Richmond offers entrepreneurs the best of both worlds: an educated workforce, low costs, both government agencies and private-sector companies as potential customers, as well as a thriving outdoor lifestyle, great restaurants and cost-of-living advantages. The city is at the heart of the mid-Atlantic region, with 40 percent of the U.S. population within a day…
You keep hearing about Twitter, about how much it’s growing and how it can do great things for businesses and brands. But when it comes to implementing Twitter into your small business’s marketing strategy, you may be left scratching your head wondering where to even begin. To help you get over that initial learning curve, we’ve created this small business owner’s…
The Small Business Center is here to assist you in starting your own business or to help you expand your existing business. The SBC offers one-on-one confidential business counseling, workshops/seminars on a variety of business topics, and a resource library of electronic and print materials specifically dedicated to small businesses. All of our services are…
In part 1 of the “Startup vs. Small Business” I addressed what may be the most important differentiator between a startup and a small business: growth. While I hope that post was useful, especially from a theoretical standpoint, I want this one to go more directly to where the rubber meets the road. What’s the difference between how a startup funds their business…
Minority and women business owners are stronger applicants for federal grants. Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images It is a common misconception that the federal government provides free grant money for businesses. Nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and state and local governments are eligible for federal grants. Alternatively, minority first-time…
The world of business financing can be confusing—especially for first-time business owners just striking it out on their own. But not to worry. Fundera’s loan marketplace actually offers three kinds of small business startup loans for you to choose from. Check them out and see what fits your business best. Equipment financing is a small business startup loan…
Most businesses do not qualify for government grants. money, money, money image by easaab from Fotolia.com If you look hard enough, and sometimes get lucky, you might find free money to help start your business — a grant. You should not, however, bank on getting one, because grants are extremely hard to find. Despite what some people say, the federal government…
Technology is a silent partner to all HVAC businesses. Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images One benefit to starting a heating, ventilation and air conditioning business is that you can begin with a small investment in time and resources, and then grow your company at your own pace. Another advantage is that the HVAC industry tends to mirror the fast and forwardly…
In the United States, a whopping 543, new businesses are launched each month. Sadly, half of all start-ups aren’t able to keep their doors open for more than five years. The failure of many small businesses is due, in large part, to lack of funding. In the last several years, however, there has been a surge of microfinance institutions popping up across the…
The nation’s economic woes have made it tougher for small businesses to get loans and grants. The SBA’s (PDF) loan volume is edging up for fiscal 2013 over 2012, but it’s still down from 2011’s numbers. No statistical data is available for grants, but government budgets have been tight the past few years and many grant dollars are given by local and state governments…
An SBA guaranteed loan can help your business succeed. Yagi Studio/Photodisc/Getty Images Any entrepreneur might need government assistance in starting a business, as there are several aspects of a business to investigate to get off on the right foot. Local, state and federal agencies established compliance requirements and legal issues. Additionally an entrepreneur…
Not only will it give you a chance to establish yourself in the market but it will also help you make handsome money this year. These ideas for small business are not just money-making but also captivating at the same time. Through this article business amateurs will relish their work while enjoying their targeted economic benefits. Entrepreneurs must realize…
How much is it going to cost you to start the business you’ve dreamed of? In 2009, the Kauffmann Foundation estimated that the average start-up cost was approximately $30, . The truth is that no business is the same and many micro-businesses can get started for as little as $3, or less. These businesses are often home-based sole proprietorships with low upfront…
Despite what you might see on late-night infomercials or some websites, none of the SBA s loan programs involve free money, government grants or no-interest loans. In fact, the SBA doesn t even lend funds directly to entrepreneurs-you ll need to strike up a relationship with a loan officer at your local bank, credit union or nonprofit financial intermediary to…
If you’re committed to opening a salon, you’ll need more than an ounce of determination to get started. Here are a few things you’ll want to do before you open your shop: Make a business plan No business can function properly without a business plan. You need a roadmap, a document that will guide your business to success. It doesn’t have to be a long drawn out…
The trucking business can be very profitable, but it is incredibly competitive. Many truckers try to get into the business every year and end up failing. These five steps point you in the right direction and help you make the transition to becoming a business owner. Step 1: Get the right equipment Obviously, you need the right equipment for your company. Getting…
Sole proprietors who operate across state lines must comply with the laws of each state. Images Opening a small business in Maryland can be a time-consuming but ultimately rewarding process. Setting up your company requires registering its name, obtaining tax information and receiving a business license. Covering these basics will help you live out the dream…
You need a unique selling point (USP). It’s important that you define what makes your business different to the competition. Try to sum it up in two sentences – and memorize it. You ll use it every time you pitch to investors and potential customers Find a business mentor Whether it s a business advisor or a financial guru, find someone who will give you honest…
Start your own investment company properly so you can start attracting clients. future growth image by feisty from Fotolia.com If you have been working as a financial adviser for a company and are now ready to break out on your own, you may be looking to start your own investment company. This business provides services to help clients create personal financial…
You can have the best business idea of the century, but your cash register probably won’t be doling out angel’s wings (to quote It’s a Wonderful Life ) the day you open. Every new business should allow time to work out the kinks, learn from mistakes, and build a following. Time equals money. So how much money do you need to start your business? The majority of…
This article is part of our Restaurant Business Startup Guide—a curated list of articles to help you plan, start, and grow your restaurant business! Listen to the audio summary: If you’ve wanted to start a restaurant for years, it might be time to sit down and draw up a plan to open your own business. To help you create a recipe for success, we’ve put together…
Discover your program today! NEWS: For women but not just for women: The SBA has announced a new competition that includes cash awards totaling $30, ! They recognize the growing importance and numbers of women in the workplace and want to stimulate the development of products and services that have a big impact on women and families. They encourage entrepreneurs…
Choose a business name. File a trade name report with the county recorder. Obtain licenses, permits, and zoning clearance. Obtain an Employer Identification Number. To find out how to establish a sole proprietorship in any other state, see Nolo’s 50-State Guide to Establishing a Sole Proprietorship . 1. Choose a Business Name In Iowa, a sole proprietor may use…
Starting and running your own small business can be an exciting time in your career path. Not only can starting a small business benefit you personally, but it can also benefit you financially. Small businesses afford its owners several tax benefits to help you reduce your tax liability on an annual basis. Home Office Deduction If you use a portion of your home…
