Start Your Business

In order to start and successfully run a small business, you’ll need a “tool box” for generating self-employment income.

Think of the tool box as a wheel and in the middle, its hub is your new business and around that hub are nine spokes.  The spokes are resources you will need for launching and running a successful small business.

  • Defined personal and business goals
  • Industry knowledge
  • Business operational skills
  • Financial management skills
  • A viable business idea
  • Life skills
  • Financial resources
  • Support
  • A plan

Business Ownership Initiative is here to help you fill that toolbox!  Whether you are just starting to explore business ownership, want to write your business plan, ready to open your business or want to take your business to the next level, we have the resources you need.  Through free, one-on-one business counseling, low-cost business education workshops, and life skills coaching, we can help you:

  • Create an individual development plan
  • Take an inventory of current skills and toolbox
  • Get your personal finances in order
  • Determine if your business idea is valid and has the potential to create income for you
  • Write your business plan
  • Figure out what steps you need to move forward
  • Identify sources of funding and prepare yourself to seek it out
  • Connect with professional advisors and resources
  • Understand the requirements for operating legally

Determining if your business idea makes sense is the first step we can help you assess. We’ll help you explore the following questions:

  1. Are you passionate about your idea? Is it a good environment for you to operate in?
  2. What need or business problem/issue are you solving with your business?
  3. Who will buy your services or products? At what price? Who is your competition?
  4. What are the realistic start-up costs? What’s the break even?
  5. Who is your market? How will you find and sell to your market?
  6. How will you reach your customers? Where do they live?

We suggest that new entrepreneurs start by making an appointment with a business counselor to establish your goals and create your path to learning.  Your counselor can help you identify the key steps on your path to success and can highlight which of BOI’s programs are most appropriate for you.  Most new entrepreneurs start out with our Introduction to Business Ownership, Get Smart with Your Money, and Business Planning 1 classes.  See our list of workshops to read more about these programs.

When armed with a good business education, defining your personal, business, financial goals and timetables, you will be able to articulate the value of your service or product and target your market. Each person is different with different needs, values and goals. We’ll work with you to help you make a good start - or decide not to – by walking you through some simple steps of preparation for success. We’ll also be your cheerleader as you proceed and launch. Everyone needs one of those! But first things first - getting started in the right way, at the right time and using the right tools. Come see us – we can help!