Starting a business in Los Angeles is what thousands of people do. In fact, in the City alone there are over 300,000 registered business, which means their is one business for every 13 residents (no matter their age). Starting a business is the realization of a dream for many, and can be lifechanging. But how do you start?

Like LAist reported early this week, many people look at the new year as the time to resolve to follow their heart and dream and start that business. But, how do you go about starting a business legally so you don't later get slapped with fines that are not waived by the excuse of ignorance?

Like the information center of the City that it is, the Central Library should be your first stop. You can visit their Business & Economics Department, which has many online resources related to demographics and texts, but you should really go straight to their best hidden resource: the most comprehensive online guide to starting a business in Los Angeles. This online treasure trove offers information, not advice, and you will walk away with a step-by-step process for starting your dream business. Most importantly, though, it links to the various registration and tax forms required for doing business in the City of LA.

Most people think they don't need anyhting but a DBA or a state ID number; but in the City of Los Angeles, you must have a Business Tax Registration Certificate, even if you're self-employed or an independent contractor paid with a 1099 form. The good news is that new businesses (for the first 2 years) as well as those that gross less than $100K per year are exempt from paying the City's tax, but you still must register with the City. All these details can be found in the Office of Finance's handy online information booklet.

These are the basic places you need to go to get your business going. This is Los Angeles - anything is possible here, so start that business this weekend!

photo by zioWoody via flickr