Starting a business today is easier than ever, thanks to the vast array of online tools and resources available. According to the Small Business Administration, over 30 million small businesses in America account for nearly half of the country’s private-sector workforce. This is a tremendous increase from prior years, indicating that starting a business is becoming more accessible and achievable for entrepreneurs across the nation.
In addition to the wealth of information available on the internet, various government programs are dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs make their dreams a reality. For example, The U.S. Small Business Administration provides numerous resources such as loan programs, grants, and counseling services that can provide much-needed financial assistance when launching a new business venture. Furthermore, organizations like SCORE offer free mentoring programs for small business owners, which can be invaluable during start-up phases.
However, you might want to set up a traditional brick-and-mortar shop, so you must take a few extra steps. Here are the initial steps to consider.
Real Estate Leasing
Commercial space is an essential component of any business. Not only does it provide a physical presence for customers and clients to visit, but it can also set the tone and atmosphere of your business. When selecting a suitable commercial space, consider factors such as size, location, cost, and accessibility.
Size is an essential factor to consider when evaluating potential commercial spaces. Depending on your business type, you may need a large or small area with sufficient room to accommodate stock, equipment, staff, and customers. For example, if you plan on opening a retail store or restaurant, you should look for a larger space that allows plenty of furniture and display shelves. On the other hand, if you are launching an IT consulting company or legal firm, a smaller office space would be more appropriate.
The location of your commercial space can significantly impact your profitability. Suppose you find yourself in an area with high foot traffic or multiple businesses similar to yours. In that case, chances are that there is already strong interest from potential customers in the area—which could benefit your bottom line. Additionally, investing in real estate located in up-and-coming areas could prove highly lucrative over the long run as its value increases.
You can find a reliable real estate agency to help you find the perfect commercial space for your business. Additionally, consider reviewing local newspapers and classifieds to find potential opportunities, as some may not be listed with real estate agencies.
Staffing Solutions
Once you have secured a commercial space, you must find the right personnel to run your business. You can begin by writing a job description that outlines the skills and qualifications necessary for potential employees in each position.
Next, you must determine the best hiring channel for finding candidates. Depending on your budget, you may advertise positions through local job postings or recruiters. However, if money is tight, consider organically spreading the word about your open positions by leveraging family, friends, and colleagues networks.
Furthermore, many businesses seek third-party staffing solutions—remote workers or freelance consultants—to supplement their workforce requirements. This solution may be more cost effective than traditional hiring strategies since employers do not have to worry about providing benefits or paying payroll taxes.
Finally, it would be best if you considered setting up an onboarding program to ensure that all new hires are adequately trained and prepared for their roles. This will help them quickly become productive members of your team and contribute positively towards the success of your business.
Administrative Work
Running a business entails more than just setting up a shop. A wide range of administrative duties must be taken care of to ensure the smooth running of your operations. This includes a lot of everything, including:
Accounting and Bookkeeping
Keeping track of your profits and losses is essential for managing your budget. Consider utilizing cloud-based software solutions, such as QuickBooks, to simplify the accounting process.
Legal Issues
Every business must abide by local laws and regulations regarding taxes and licensing. You should consult a legal professional who can help you through this process and ensure that all paperwork is filed correctly and updated.
Marketing
Developing an effective marketing strategy is critical for any business’s success. Consider creating online and offline advertising methods, such as social media, email campaigns, and print materials.
Insurance
Insurance coverage is crucial in safeguarding your business against unexpected risks or damages due to natural disasters or other unforeseen circumstances. Consider working with an insurance broker who can help you select the ideal insurance policy for your business needs.
Final Thoughts
You now better understand the essentials to set up a new business venture from scratch. While it may seem overwhelming, remember that many success stories begin with these same steps. With careful planning and dedication, you can make your dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur come true!
