How to Start Your Small Business: A Simple and Friendly Guide

Starting a small business is a big adventure, but it’s one that’s totally worth it if you’re ready to put in the work. It’s not just about having a cool idea; you need to plan, make decisions, and sometimes take a few risks. But don’t worry—I’m here to guide you through each step. Whether you already know exactly what you want to do or you’re still figuring things out, this guide will help you lay the groundwork for your business. Think of it like planting a garden: with the right care and attention, your business can grow into something amazing.
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Let’s break it down into simple steps. We’ll start by figuring out what kind of business you want to run and end with how to actually open your doors to customers. Each step is important, so take your time and make sure you understand everything before moving on to the next part.

Ready? Let’s dive in!

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1. Develop Your Business Idea

First things first: what’s your big idea? Think about what you love to do and what you’re good at. Maybe you’re great at baking, or perhaps you’re really into fixing things. Whatever it is, your business should be something you’re passionate about and skilled at. Why? Because when you enjoy what you do, you’re more likely to stick with it, even when things get tough. If you are just doing it to space your job, or just for money, it might work at fist, but it will all come back later
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Now, don’t just jump in headfirst. Take a step back and do a little research. Don't quite your 9 to 6. Ask yourself: Who would want to buy what I’m offering? Are there other people already doing this? If so, what makes me different? This is called market research, and it’s super important. It helps you understand if your idea has a real shot at success and how you can stand out from the crowd.

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2. Create a Business Plan

Okay, so you’ve got your idea. What’s next? It’s time to make a plan. Think of your business plan as a roadmap—it shows you where you want to go and how you’re going to get there. Start by setting some clear goals. Who are your customers? How will you compete with others in the market? What’s your strategy for getting the word out about your business? And let’s not forget about the money part—how much do you expect to make, and how much will you need to spend?
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Writing this all down might seem like a lot, but it’s really important. A good business plan helps you stay focused and on track. Plus, if you ever need to ask someone for money to help get started, they’re going to want to see this plan to know you’re serious.

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3. Secure Funding

Starting a business isn’t free—you’ll need some money to get things going. But how much? Well, that depends on your business. You’ll need to think about things like equipment, supplies, rent, and marketing. It’s important to get a clear picture of what you’ll need so you’re not caught off guard later. But don't be afraid, 99% of the cases you can start a business just with what you have, time, and idea and a website.
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Now, let’s talk about where to get that money. There are lots of options, like using your own savings, grants, getting a loan from the bank, finding investors, or even asking for small amounts from lots of people through crowdfunding. Each option has its own pros and cons, so you’ll need to pick what’s best for you.
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Use a Tool Like EvryThink: But what if you’re not a financial whiz? No worries! There’s a great tool called EvryThink that’s perfect for folks just starting out. It’s super easy to use and helps you figure out exactly how much money you’ll need. You don’t need to be a finance expert—EvryThink does the heavy lifting for you. Just a few clicks, and you’ll get all the insights you need to plan your budget and manage your money as your business grows.

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4. Choose a Business Structure

Next, you need to decide what kind of business you’re going to have. This is a big decision because it affects things like how you pay taxes and what happens if something goes wrong. There are a few different options:

• Sole Proprietorship: It’s just you running the show. Simple, but you’re personally responsible for everything.
• Partnership: You team up with someone else. You share the work and the profits, but also the risks.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC, B.V. in the Netherlands, Ltd in the UK): This gives you some protection, meaning your personal assets are safe if the business has problems.
• Corporation: A more complex structure that’s often used by bigger businesses.
• No structure at all: just to start and try things out

Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks. It’s worth chatting with a business advisor or legal expert to figure out what’s best for you.

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5. Register Your Business

Got a name for your business? Awesome! Now, you need to make it official. Your business name is a big part of your brand, so pick something that’s unique and easy to remember. Before you lock it in, check to make sure nobody else is already using it. A quick online search can help with this. Also 99% of the times with just getting the website will be enough, don't waste too much time on this, probably the name will change later if you are successful.
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Once you’ve settled on a name, you’ll might need to register it with the government. This step is all about making your business legal, so it’s really important. Depending on where you live and what kind of business you’re starting, you might need to register at different levels.

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6. Obtain Licenses and Permits

Every business needs to follow certain rules, and that often means getting licenses and permits. But not all of them. Again 99% won't need one. What you need depends on what kind of business you’re starting and where you’re located. For example, if you’re opening a restaurant, you’ll need health permits. If you’re working from home, you might need a home business permit.

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7. Set Up Financial Systems

Now, let’s talk about money again—specifically, how you’re going to manage it. The first step is to open a business bank account. This keeps your business money separate from your personal money, which makes things a lot easier come tax time. It also helps you keep track of your earnings and expenses.

Finance System: Next, you’ll need a way to track all the money coming in and going out. This is where a good financial system comes in. And remember EvryThink? It’s not just good for figuring out how much money you need—it can also help you keep track of your finances as your business grows. You don’t need to be a numbers person to use it; EvryThink makes managing your money simple and stress-free.

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8. Launch and Market Your Business

You’re almost there! With everything else in place, it’s time to think about how you’re going to let people know about your business. Your marketing strategy is your plan for getting the word out. This could include things like setting up a website, using social media, or even handing out flyers in your local area. The key is to reach your target customers—those are the people who are most likely to buy what you’re selling.
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Open for Business: Finally, it’s time to open your doors—literally or figuratively—and start serving customers. This is where all your hard work pays off. But remember, your job isn’t done once you’re open. It’s important to keep improving, listening to your customers, and refining your business as you go. Happy customers will come back and tell their friends, which is the best kind of marketing there is!
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Starting a small business is a big deal, but by taking it one step at a time, you can make it happen. And remember, you’re not alone—tools like EvryThink and advice from experts can help you along the way. Keep learning, stay patient, and enjoy the journey. Your business has the potential to grow and thrive, just like that garden we talked about at the beginning.

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Good luck!

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