How to Start My Own Childproofing Business in Howard County, Maryland
Busy or inexperienced parents-to-be often don't have the time or knowledge to properly childproof their homes in preparation for a new baby's arrival. Childproofing businesses cater to this niche market, and Howard County, Maryland offers a large, affluent customer base if you are willing to travel to nearby cities like Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Additionally, this type of business is relatively inexpensive to start since you have the option of running the business from your home initially. There are no inventory requirements since each home will require different childproofing supplies.
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Instructions
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Write a business plan that defines the structure of your business (i.e., sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC), the location of your business, advertising strategies, accounting methods and fee structures based on your childproofing services. For example, you may wish to charge a flat fee per room or provide individualized estimates based on how much childproofing a particular room or home needs.
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Register a business name with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation. Unless your childproofing business will be a sole proprietorship or partnership, there may be additional registration requirements such as listing articles of incorporation.
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Obtain a tax identification number from the Comptroller of Maryland. This number will be used to track your business' personal property taxes including inventory, which you will pay to the Howard County Finance department each year.
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Apply for a business license with the Howard County Clerk of the Court. If you are operating your childproofing business from your home or wish to place any signs, you will also need permits from the county Planning and Zoning Department.
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Begin operating and advertising your business by leaving flyers at local childcare centers and stores that cater to babies and children and asking local parenting or playdate groups for referrals.
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