How to Start Your Own Business in New York
Starting a small business is considered by many to be the American dream. But for many people this dream ends rather quickly and they are left owing large debts. Statistics vary, but the Small Business Administration estimates that as many as 4 out of 5 businesses fail during the first five years. Here are a few questions to consider to help keep your dream from turning into a nightmare. Do you know the business? The first thing you need to know is how to produce the product or provide the service. If you don’t, it is advisable to find a job in the industry for at least a year. While you are there, try and learn as much as you can. You may find out that the industry is not for you after all. Do you have a good idea? You don’t necessarily need a new idea, but you don’t want to put a product or service on the market if the market is already full of similar products or services. It is hard enough to get started without attempting to compete with existing businesses which already have loyal customers. Can you raise money? The first step in raising the required capital is to get a realistic estimate of the amount of money you will need to start up your business. Getting a realistic estimate should be done very early in the process. Try to keep in mind all future expenses such as rent, supplies, inventory, equipment, wages, and advertising. To ease your financial burden, you may want to find investors for your business. Generally, a knowledgeable investor will not put his or her money into a new business unless you have made a sizable financial commitment yourself. An experienced investor knows that you will be more motivated to make your business work if you have a considerable amount of your own money in the business. Most such investors will look for you to put up at least 50% of the start-up costs. There are two basic types of investors, those who are looking for equity and those who are simply looking to collect interest on a loan. Commercial banks will lend money without seeking an equity interest, but will usually ask for some kind of collateral. When giving an equity interest, you are giving up partial ownership, so it is important to consider your options when looking for an investor. Consider whether you would rather share ownership or be required to make loan payments. Report 3 January 1996 If you are having trouble getting a bank loan, try the Small Business Administration. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a government agency that provides advice and other services to prospective businesspeople. It may provide loans, but you must meet certain requirements. For most prospective borrowers, the SBA will provide loan guarantees. To be eligible for such a loan guarantee, you must first seek financing from a bank or other financial institution. If you are rejected for the loan, then you are eligible for a loan guarantee for up to 90% of the loan from the SBA. You then can reapply for private financing with the guarantee. What kind of structure should I use? There are three basic structures that you can use for your business, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. As a prospective business person, you should consider which is best for your company’s needs. 1) Sole Proprietorship A sole proprietorship is the ownership of all of the assets of the company by an individual. This type of business structure presents the least complications for a new business person. However, if you are a sole proprietor and you decide to use a fictitious name, you must register it with the county clerk’s office.Advantages | Disadvantages |
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Advantages | Disadvantages |
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Advantages | Disadvantages |
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- the principal good or service
- the location
- the type of legal business structure
- the unique features of your business
- the relevant experience that you and your partners bring to the business
- the reasons why the business will succeed
- the advantages your business has over others of its type
- summary of start-up costs and funding
- estimation of operating expenses, which would include salaries, supplies, taxes, utilities, loan payments, etc.
- estimation of income, both weekly and monthly
- analysis of cash flow. Having cash available is important to any business.
- estimation of the volume of business it will take to break even. This will help you make realistic decisions about the viability of your business.