HOUSTON (April 28, 2011) – Have you thought about owning your own business but don’t know where to start?
A great first step would be picking up a free “Business Startup and Resource Guide” just published by the Lone Star College System Small Business Development Center.
The “Business Startup and Resource Guide, A Guide to Starting and Growing a Business in the North Houston Area,” details what every entrepreneur needs to consider before starting and running a business.
Starting with a “Message from a Small Business Owner” the guide includes a checklist for starting a business, a definition of various legal entities, tax and insurance considerations, finance options, important factors to take into account when writing a business plan and other topics that are important to consider prior to opening the doors of a new venture.
“The guide is an easy to read reference tool that includes material every small business owner needs to consider when starting or running a business,” said Sal Mira, LSCS SBDC director. “For example, the guide provides a concise overview of legal, financial, tax and business considerations every business owner should know in order to maximize the pleasure of business ownership.”
The guides were published in partnership with six north Harris County chambers of commerce, including Acres Homes Chamber for Business and Economic Development, Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce, Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce, Houston Intercontinental Chamber of Commerce, Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce and the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce. A guide is available at each of these chamber offices.
Ted Guest, prior owner of Minuteman Press of Humble, wrote that his quest for owning and starting a business began with the LSCS SBDC when he decided to attend a SBDC seminar entitled, “Owning your Own Business.”
“I attended, not knowing what an eye-opener it was going to be,” Guest wrote. “At the time, I still wasn’t sure if owning a business was my dream instead of an option.” Guest explained that he later met with an experienced SBDC counselor for one-on-one personal advice, a free service available for those thinking about owning a business, as well as owners of existing businesses who may be looking for guidance.
“Proper planning with the SBDC and using the networking opportunities available through your chamber of commerce will greatly increase your probability of success,” Guest wrote.
Check your local chamber office for the “Business Startup and Resource Guide” or visit www.LoneStar.edu/SBDC for more information.
The Lone Star College System SBDC works with existing companies to help them get started, grow and compete in today's global economy. SBDC services are available for companies in every phase of the business life cycle, helping entrepreneurs make sound decisions and succeed. The LSCS SBDC is a business consulting and training center of the University of Houston Small Business Development Center Network. The UH SBDC Network serves 32 counties in Southeast Texas. For more information about the SBDC visit www.LoneStar.edu/SBDC