California Spotlight #101
California’s BOI Reporting Crackdown Begins
#BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Copa Breeze
If you’re a founder, marketer, or business owner tired of slow, overpriced design work—meet Breeze. It’s the subscription-based graphic design service built for brands that move fast and think big. No scoping, no delays—just top-tier, on-brand design delivered fast and stress-free.
Every project is crafted by real designers (no AI shortcuts), so your brand always feels human and intentional. Whether you need sales decks, social content, or marketing graphics, Breeze keeps your brand looking sharp. It’s also one of the smartest business investments—and tax write-offs—you can make.
Email Jason at jason@copa.design to learn more or sign up today.
Mention this “California Bulletin” and get 10% off your first 3 months with Breeze!
🧾 Compliance Pulse: California’s BOI Reporting Crackdown Begins
As of June 5, California regulators are coordinating with FinCEN to enforce Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) filings. This was a federal mandate under the Corporate Transparency Act — but now the state’s Franchise Tax Board is issuing cross-notices to LLCs and Corps who haven’t filed.
🔍 Key Insight:
The state isn’t just waiting on the feds. If your business formed before January 1, 2024, and you haven’t filed with FinCEN yet, you could receive a compliance notice — and potentially face fines starting at $500/day post-August.
✅ What to do:
File at FinCEN’s BOI E-Filing site
No cost, takes 10–15 minutes
If you’re a single-owner LLC, this still applies to you
💡 Pro tip: Many tax pros are charging $150+ to file this for you. Don’t pay. It’s simple enough to DIY.
🚨Get Featured in Our June 6 Business Spotlight
We’re featuring standout products and businesses in our June 6 newsletter drop — sent across three high-performing publications.
For just $50, you get:
✅ A 100-word spotlight
✅ Custom call-to-action + link
✅ Post-campaign performance report
Brands like Google, Monday.com, and Squarespace have been featured before. Now it’s your turn.
Book your spot now before they’re gone!
What Sacramento Businesses Are Doing to Drive DMs and Walk-ins
We’re seeing a creative pattern among small local services and B2B pros in Sacramento and Oakland:
They’re leveraging local community Facebook groups — but not with ads or promos.
Instead:
They're posting helpful answers to common questions (think: “Where can I get a last-minute notary today?” or “Any local pest control for tomorrow?”) and then quietly plugging their service in the reply thread.
Example from a mobile car detailer:
“We’ve had 4 same-day bookings this week just from replying to group posts without linking out or sounding salesy.”
✅ Why it works:
No ad cost
Built-in social proof (locals tag you next time)
Keeps you top-of-mind for neighbors
If you haven’t scoped your local Facebook or Nextdoor group this week, this is your reminder.
Get This Vendor Cost Audit Framework (Used in SF, Works Statewide)
A group of bootstrapped founders in SF built a quick internal playbook they’re now quietly circulating:
“3-Call Vendor Audit”
It works like this:
Make a list of your top 5 vendors by monthly cost.
Call them and say: “We’re restructuring our vendor stack. I need your best possible pricing to keep us onboard.”
Record their new offer.
Call 2 competing vendors in the same category with the offer you just got.
Pick lowest. Cancel rest.
💥 Results from a San Mateo e-comm founder:
“Our shipping costs dropped 18% in 3 days. Same carriers — different broker. Just asked.”
It’s not a long-term strategy, but for June cash flow? Game-changer.