Winter: The Best Time of Year to Turn Those Crazy Ideas Into a Business. SEEC Can Help.
Maybe your dream business is a community gathering place like Wayward Lane Brewing. SEEC can help.
Some of us are winter people.
And some of us…are not.
If you’re in the not camp (just looked outside…it’s snowing again) and you’re getting a little (or a lot) tired of laying on the couch, rewatching all five seasons of Stranger Things, we’ve got something better: SEEC’s 7 Steps to Success
Whether you’ve got just the glimmer of an idea for a business you’d like to start here or you’re well on your way to becoming another Schoharie County entrepreneur, we’ve got you covered with connections, suggestions, and even templates to get you on your feet.
Start now and who knows where you’ll be by the time the grass is green and growing.
For a real blueprint, take a look at SEEC’s Business Resources–including a step-by-step checklist–available at SEECNY.org.
For the Cliff Notes version (and a little inspiration to get you out of those PJs), keep reading.
Those 7 Steps…
1–Write A Business Plan
You’ll need it to know where you’re going, track your progress, and apply for business loans and grants. Lack of a good business plan is the #1 reason most businesses fail.
SEEC has plenty of partners for would-be entrepreneurs—like UAlbany.
More: SCORE, score.org/, Small Business Development Council, nysbdc.org/centers/centers, SEEC templates, seecny.org/business-resources-1#business-blueprints
2–Pick the Perfect Spot
Yes, it’s location, location, location, but also consider things like zoning, parking, nearby businesses, affordability, and likely customers. You may need to pick a different location to succeed.
More: Schoharie County Planning, (518) 295-8770, schohariecounty-ny.gov, Schoharie County IDA, (518) 918-9735, Schoharie-IDA.com/, admin@schoharie-ida.org
3–Assemble your Dream Team of qualified professionals. Lawyers, engineers, realtors, mentors, marketers, and mentors are some of the folks you may want to be able to turn to for advice.
4–Figure Out Your Financing.
Maybe winter’s got you thinking of developing a glamping site. We can tell you where to start.
There’s a lot of options including: Debt & Equity Financing, Small Business Grants & Development Incentives, First Time Small Business Loans, and Small Business Administration Loans. Start at sba.gov/funding-programs/loans.
More: SEEC Active Opportunities at seecny.squarespace.com/seec-offerings#active
5–Pick Out Your Legal Structure
More: NY-DOS:Corporations & Business Entities at /dos.ny.gov/faqs-corporations-business-entities
6–Register Your Business for Local, State & Federal Tax IDs.
More: Additional SEEC resources are at seecny.squarespace.com/seec-offerings#active
7–Get Your Licenses & Permits
The New York State Department of State requires licensing for a variety of professionals. Unsure about your business? Check here: NY-DOS: Licensing Services for Professionals, dos.ny.gov/faqs-corporations-business-entities
More: Visit the town or village you’re considering for more about building permits, sign permits, and more. Schoharie County website, schohariecounty-ny.gov
Remember, this is just a start.
There’s a lot more at SEECNY.org including a:
Business Blueprint Series
Professional Consulting Resources with links to: UAlbany Small Business Development Center, Mohawk Valley Small Business Development Center, Community Loan Fund, Advanced Institute Institute for Manufacturing (AIM).
Tech Resources with links to: Launch NY, Launch NY Entrepreneur’s Tool Kit, CORI Innovation Fund, AIM.