Watching your business flourish in your town is an incredible experience. Starting a local business doesn’t just give you a chance to further your career — it also provides an opportunity for you to build up your community; bring goods, business, and jobs to your neighbors; and make your mark on the place you call home. That said, it’s not an easy task. Here’s a look at some of what you’ll need to know before you get started, presented by guest blogger Marissa Perez.
Laying the Groundwork – Give your business a stable foundation:
- Research local businesses to make sure you’re meeting an unaddressed market.
- Consider starting off as a freelancer to get your bearings before you dive into full business ownership.
- If you want to gain new skills to apply to your business, consider going back to school. Online classes make this easier and more accessible than ever before.
The Early Days – Your business’s first several years might be a challenge. These resources will help you through:
- If you’ll have a physical shop or office, here’s how to scout a great location.
- Build a relationship with a financial advisor so you can catch cash flow problems before they grow.
- Don’t panic if it takes a while for things to take off. Many businesses don’t make a profit for the first several years.
Making a Long-Term Impact
Once your business is established, look for ways to give back to your community:
- Commit to regular charitable giving that will make a difference in your city.
- Get involved with your local chamber of commerce in order to stay on top of local business news.
- Prioritize local hires and people who want to put down roots in order to build a stronger community.
Local businesses have a lot of power when it comes to raising up the community and building a better tomorrow. We hope these resources help you to reach your goals and make your mark.
marissa@businesspop.net Photo Credit: Pexels