i would like to buy into a small business   what should i ask and can i get assistance from the state or gov?
358423
Questions to ask yourself:\n1) Why buy into a small business?\n2) Do you know anything about business in general and the specific business you're looking to buy into?\n4) Do you have the excess cash to do this? (Excess meaning you don't need any of this money to pay bills of any sort.)\n\nQuestions to ask the current owners of the small business:\n3) Are you going to be running the business or just providing capital?\n4) Are you going to be legally liable for actions the business does?\n5) What paying customers does the business have?\n6) Ask to see the business plan\n7) Ask to see the financial statements for the last several years\n8) Ask many, many more questions until you understand the business and what you may expect to gain from investing in it. (Including how long till you can see some return)\n\nDepending on your level of investment, you may want to hire professionals, such as a lawyer and an accountant to assist you in making your decision.\n\nI would not expect assistance from the state or federal government. You should be able to get information about doing business in the state.
744985
There are so many things you have to consider: location, rent, employees, taxes, permits, filing of business papers, utilities, store fixtures, accountant and/or employee payroll system, suppliers, bank account, loans, insurance, possibly an attorney, knowledge of state labor laws, payment of state unemployment/disability for employees, computer system for ordering, a plan for shipments, etc.  I think you should talk to a business owner in person to ask questions, if possible.  If not, go to www.sba.gov - they have a Small Business Startup Guide.  This should be a good starting point.
311478
You need to get a tax clearance letter from each state that the business pays sales tax to.  You also want the current owner to take responsibility for any open tax liabilities - payroll, sales, income - that the business has.  The current owner should put it in writing and have your lawyer make sure that it is enforceable.  \n\nBuy the assets of the business and not the stock or name of the business.  Register your business separately with your state's tax department.\n\nThese are only tax related things to ask.  There are hundreds of other things to consider when buying a business.
448791
You local and state governments have programs for loans and grants to start your own business.  First off, you have to write a detailed business plan.  You can visit small business site for local assistance.
547741
The State of Florida has a many resources available for the small business owner.  You may want to check out their website - http://www.stateofflorida.com/Portal/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=8\n\nYou may also want to contact the SBA - http://www.sba.gov and SCORE - http://www.score.org/ which are invaluable resources.
1113484
It is hard to find grants to start a business. Unlike the myths that some perpetuate, federal government and even private foundations hardly give grant money for a for-profit business. And yes, grants mean PAPERWORK - lots and lots of it, that is why a cottage industry of grant writers was born.\n\nNonetheless, you can go to the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) http://www.cfda.gov and Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov - these are two sites created by the federal government to provide transparency and information on grants. Browse through the listings and see if you can find any grant that would support a for-profit venture and if you can get grant funds for buying a house.\n\nEven if you buy books on "how to get grants" or list that supposedly has information on grants -- all of them are mere rehash of what CFDA has, albeit packaged differently. But still the info is the same - hardly any grants for starting a for profit business.\n\nEven SBA does NOT give out grants. From the SBA website http://www.sba.gov/expanding/grants.html \n\n"The U.S. Small Business Administration does not offer grants to start or expand small businesses, although it does offer a wide variety of loan programs. (See http://www.sba.gov/financing for more information) While SBA does offer some grant programs, these are generally designed to expand and enhance organizations that provide small business management, technical, or financial assistance. These grants generally support non-profit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments."\n\nHere is a listing of federal grants for small businesses. See if there is any available for individuals for starting a business -- THERE'S NONE.\nhttp://12.46.245.173/pls/portal30/CATALOG.BROWSE_BENEF_RPT.show\n\nYou can also go to the HUD website for listing of grants available on housing http://www.hud.gov/grants/index.cfm Note though that "HUD does not offer direct grants or loans to individuals" as stated in their Resources for Individuals section\n\nMost of the federal grants are given to specific target groups with specific requirements (e.g. minority business owners involved in transportation related contracts emanating from DOT - Grant#20.905 Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Short Term Lending Program \n\nGrants are also often given to non profit groups or organizations involved in training or other similar activities (grant 59.043 Women's Business Ownership Assistance that are given to those who will create women's business center that will train women entrepreneurs \n\nFor private grants, you may want to check the Foundation Center's Foundation Grants for Individuals Online. It's a subscription based website ($9.95 per month) but their opening blurb only says that the database is ideal for "students, artists, academic researchers, libraries and financial aid offices." Entrepreneurs are apparently not one of them, so I take it they also don't have listings of private foundations who give grants to would-be entrepreneurs.\n\nhttp://www.cfda.gov\nhttp://www.grants.gov\nhttp://gtionline.fdncenter.org\nhttp://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol66/grants.htm\nhttp://www.sba.gov/expanding/grants.html
127011
You need to get a business license and make sure you do the classes in a business zone.  You will want insurance to cover your tail when somebody does something stupid, gets hurt or ill, then blames it on you.  You will want an accountant to make sure you keep your books properly and help you with taxes.  You will want to make sure you understand the sales tax laws in your county and state, and how and when they will be collected.  You will want to advertise and offer specials to bring in business.  You will need capital for equipment and a place.  You want to research location to make sure you get good business.  Do not rush into this.  Take a few months to do your research and market research to make sure this is what your community needs, or find a way to create a need for it.
1161422
www.sba.org will be able to help you.
629690
Start by gathering as much information as possible.  What are the start-up costs, yearly sales potential, number of employees needed, what kind of space do you need.  You can go to the Small Business Administration's web site www.sba.gov to find sources for this information.\n\nManaging a corporate store and owning your own are very different.  Your sales skills and product knowledge are a big plus, but you will be responsible for payroll, payables, banking relationships etc.  \n\nThe SBA can direct you to a SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives)office.  SCORE members have a wealth of knowledge at no charge.
733793
Even if you go to Grants.gov, you won't see a grant for starting a small business.\n\nYou stand a greater chance of getting a government-guaranteed loan through the Small Business Administration http://www.sba.gov/financing than a government grant. Read the SBA Financing page to learn about criteria needed for borrowing \n\nIt is hard to find grants to start a business. Unlike the myths that some perpetuate, federal government and even private foundations hardly give grant money for a for-profit business. And yes, grants mean PAPERWORK - lots and lots of it, that is why a cottage industry of grant writers was born.\n\nNonetheless, you can go to the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) http://www.cfda.gov and Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov - these are two sites created by the federal government to provide transparency and information on grants. Browse through the listings and see if you can find any grant that would support a for-profit venture.\n\nEven if you buy books on "how to get grants" or list that supposedly has information on grants -- all of them are mere rehash of what CFDA has, albeit packaged differently. But still the info is the same - hardly any grants for starting a for profit business.\n\nEven SBA does NOT give out grants. From the SBA website http://www.sba.gov/expanding/grants.html\n\n"The U.S. Small Business Administration does not offer grants to start or expand small businesses, although it does offer a wide variety of loan programs. (See http://www.sba.gov/financing for more information) While SBA does offer some grant programs, these are generally designed to expand and enhance organizations that provide small business management, technical, or financial assistance. These grants generally support non-profit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments."\n\nHere is a listing of federal grants for small businesses. See if there is any available for individuals for starting a business -- THERE'S NONE.\nhttp://12.46.245.173/pls/portal30/CATALOG.BROWSE_BENEF_RPT.show\n\nMost of the federal grants are given to specific target groups with specific requirements (e.g. minority business owners involved in transportation related contracts emanating from DOT - Grant#20.905 Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Short Term Lending Program \n\nGrants are also often given to non profit groups or organizations involved in training or other similar activities (grant 59.043 Women's Business Ownership Assistance that are given to those who will create women's business center that will train women entrepreneurs \n\nI suggest you read the following books to get ideas of how to finance your business:\n\nFinancing Your Small Business  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1572484500/powerhomebizguid\nSmall Business Financing: How and Where To Get It http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0808007386/powerhomebizguid\nFinancing the Small Business: A Complete Guide to Obtaining Bank Loans and All Other Types of Financing http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1580626815/powerhomebizguid\nThe SBA Loan Book http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/158062202X/powerhomebizguid\nAngel Capital : How to Raise Early-Stage Private Equity Financing http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0471690635/powerhomebizguid\nFinancing Your Small Business (Barron's Business Library Series) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764124897/powerhomebizguid\n\nFor private grants, you may want to check the Foundation Center's Foundation Grants for Individuals Online http://gtionline.fdncenter.org  . It's a subscription based website ($9.95 per month) but their opening blurb only says that the database is ideal for "students, artists, academic researchers, libraries and financial aid offices." Entrepreneurs are apparently not one of them, so I take it they also don't have listings of private foundations who give grants to would-be entrepreneurs.
250739
Instead of buying a book, you can simply go to the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) http://www.cfda.gov and Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov - these are two sites created by the federal government to provide transparency and information on grants. Browse through the listings and see if you can find any grant that would support your objectives.\n\nGrants.gov is the place where you apply for grants. Application is free, but there are a lot of things to do first before becoming eligible to apply (get DUNS number, etc.)\n\nEven if you buy books on "how to get grants" or list that supposedly has information on grants -- all of them are mere rehash of what CFDA has, albeit packaged differently. But still the info is the same - hardly any grants for starting a for profit business.\n\nNote that it is hard to find grants to start a business. Unlike the myths that some perpetuate, federal government and even private foundations hardly give grant money for a for-profit business. And yes, grants mean PAPERWORK - lots and lots of it, that is why a cottage industry of grant writers was born.\n\nEven SBA does NOT give out grants. From the SBA website http://www.sba.gov/expanding/grants.html... \n\n"The U.S. Small Business Administration does not offer grants to start or expand small businesses, although it does offer a wide variety of loan programs. (See http://www.sba.gov/financing for more information) While SBA does offer some grant programs, these are generally designed to expand and enhance organizations that provide small business management, technical, or financial assistance. These grants generally support non-profit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments."\n\nMost of the federal grants are given to specific target groups with specific requirements (e.g. minority business owners involved in transportation related contracts emanating from DOT - Grant#20.905 Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Short Term Lending Program \n\nGrants are also often given to non profit groups or organizations involved in training or other similar activities (grant 59.043 Women's Business Ownership Assistance that are given to those who will create women's business center that will train women entrepreneurs \n\nFor private grants, you may want to check the Foundation Center's Foundation Grants for Individuals Online. It's a subscription based website ($9.95 per month) but their opening blurb only says that the database is ideal for "students, artists, academic researchers, libraries and financial aid offices." Entrepreneurs are apparently not one of them, so I take it they also don't have listings of private foundations who give grants to would-be entrepreneurs.
496930
Go to your county courthouse and ask (a) if a license is required for your type of business as some occupations do not require a license; and (b) what do you need to get a license. You did not specify your business so we cannot really provide you with any other detail.\n\nOnline, you can go to your Secretary of State website (search for [name of your state] Secretary of State) and look for the link on how to do business in the state. Usually that page will contain info or link to instructions on how to get a business license.
612817
It is hard to find grants to start a business. Unlike the myths that some perpetuate, federal government and even private foundations hardly give grant money for a for-profit business. And yes, grants mean PAPERWORK - lots and lots of it, that is why a cottage industry of grant writers was born.\n\nNonetheless, you can go to the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) http://www.cfda.gov and Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov - these are two sites created by the federal government to provide transparency and information on grants. Browse through the listings and see if you can find any grant that would support a for-profit venture.\n\nEven if you buy books on "how to get grants" or list that supposedly has information on grants -- all of them are mere rehash of what CFDA has, albeit packaged differently. But still the info is the same - hardly any grants for starting a for profit business.\n\nEven SBA does NOT give out grants. From the SBA website http://www.sba.gov/expanding/grants.html... \n\n"The U.S. Small Business Administration does not offer grants to start or expand small businesses, although it does offer a wide variety of loan programs. (See http://www.sba.gov/financing for more information) While SBA does offer some grant programs, these are generally designed to expand and enhance organizations that provide small business management, technical, or financial assistance. These grants generally support non-profit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments."\n\nHere is a listing of federal grants for small businesses. See if there is any available for individuals for starting a business -- THERE'S NONE.\nhttp://12.46.245.173/pls/portal30/CATALOG.BROWSE_BENEF_RPT.show\n\n11.800 DOC Minority Business Enterprise Centers \n14.132 HUD Mortgage Insurance_Purchase of Sales-Type Cooperative Housing Units \n14.155 HUD Mortgage Insurance for the Purchase or Refinancing of Existing Multifamily Housing Projects \n14.197 HUD Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act \n20.907 DOT Minority Institutions \n59.007 SBA 7(j) Technical Assistance \n59.012 SBA Small Business Loans \n59.026 SBA Service Corps of Retired Executives Association \n59.041 SBA Certified Development Company Loans (504 Loans) \n59.043 SBA Women's Business Ownership Assistance \n59.046 SBA Microloan Program \n59.050 SBA Microenterprise Development Grants \n81.036 DOE Inventions and Innovations \n81.105 DOE National Industrial Competitiveness through Energy, Environment, and Economics \n\nMost of the federal grants are given to specific target groups with specific requirements (e.g. minority business owners involved in transportation related contracts emanating from DOT - Grant#20.905 Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Short Term Lending Program \n\nGrants are also often given to non profit groups or organizations involved in training or other similar activities (grant 59.043 Women's Business Ownership Assistance that are given to those who will create women's business center that will train women entrepreneurs \n\nFor private grants, you may want to check the Foundation Center's Foundation Grants for Individuals Online. It's a subscription based website ($9.95 per month) but their opening blurb only says that the database is ideal for "students, artists, academic researchers, libraries and financial aid offices." Entrepreneurs are apparently not one of them, so I take it they also don't have listings of private foundations who give grants to would-be entrepreneurs.\n\nIf you do not have the resources, it is BEST to stop and wait awhile until (a) you can raise more funds; (b) you can find investors to help you out.
424545
Call you local "Small Business Administration" also look for another one called "SCORE" You can get some free help and ASK about any GRANTS that may be available to you. Sometimes, if you start a business in a Rural area the Government may give you a Grant (FREE Money) to help the economic conditions of a rural area. Good Luck. \nOh! I get $50 an hour/minimum for Business Consultation. This took me 5 minutes so that be $50 you owe me. I take cash or kisses your choice. :-p\nP.S. The Small Business Administration requires you try 3 loan sources and if you get turned down and have a business plan they will loan the money, I THINK that how they do it, but, ASK.
773796
First go to your local bank and talk to them about a loan from the small business administration.  The small business administration not only does loans for small businesses but has people to offer advice on how to run a small business and end up with a profit.  Go for it and good luck.
11573
US Government Small Business Administration\nhttp://www.sba.gov/\nThey can help & questionairs that help you get started.
916748
I work at setting up small businesses, and I need to let you know that what your listed (inventory, wholesales, etc) are not the things you need to do first. \n\nFirst, you need to come up with a business name and open up a business entity. This will tell the government that you're opening a business, make you legal, guarantee that no one else can have your name, and give you an EIN/tax number. \n\nOnce you've done that, go open a bank account under the name of your business. Once of the biggest mistakes small business owners do is to use their personal money to start the business. Open the bank account, get a business credit card, and a business loan. (You will probably need a business plan to qualify for the loan.) \n\nOnce that is all done, find out the specifics of where you'll get your supplies from.