How to Start a Small Art Business
If you daydream about starting a small art business, it may be time to take action and get your business up and running. This guide will give you a brief introduction with simple suggestions to turn your aspirations into reality. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is available to answer many of your questions regarding small business management. Many other sources are available to help you fine-tune your business plans and actions. Local, state and federal business web sites will help you attain your business goals.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Decide what products or services you will be offering. If you create artwork of some kind, keep producing while you are following through with the legal steps to get yourself into business.
-
2
A well-written and organized business plan is necessary if you will be seeking financial help. A good budget is essential. Figure all of your expenses and do a simple feasibility study that will estimate revenues. Contact the SBA to search for any available loans or programs offered.
-
-
3
Decide on a company name.
-
4
Contact your city and/or county to find out what paperwork is required from you at this level to set yourself up as a business.
-
5
Contact your state agency that issues business licenses. This information is available online at your state web site. They will supply you with the forms to fill out, which will ask you to decide if you will be a sole proprietor, corporation, LLC or partnership.
-
6
Contact your state tax department to issue your sales tax permit and a taxpayer identification number. For a sole proprietorship, this may be your social security number. You will be required to file taxes quarterly, so keep good records of your sales and taxes.
-
7
Identify your market and project your future marketing ideas. Place an ad in the local paper or radio and let people know that you are available and open for business.
-
8
Keep good records of your expenses and your sales. Expenses include but are not limited to rent, supplies, utilities, fees, postage, travel and advertising. These records will be valuable when taxes are due.
-
1
