Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

You cannot sue a business in another state in Small Claims Court.

You cannot sue a business in another state in any California court unless you have a basis for jurisdiction and venue being in California.

I agree with Mr. Selik. California's long arm statute does not extend to small claims actions, and is very limited.

Service of process of a small claims claim and order must be made within the boundaries of the State of California. There are two exceptions. A nonresident defendant who owns real property in California may be served outside California, if the claim relates to the property. A nonresident defendant who owned a motor vehicle that was involved in an accident involved in an accident on a California highway, if service is made on the defendant and the DMV.

You may want to speak to an attorney about filing a limited civil action, and then determining whether Mr. McCormick's analysis applies, such as personal jurisdiction and venue.