How would I go about creating my own business?

[Krueger81]

Hello,

I can't seem toi find any information on how to create my own local business? I have a couple of questions for you entrepreneurs out there.

What do I need to start a business?
Where do I go?
How would taxes and stuff work?
Where would I go to buy computer items cheap. Reseller ID I guess.

I am wanting this do be a little computer consulting business. People can call me if they need help with they components and such.

How much do people charge an hour to work on computers?

Thanks
Phil

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Call your local bank branch and tell them what your intentions are and they will help you get started, many even recommend law firms for helping you with the incorporation process.

 

[PsychoAndy]

its a headache. you probably need to see a lawyer and he can help you file the proper forms and stuff. you'll pay the state every year for fees.

taxes. you collect them, you report them and at the end of the year you pay them again.

cheap computer stuff is a relative term. national distribution is priced pretty flat across the board, but in my experience, TechData has the highest prices.

 

[Maetryx]

You will need some capital (money) to get started. If not yours, then you will end up with a partner (like the bank or a friend). Then you need to find a computer parts wholesaler, and get an account with them. In my town you can expect to pay $1/sq. ft. for office space.

Anyway, make a very detailed financial plan. Not necessarily fancy, just something that will show how many fixed monthly expenses you are likely to have.

 

[Moonbeam]

To start a business probably all you have to do is get a business license. The trick is how to start a business that makes money.

 

[db]

Sam's Club sells a loose-leaf binder for starting a business for each state. Ask them about it.
About ~$20 or 30. Has lots of forms, tear out postcards to send to state, all info, etc

 

[NetworkDad]

In Washington state, you can go online and order your business license for $20. That's just the basic though. If you're thinking of creating LLC, or a corporation, see a tax attorney for advice.

 

[kgraeme]

You can make it easy, or you can make it hard. Both are valid.

Insanely Easy: Contact the Illinois Department of Revenue (assuming your profile is correct) and file to be a small business. It might cost you about $30 in registration for a sole-proprietership. They will tell you how often you need to pay sales taxes, it's usually quarterly and they send you the form.

Slightly more work: Read some books on starting a small business. They will talk about developing a business plan, basics of marketing, bookkeeping, etc. Then do the Insanely Easy step.

Enough work to show that you are interested in succeeding: Contact your local Small Business Development Center. They will probably offer some basic classes that cover the same as the books. They can also provide you with resources and recommendations on how to find a local lawyer, get business funding, etc...

Steps that lead to more hassle: Work towards incorporation. I haven't done this, so I can't really comment, but it behooves you to get a lawyer.



One thing to research is the differences between the types of businesses. A sole-proprietership is the easiest. An LLC is nearly as easy, but provides many of the protections of incorporating.