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…
The federal government offers grants to qualifying small businesses. USA dollar sign image by Pete Linforth from Fotolia.com Identifying and acquiring operating capital is a major challenge for many small business owners. In many instances, an entrepreneur may not qualify for a loan or line of credit. In addition, he may not be able to secure money from individual…
Obtaining grants to finance a minority business takes a little persistence. dollars image by peter Hires Images from Fotolia.com Launching a small business can be challenging for anyone in any circumstance. For minority women, it can be even more difficult to get the support and financing it takes to become a success. Luckily, a number of government agencies-state…
Owning your own small business is a goal of many. You can be one of the few small business owners who make the dream a reality. You just need to understand what you are in for while you are in startup mode before you open your doors. While I don’t believe in build it and they will come , I do believe if you go in with your eyes open, you can have it all. I’ve…
Invest your talent and creativity into a low-cost business idea. Home Office image by Kathy Burns-Millyard from Fotolia.com Starting a business requires a significant investment. If you have a low start-up budget, however, you can focus on investing your time and talents rather than significant amounts of money. To enjoy the best chance of success with little…
Look around the community to see what need is not being met. If your idea is to start a printing business, scour the region to see who your competition is and what services they don t offer. Remember that you must have a passion for that type of work, since entrepreneurs work long hours. Research how much money, education and help you ll need for your small business…
List of creative and unique small business ideas you can start with little capital. Small business ideas abound around us. Are you looking for small business ideas to start in Hindi or India? Perhaps you are in a different region. You may be looking for small business ideas to start in USA, UK, Philippines or Nigeria. We have researched various small business…
You don’t always have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to start a business, specially a home-based business. I have actually talked about starting a business for under $100 before. Today, I am going to share with you 50 business ideas– some home-based and some not — that you can start with less than five grand. Now, some of these business can be launched…
There are multiple loan types that can work for your startup business. Some businesses would do better with a business credit card, while others who can qualify would do great with an SBA loan, it all depends on your situation.One of the loan types business owners use for their startup isn’t technically a loan. Business credit cards can often be a great way to…
You’re about to launch your online store (or maybe you just launched) – congratulations! It takes perseverance and passion to get to the point you’re at. However, as you know, business ownership is a constant flood of satisfying milestones coupled with expanding to-do lists. With your launch, you’ll need to get on top of the accounting tasks that come along with…
The dream of starting a retail business can easily become a reality. It may take a lot of initial work as you start your own business, but with the right planning anyone can achieve their goals. The following steps to starting a retail business should be used as a guide before you open your store. But before you work through these steps, let me offer one bit…