How to Start a Small Business in 30 Days
Business start-ups require planning and preparation and, usually, time. However, you can start a successful small business in 30 days with the plan outlined in this article. Focus on the business plan to start. Every new business must have a realistic business plan that includes financial and marketing information. The plan will prove a necessity not only to the new business owner but also to investors and lenders, regardless of the start-up time involved. The following steps apply to starting a small service or home-based business.
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Instructions
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Week 1: Write a basic business plan. Include realistic financial projections for both income and expenses and a marketing plan for the first two years of business.
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Week 1: Secure funds from known available sources such as friends and neighbors, an equity loan or a line of credit from your bank. A loan application submitted to a financial institution may take between two and three weeks to process.
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Week 2: Apply for the appropriate licenses and registrations, including a city or county business license, assumed name registrations and any incorporation papers necessary for your business. A sole proprietorship is the simplest form of business and can most easily be started in 30 days.
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Week 2: Prepare marketing materials such as business cards, letterhead and a website. Use a pre-packaged software program provided by the web host to launch a simple website. Create printed materials using word processing or desktop publishing software and have them printed by a quick copy shop.
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Week 3: Write a press release to be distributed to media and business associations via email. Start attending networking events, with business cards in hand, held by chambers of commerce or business networking groups in your area.
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Week 4: Review the business plan to determine if adjustments in financial projections or the marketing plan are necessary based on the results of your efforts to secure start-up funds.
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At the end of Week 4: Launch your business. Continue to review marketing plans and financial information. Continue to network and promote your business. Complete your business plan to include years three through five of your business operations.
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Tips & Warnings
Take several days to write the business plan. After completing portions, such as the marketing section, put it aside and then, several hours later or even the next day, re-read it with a fresh, objective eye.
Do not skip over any of the crucial steps listed above, because of time limitations. All are necessary elements of a successful business start-up.
