Know-How Exchange : Career/Training

Hi, Jennifer -- Sounds like you need help putting together a business plan and there are free professional resources that can guide you. Here are some suggestions:


For business start-up research, check some good free resources at portal https://goodsource.tripod.com

Go to the portal's Business page then click the links for Bus. Planning, SCORE and the Small Bus. Admin. These sites offer a wealth of information for starting and operating a small business. At SCORE you can get free business counseling from volunteer professionals -- retired managers, lawyers, business owners, etc.

On the portal's General Information page are sources for legal and tax information from professionals.

Also take a look at the portal's Career page for links to other sites with additional resource information, like Fed. Gov. resources.

I also suggest you look at the portal's Professional Organizations/Networking page. Check the Gateway --do an assoc. search using terms like cleaning service and janitorial, etc. and you should come up with names of specific associations that could offer you relevant information or point you to appropriate specialized groups. You can check their websites.The Gateway lists the orgs. cities and states so you might find a group within your area or at least some to phone and ask questions.

General associations like chambers of commerce or your local business clubs can also be helpful. I've heard of a growing networking group called LeTip with chapters popping up in various areas. (I don't have first-hand experience with the org., just recently met a member who said her group is very helpful to new businesses.)

Research at your public library or college library so you should be able to get free access to the relevant articles you uncover -- ask your librarian if you need help. Some libraries, as well as town halls, have information kits for start-ups.

To make sure you comply with zoning laws, contact your town's zoning board, planning office, development office or tax assessor and what the procedures are for licensing/certification, etc.

I do hope that this helps you with your start-up activities. Good luck to you.

Corpcommer / MC

I would recommend getting the book I talk about in this Blog post:
https://expandabroad.blogspot.com/2005/08/start-up-book-recommendation.html

This book covers most every part of starting a business, particularly the government paperwork needed. Worth reading from cover to cover.