How do you start a cafe with no money and no experience, but lots of passion and drive?
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You don't. A cafe is a business that requires capital. Unless you can find investors to provide funds for you or a bank that can give you a loan, this is not a business that you can start for only $5,000. If your resources are not enough, cashflow will be extremely tight and there is a very high chance that the business will fail. The #1 reason why businesses fail is due to lack of capital, and without money and no experience in the business, you stand a formidable challenge.\n\nFrom the article "How to Start a Business with Little Cash" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol30/nocash.htm here are some tips on how you can start a business and earn more money even if you are short of cash today:\n\n1. Find a business that you can start for little money (e.g. starting a personal chef business where you cook meals for families and cater is cheaper than opening a cafe)\n\n2. Consider your time and effort - if you have little cash, you may have to work harder for the money because you will have no resource to outsource or employ others to do certain tasks for you; or you have no money to buy equipment so you can only do certain things the long way\n\n3. Get your creative juices flowing. With no money, the only thing you have is your imagination. Be creative and find ways to get things done \n\n4. Be prepared to do all the work yourself - from doing your business plan, finding financing, writing emails, shipping and handling, marketing or whatever processes your business requires. \n\n5. Be prepared to invite investors - you may need financing help from someone down the road so be prepared to share some of the pie. \n\nAs for writing your business plan, here are some resources that can help you write your business plan:\n\n- SBA Business Plan Basics http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/planning/basic.html\n- PowerHomeBiz.com Creating a Business Plan section http://www.powerhomebiz.com/startup/businessplan.htm\n- Entrepreneur.com Writing a Business Plan section http://www.entrepreneur.com/bizplan/0,7253,,00.html\n\nYou may also want to review some sample business plans to see how it actually looks like:\n\n- Bplans.com http://www.bplans.com/sp/businessplans.cfm\n- MOOT Corp Business Plan competition winners\nhttp://www.businessplans.org/businessplans.html\n- VFinance - View hundreds of real business plans in pdf format. http://www.vfinance.com/home.asp?bps=1&ToolPage=bps_main.asp\n- Business Owners Toolkit Sample business plans and information on how to create a plan. http://www.toolkit.cch.com/tools/buspln_m.asp\n- PlanWare Planning software and information. http://www.planware.org/\n- Virtual Business Plan Walk through the design of a business plan. http://www.bizplanit.com/vplan.html \n-SBA Business Planning Guide http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/planning/basic.html\n- Small Business Advancement Center http://www.sbaer.uca.edu/business_plan/businessPlan.pdf\n- Sample Business Plan General planning guide created by the Canadian Business Service Center. http://www.cbsc.org/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=CBSC_FE/display&c=GuideFactSheet&cid\n- Business Plans Index - A subject guide to sample business plans and profiles for specific business types from Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. http://216.183.184.20/subject/business/bplansindex.html\n\nSome recommended books are :\n\n- Start and Run a Coffee Bar (Start & Run a) by Tom Matzen and Marybeth Harrison\n- Real-World Wrap Cafe Business Start-up by Dan Titus and Juice Gallery Multimedia\n- FabJob Guide to Become a Coffee House Owner by Tom Hennessey\n- How to Open a Financially Successful Coffee, Espresso & Tea Shop by Elizabeth Godsmark\n- ESPRESSO! Starting and Running Your Own Specialty Coffee Business by Joe Monaghan
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The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.\n\nI recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.\n\nAssociations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links. \n\nResearch, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:\n\n* Ultimate Guide to Specialty Retail: How to Start a Cart, Kiosk or Store -- by Patricia Norins\n* Start and Run a Coffee Bar by Tom Matzen, Marybeth Harrison\n* Coffee Basics: A Quick and Easy Guide by Kevin Knox \n* How to Open a Financially Successful Coffee, Espresso & Tea Shop by Elizabeth Godsmark \n* ESPRESSO! Starting and Running Your Own Specialty Coffee Business by Joe Monaghan\n\nThere are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
53701
This is hard not knowing what kind of workshop you are trying to set up.  However there are some basic 101 things that you can do.  Direct mail ..show that this is a formal workshop and note the hours the instructors their qualifications ..let them call or email to RSVP..very official stuff.  Or you can make fliers with a promotion..offer door prizes (get a local business to sponser in exchange for marketing) or say "1st 50 people get in FREE" people will go if its free.  Call up local pastors and explain that you have a workshop for ________ wanted to invite members of their church to come can you have about 10 min to address the church..promise to donate money to the church.  Also you can speak at local college or forum let them know there is a workshop for _______ and let them know of the incentives if they come.  People will only attend if they know there is something in there for them...knowlege..free drinks (after the event)...free food...prizes (like a $1000 drawing).
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You need to have the desire to manage yourself and other people. You need the financial backing to be able to run the business for 6 months without any income. You will need to contact your local city hall and check to see what licenses you will need? both civil and professional. ie. a Business license and also a handyman or contractors license. \n\nYou will need to arrange for insurance (liability and workmans comp) DO NOT SCIMP ON THIS if you or your employees get hurt (accidents DO happen) you will need this.\n\nSo once you have the right paperwork, a place to do business, and the insurance. You will need to develop a client base. Then its just a matter of growing the business.\n\nSome advice: There is always some idiot who will work for nothing, so when someone says "I can get that for half of what you want" and you know what your costs are and you are making your markup (40% gross to realize a 10% net or whatever you decide on - get a cost accountant to help you)LET THAT JOB GO. You are in business to make money not work for free.\n\nI'd rather go fishing than work for free .. at least I get to eat that night.
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First and foremost you need to have your license.\nCalculate your personal expenses for two years and try to save that money, just in case you start your business and no money comes in for the first or two years.\nStart your business at home, that way you have less expenses. You will also need to find out how much it will cost to buy a computer and software (usually around $10,000).\n\nThen try to make friends with Architecs and Surveyors.\nUsually they will refere you to jobs.\nThat's how my friend got started and now he is really busy with a lot of work.
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You'll need a local vending license, a truck, a supplier of produce, and then a lot of let work to find clients. Try the smaller restaurants to start with.
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When I started a business I went tot he library and checked out a ton fo books. I talked to freinds and the city I lived in and found out the licences and certificates I needed. \n\nMake sure your personal financial house is in order. You are going to want to ask banks to loan you money if you want to expand and they are more likely to do that if you have good credit. \n\nMaybe have a look at a Martha Stewart biography. She began her "empire" with catering. \n\nRealize the restaurant business is very difficult. That doesnt' mean you can't be a big success, just be aware of all the failures that came before you. \n\nHave fun and GOOD LUCK!
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need to start with a business plan then if u need some money to get you going, take it to a bank and talk with the small business manager. If good they will help you get going.\n Good luck,\n from owner of 3 businesses
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Congratulations on finding an opportunity and having the intelligence on seizing such.\n\nHere is what I can help you with:\n\n1. When negotiating your lease, To cut down on your start us expenses ask them pay for all of the improvements needed in exchange for a share of the net proceeds for a specified time, say "In exchange for all of the leasehold improvements needed I will give you 25% of my net profits for the first 4 years" This will save you huge in the long run.\n\n2. Buy your equipment cheap, buy used equipment, try Craigslist, eBay, restaurant auctions; there you can buy all your equipment for 10 cents on the dollar.\n\n3. Do surveys of the gyms to see what would sell the best in each gym, do not be afraid to go out and meet the patrons of the gym, make it personal, say "Hi, my name is _____ and I am planning on opening a snack bar here very soon and I would really like your input on what you think would sell well, what would you buy?" After they give you there input, give them a coupon for a free item, or a discount redeemable the first month you are open. This will get them talking to there friends and they will also no you when you open and will be more interested in buying when you open.\n\n4. As for opening them, I would start with just one, to see if it will do well, don’t blow all $10k with this one though, and keep it conservative. Get your vendors to pitch in on the equipment such as beverage coolers. If your first one is successful start your next. Start with the gym that you think has the highest potential and will be most successful.\n\n5. This will really put a strain in your time, dedicate as much of your spare time as possible to this, try to cut down on your labor cost by working it yourself. The next best thing to your own free labor is hiring the most attractive females possible to work the counter. Think I am kidding? Go to most busy espresso carts and you will find them.\n\nThis is all I can think of for now, if you have any other question please do not hesitate to send me an email for further inquiry, jcattin@comcast.net\n\nGood luck!
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Not fair, unfortunately Society is daunted with people who think that experience is necessary.. I feel that passion can go hand in hand with experience but most people are not willing to take that chance. \n\nHowever, a young manager, such as yourself can contribute so much more than an experienced one as your outlook is fresh thus, will be your ideas and your enthusiam.\n\nAh wait, but I don't have a restaurant.
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Hi there, running any kind of business is always risky. I suggest you take management and marketing workshops instead of selling the cafe. New ideas for your cafe, may be the solution you need to start making money. \nGood Luck, ;)
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Check with a small business beaureu for your city.\nAnd if you need help training your staff... I'm your guy.\nWorked in the restaurant business for years.
250983
1. Think what business you'd like to do. Determine what you want to do, and whether it is profitable to do. Will it be a Web business or will you open a Main Street store, or both? Will you sell a product or service? \n2. Prepare a business plan - even if you are not planning to apply for a loan. It can help you think through your business, make you assess the market, let you know how tough competition is out there, and allow you to calculate your expected profit and when you can breakeven. A business plan is your GPS guide to your destination.\n3. Get your financing ready, whether you will get the funds from your bank account or find investors.\n4. Once you have the money, get the ball rolling. Start with making the decision on your business legal structure, then get all the necessary business licenses and permits. Then work on the business name, location, logo, insurance, etc.\n\nSome recommended articles:\n\nHow to Launch a New Business Successfully http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol51/launch.htm\nHow to Build a Business from Scratch http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol18/scratch.htm\n5 Questions to Ask Before Starting a Business http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol139/questions.htm
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Here is a perfect online business for you.Please click on http://www.4xmoneytrain.com\n\nYou will see how easy it is to make a substantial income with no experience and no guess work. A revolutionary software allows you to "SET IT AND FORGET IT".\nMake sure you fill out the survey on the site and watch the two short movies.\n\nThis is the most amazing business opportunity I have ever seen. NO PRODUCTS TO SELL!!
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Following are free information on how to start a restaurant business:\n\nNational Restaurant Association http://www.restaurant.org/\nEntrepreneur.com Marketing and Promotions of a Restaurant http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/0,4621,317716-8,00.html\nStarting a Restaurant Business http://www.awib.org/content_frames/articles/restaurant.html\nRestaurantOwner.com http://www.restaurantowner.com/\nAllFoodBusiness.com How to Start a Restaurant http://www.allfoodbusiness.com/starting_your_own_business.php\n6 Ways to Attract New Customers to Your Restaurant http://www.homebusinesscenter.com/how_to_start/restaurant.html\nCanada Business Starting a restaurant http://www.cbsc.org/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=CBSC_FE%2Fdisplay&lang=en&cid=1099483437553&c=GuideHowto\nSample Restaurant Business Plan (steakhouse)  http://www.bplans.com/spv/3228/2.cfm\nSample Restaurant Business Plan (organic restaurant) http://www.bplans.com/spv/3259/index.cfm?affiliate=pas\n\nYou may consider the following resources (not free):\n\nPalo Alto's Restaurant Business Plans http://www.bplans.com/st/restaurant.cfm\nFabJob.com's Starting a Restaurant Business http://www.fabjob.com/restaurantowner.asp\nEntrepreneur.com http://www.smallbizbooks.com/cgi-bin/SmallBizBooks/00047.html
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The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.\n\nI recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.\n\nAssociations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links. \n\nResearch, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:\n\n* The Restaurant Business Start-up Guide by Paul Daniels\n* Restaurants That Work: Case Studies of the Best in the Industry by Martin E. Dorf\n* Restaurant Financial Basics by Raymond S. Schmidgall \n* Opening a Restaurant or Other Food Business Starter Kit: How to Prepare a Restaurant Business Plan and Feasibility Study by Sharon Fullen \n* Upstart Guide Owning & Managing a Restaurant by Roy S. Alonzo \n* The Restaurant Managers Handbook: How to Set Up, Operate, and Manage a Financially Successful Food Service Operation by Douglas Robert Brown\n\nThere are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
239591
Hello, \n\nIt seems you got some very interesting answers.  I believe that anything you feel passionate about can usually be turned into a successful business.  Write your likes and dislikes, pare them down until you get the 3 things you like to do the most that can be turned into a business and then think "outside the box" for each one.\n\nI know that for me a cleaning business would so NOT work.  #1 because I started one years ago in NJ and closed it down after a few months and #2 because i wish I had someone to come in and clean my house for me, but if you would enjoy that it is an easy and inexpensive business to start.  \n\nWith a computer there are many things you could do.  If you are at all artistic you could visit cafepress.com and "create" your own t-shirt designs.  You open a free shop, upload your designs and market your shirts.  They will print and ship them for you.\n\nYou could gather things that you no longer wear or use (and things from your family and friends that they no longer want as well) you can use eBay or Craigslist to sell them online.\n\nYou can start an informational website or Blog and have companies with similar interests advertise for a fee.\n\ngood Luck