerce - The Chamber of Commerce serves the Fontana community by promoting economic prosperity. They are a SCORE chapter that will provide you with mentorship and business expertise.

Small Business Administration - The SBA connects entrepreneurs with lenders and funding to help them plan, start and grow their businesses.

GO-Biz - The California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development serves as the State of California's leader for job growth and economic development efforts. Visit California Business Navigator and Quick Start Guide for starting, growing, and expanding specific types of businesses within CA.

San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board - The Workforce Development Board is a body of volunteers who supervise the allocation of federal funding to strengthen the skills of our local workforce. Our three America’s Job Centers of California offer comprehensive strategies to meet the needs of local businesses for a skilled workforce, while creating opportunities for job seekers to prepare for and enter into well-paid careers.