How to open up a small business????

Question

What do i do first?I am in the state of Florida and dont know what is needed or required. I would just like to do this out of my home using a computer and my home phone as a low budget party planner. i dont plan to go big, just to make enough to conribute to my household and also for the fun of it:)

Answer 1

First thing is pick a name for your business.Then go to your local registry office and register the name as Sole Proprietorship, go to your bank and open an account in that name. (incorporations or LTD companies cost more).Get some business cards made up and start making cold calls to people that you think would like your services. Make up some brochures outlining what you have to offer them.

Answer 2

If you want to set up a LLC (limited liability corp) or just establish a fictious name you can go to the following website:

http://www.sunbiz.org/startbus.html

Filing paperwork is easy.  You need to have a plan on how are you going to get your name out there.  Do you have a wide network of contacts?  What kind of parties are you planning?  Weddings, Corporate Parties, Sweet Sixteens?  You can join the local Chamber of Commerce and offer to cater and decorate their next function.  This will cost you money but it is a great way to get people in your community to know what you do, and how good you are doing it.

I suggest an LLC... this protects your personal assets from your business activiities.  What if you're hired to plan a wedding, and the bride wants a particular color, if what you provide is just a shade off the bride can go ballistic and try to sue you.  Sounds crazy but it has happened before.

Answer 3

I suggest you check the Florida government websites for information on the process of starting a business in Florida. Here is key government websites

Florida Dept of State http://www.sunbiz.org/startbus.html

Florida Small Business http://www.floridatrend.com/small_biz.as...

I also suggest you read books on how to start a party planning business such as



FabJob Guide to Become a Party Planner  http://www.amazon.com/FabJob-Guide-Becom...

Start Your Own Event Planning Business: Your Step by Step Guide to Success  http://www.amazon.com/Start-Your-Event-P...