Entry bubble Owning a Small Business

By: Nicole | June 27, 2008 | Category: Money


I firmly believe that one of the most rewarding pleasures in life is a terrific story. I recently finished reading a new book by one of my favorite writers. His latest novel is set in a small town in upstate New York, where a struggling, painfully optimistic family man purchases a small corner grocery. With much help from his savvy, less optimistic wife, he makes a successful business of it. As I was reading the story, I have to admit that I was inspired by the powerfully American idea of a small business venture.

Business OwnerIf you have ever imagined owning your own business, check out the Small Business Administration’s website, where there are tons of resources to help an entrepreneurial spirit. There, you can find detailed instructions for writing a business plan or information about finance options. Did you know that there are laws governing what you can name your business? You can find that and much more on the site.

There are also free online courses offered through the site. For example, you can take courses about starting a business, managing a business, financing a business, or marketing and advertising. The courses are interactive, engaging, and accessible. If you’re interested in a small business but feel intimidated by the process, these courses will definitely help.

In addition to the resources above, you can get help at the Small Business Administration’s district offices or at a Small Business Development Center in your area. You might also benefit from the Federal Citizen Information Center's related publications.

And for businesses of any size, USA.gov's Business Gateway provides all the government information you need.

Have you ever been inspired by a terrific business idea?

| View Comments [8] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: business   capital   enterprise   entrepreneur   finance   manage   money   nicole   opportunity   own   start up  

Comments (8):

blue comment bubble Posted by Citizen Jmaximus on June 27, 2008 at 10:52 AM EDT

As a former small biz owner I can tell you it can be great and a pain at the same time. When your the boss, the buck really does stop here, and while nobody can tell you what to do clients can certainly be demanding.

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blue comment bubble Posted by MoiN on June 27, 2008 at 12:12 PM EDT

Cool resource links.. Yes, there's a difference between working for someone and owning your own business. There are pro's and Con's .. Just read a article at www.inprofession.com about it and headed off here :)

looks like Friday is going to be a informative day

MoiN

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blue comment bubble Posted by Concord indoor pistol archery range LLC on June 27, 2008 at 11:33 PM EDT

where are the grants.gov grants to build a indoor pistot archery range? it is a good business and is need in our community but no grants to help get it started we own the property zoned commerical open to the public handicap accessible pistol training inside archery training inside and outside will you help us in some way? boyd1936@bellsouth.net

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blue comment bubble Posted by Able-Mart.com on June 28, 2008 at 07:57 PM EDT

Did somebody say a free course on marketing your business? Thanks! I'm all over it.

http://able-mart.com/baby-boomers/arthritis-treatments

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blue comment bubble Posted by sandra Maharaj on July 03, 2008 at 01:15 PM EDT

What is the name of the book you were reading??
"I recently finished reading a new book by one of my favorite writers. His latest novel is set in a small town in upstate New York, where a struggling, painfully optimistic family man purchases a small corner grocery. With much help from his savvy, less optimistic wife, he makes a successful business of it. As I was reading the story, I have to admit that I was inspired by the powerfully American idea of a small business venture"

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blue comment bubble Posted by Nicole on July 03, 2008 at 02:14 PM EDT

I was reading "Bridge of Sighs" by Richard Russo. It was a terrific read.

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blue comment bubble Posted by trinity on July 05, 2008 at 02:45 PM EDT

it's an interesting post. thanks!

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blue comment bubble Posted by Doug McIsaac on August 24, 2008 at 09:13 AM EDT

Nicole,
I smiled when I read your question: "Have you ever been inspired by a terrific business idea?"

Yes, every day of my life :-)
Being an entrepreneur has always been in my blood.
I would also recommend that any aspiring entrepreneur read the E-myth. I was frustrated with college because all they showed me how to do was become someone elses employee when I read the E-myth it all started to make more sense. I've since gone on to own several 6 and 7 figure companies and am currently starting another.

I'm not quite sure how I bumped into this article, but thanks for sharing.

Doug

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