Any good sources of info for starting up a small business?

[Jenn in Mo]

Dh is ready to bite the bullet and and open his own computer repair shop. He will be bivocational for a while and this is going to take some extreme dedication on the entire family's part, but we're all excited and ready to jump in. We'd just like to have a clearer picture of "what" we're jumping into! :p

Any BTDT advice? Books, mags, websites?

I mean, even the silly little stuff, like accepting credit cards.....how do we go about that?

All advice is spastically appreciated! :D

[Beth in Central TX]

Not much advice here, but DH would really like to be self-employed; he just doesn't have a business idea yet. If he does start his own business one of these days, we're going to Dave Ramsey's EntreLeadership program on the Mayan Riviera...http://www.daveramsey.com/etc/cms/index.cfm?intContentID=2817

[Jenn in Mo]

Thank you, Beth! We love Dave Ramsey's stuff and I hadn't even thought of checking for resources on his site.

I feel for you - my dh's desire for his own business has been around since we got married 12 years ago. He only learned how to mess with computers about 6 years ago. It was just a hobby, but he discovered he had a bizarre knack for it. The funny thing is, I'm the one that started teaching him what I know and he flew past me. I can't understand 1/4th of what he's talking about now. Find something you love doing and you'll be amazed how much it takes off.

[Amy in VA]

My DH thinks this is an important book:

http://www.amazon.com/Guerrilla-Marketing-4th-Inexpensive-SmallBusiness/dp/0618785914/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1202479438&sr=8-1

Let's see if I did that right!

[Sunny]

I've noticed in our community college/ adult ed catalogs that there is usually one of these classes. It walks you thru a business plan, and helps with filing city papers to get started, specific toward your own city.
As far as getting credit cards, you typically use your bank that you will be doing business with. Ask them for a merchant account. Beware, because you will be a store front, with possible cash deposits, you will pay for your account. Only personal accounts are free :(
You need a federal id number. City license. Probably Liabiltiy insurance.

Enjoy your venture into self employed land!

[Beth in Central TX]

Hi Jenn,

We are big DR fans too. I would really like to attend his Counselor Training in Nashville one of these days. I think it would be a great ministry outreach for our church. (http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/counseling/?FuseAction=dspContent&intContentID=139)

We are currently on baby step #6 and trying to pay off our home in the next 5-8 years. Once the house is paid off, our boys will be older and in high school or college. I think at that point, we can put some of the ministry ideas that have in action.

[RoughCollie]

You may want to check out this website: http://www.score.org/index.html

"SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business" is America's premier source of free and confidential small business advice for entrepreneurs."

"SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business" is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)."

"SCORE has 389 chapters in locations throughout the United States and its territories, with 10,500 volunteers nationwide. Both working and retired executives and business owners donate time and expertise as business counselors. SCORE was founded in 1964."

[Jenn in Mo]

Wow, guys! Thanks! I knew you'd pull through for me! :)