The Facts About ... Starting a Small Business

SBA
U.S. Small Business Administration
Championing America's Entrepreneurs

The Facts About ...
Starting a Small Business

Starting a Small Business
Starting and managing a business takes motivation, desire and talent. It
also takes research and planning.  Lack of planning is one of the leading
causes of business failures. Developing a business plan will walk you
through the questions that every prospective or new business owner should
answer.  Before you start your plan, carefully research and answer these
basic questions: 
*    What niche will my business fill?
*    What services or products will I sell?
*    Is my idea practical, and will it fill a need?
*    Who is my competition?
*    What is my business's advantage over existing firms?
*    Can I deliver a better quality service?
*    Can I create a demand for my business?

Once you've determined that your idea is feasible, answer these questions:
*    What skills and experience do I bring to the business?
*    What will be my legal structure?
*    How will my company's business records be maintained?
*    What insurance coverage will I need?
*    What equipment or supplies will I need?
*    How will I compensate myself?
*    What are my resources?
*    What financing will I need?
*    Where will my business be located?
*    What will I name my business?

If you are starting a home-based business, you will want to answer these
additional questions:
*    Does my home have the space (preferably separate) for a business?
*    Can I successfully run the business from my home?
*    Can I deal with the isolation of working from home?

Your answers to these questions will help you create a focused, well-
researched business plan that should serve as a blueprint. The plan should
detail how the business will be operated, managed and capitalized.

Research Resources
Some questions you will be able to answer on your own, others will require
careful research.  There are many sources available to help you find the
answers and make informed decisions.  The SBA's business information
centers, located throughout the country, offer the latest in high-technology
hardware, software and telecommunications to help you in your research.
BICs offer electronic bulletin boards, computer databases, on-line informa-
tion exchange, periodicals and brochures, counseling, videotapes, reference 
materials, texts, start-up guides, application software, computer tutorials
and interactive media. One-on-one counseling with seasoned business veterans
is available through the SBA-affiliated Service Corps of Retired Executives,
also known as SCORE.

Other sources include -
*    trade association studies, journal articles and trade shows;
*    regional planning organization studies on growth trends;
*    banks, realtors and insurance companies; and
*    customer surveys in your market area, which you can conduct on your
     own or may already exist.

The Business Plan 
Your business plan should cover the business basics.

Executive Summary
*    Describe in detail the business and its goals.
*    Identify the business ownership and the legal structure.
*    Discuss skills and experience you and your partners bring to the
     business.
*    Identify advantages you and your business have over your competitors.

Operations
*    Explain how the business will be managed on a day-to-day basis.
*    Discuss hiring and personnel procedures.
*    Discuss insurance, lease or rent agreements, and issues pertinent to
     your business.
*    Account for the equipment necessary to produce your products or
     services.
*    Account for production and delivery of products and services.

Marketing
*    Describe your products/services.
*    Identify the customer demand for your product/service.
*    Identify your market, including its size, location and demographics.
*    Explain how your product/service will be advertised and marketed.
*    Explain your pricing strategy.

Financial Management
*    Explain the source and amount of initial equity capital.
*    Estimate start-up costs.
*    Project operating expenses.
*    Develop a monthly operating budget for the first year.
*    Develop an expected return on investment (ROI) and monthly cash flow
     for the first year.
*    Provide projected income statements and balance sheets for a two-year
     period.
*    Discuss your break-even point.
*    Explain your personal balance sheet and method of compensation.
*    Discuss who will maintain your accounting records and how the records
     will be kept.
*    Provide "what if" statements that address alternative approaches to any
     problem that may develop.


Legal Requirements
Small businesses must comply with federal, state and local laws and regula-
tions. You need to be informed about the legal requirements affecting your
business.  Be sure to check with your state department of labor and county
government.  You may want to consult with an attorney for additional com-
pliance assistance.

Registration and accounting requirements:  You may need a -
*    work certificate or a license from the state (your business's name
     also may need to be registered with the state),
*    sales tax number, and
*    separate business bank account.

If your business has employees, you are responsible for -
*    withholding income and social security taxes, and
*    complying with laws covering employee health and safety and minimum-
     wage.

The U.S. Business Advisor, a World Wide Web site found at
http://www.business.gov, can help you identify and comply with federal
regulations, and links you to the Internal Revenue Service, the Social
Security Administration, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration,
and numerous other federal agencies.  You can also obtain federal tax
information by calling the IRS at 800-TAX-FORM.

A home-based business is subject to many of the same laws and regulations
affecting other businesses and some additional ones also.

Zoning:  Be aware of your city's zoning regulations. If your business
operates in violation of them, you could be fined or closed down.

Restrictions on certain goods:  Most states outlaw home production of fire-
works, drugs, poisons, explosives, sanitary or medical products, and toys.
Some states also prohibit home-based businesses from making food, drink or
clothing.

Understanding Your Market
Market evaluation is critical and provides the basic data that will deter-
mine if and where you can successfully sell your product or service.  This
process involves defining your goals, scrutinizing your competition and your
customer base, and interviewing potential suppliers. The information col-
lected can help you, if necessary, adapt your product or service to better
meet customer needs. Market research can help you -
*    create primary and alternative sales approaches to a given market,
*    make profit projections from a more accurate database,
*    organize marketing activities,
*    develop critical short/mid-term sales goals and establish the market's
     profit boundaries, and
*    identify your differential advantage, i.e., what makes your business
     different from similar businesses with similar products.

Questions To Ask
Your research should answer these basic questions:
*    Who are your customers?
*    Where are they located?
*    What are their needs and resources?
*    Is the service or product essential in their operations or activities?
*    Can the customer afford the service or product?
*    Where can you create a demand for the service or product?
*    Can you compete effectively in price, quality and delivery?
*    How many competitors provide the same service or product?
*    What is the general economy of your service or product area?
*    What areas within your market are declining or growing?

Research on competitors is extremely important. Visit industry trade shows
to find out what your competitors are selling and how they are marketing
their products. Similarly, stay current on industry magazines and publica-
tions.

Do not view market research as a one-time activity.  Once you establish your
business, you should continually be in touch with your customers. You may
have to adapt your product/service and/or marketing strategy to keep up with
your customers' changing needs.

Pricing Your Products and Services
There are several pricing strategies; select the approach that will make
your goods or services the most competitive and will help you reach your
profit goals.

Retail Cost and Pricing
A common pricing practice among small businesses is to follow the manu-
facturer's suggested retail price. The suggested retail price is easy to
use, but it doesn't adequately account for the element of competition.

Pricing Below Competition
This strategy reduces the profit margin per sale; it requires you to reduce
your costs and -
*    obtain the best prices possible for merchandise,
*    locate the business in an inexpensive location or facility,
*    closely control inventory,
*    limit product lines to fast-moving items,
*    design advertising to concentrate on price specials, and
*    limit non-essential services.

One word of caution: pricing goods below the competition can be difficult
to sustain because every cost component must be constantly monitored and
adjusted. It also exposes you to pricing wars. A competitor can match the
lower price, leaving you out in the cold.

Pricing Above Competition
This strategy is possible when price is not the customer's greatest concern.
Considerations important enough for customers to justify paying higher
prices include -
*    service considerations, including delivery, speed of service, satisfac-
     tion in handling customer complaints, knowledge of product or service,
     and helpful, friendly  employees;
*    a convenient or exclusive location; and
*    exclusive merchandise.

Price Lining
This strategy targets a precise segment of the buying public by carrying
products in a specific price range only. For example, a store may wish to
attract customers willing to pay over $50 for a purse. Price lining has
certain advantages:
*    ease of selection for customers;
*    reduced inventory; and
*    reduced storage costs, due to smaller inventory.

Multiple Pricing
This approach involves selling a number of units for a single price, for
example, two items for $1.98. This is useful for low-cost consumer products,
such as shampoo or toothpaste. Many stores find this an attractive pricing
strategy for sales and year-end clearances.

Cost Factors and Pricing
Every component of a service or product has a different, specific cost. Many
small firms fail to analyze each component of their commodity's total cost,
and therefore fail to price profitably. Once you do this analysis, set your
prices to maximize profits and eliminate any unprofitable service.

Cost components include material, labor and overhead costs.  Material costs
are the costs of all materials found in the final product, such as the wood,
glue and other materials used in manufacturing a chair.

Labor costs are the costs of the work that goes into the manufacturing of a
product. An example would be the wages of all production-line workers pro-
ducing a certain commodity. The direct labor costs are derived by multiply-
ing the cost of labor per hour by the number of personnel hours needed to
complete the job. Remember to use not only the hourly wage but also the
dollar value of fringe benefits. These include social security, workers'
compensation, unemployment compensation, insurance, retirement benefits and
so forth.

Overhead costs are any costs not readily identifiable with a particular
product. These costs include indirect materials, such as supplies, heat and
light, depreciation, taxes, rent, advertising, transportation and insurance.
Overhead costs also cover indirect labor costs, such as clerical, legal and
janitorial services. Be sure to include shipping, handling and/or storage
as well as other cost components.  Part of the overhead costs must be al-
located to each service performed or product produced. The overhead rate can
be expressed as a percentage or an hourly rate.  It is also important to
adjust your overhead costs annually. Charges must be revised to reflect in-
flation and higher benefit rates.  It's best to project the costs semi-
annally, including increased executive salaries and other projected costs.

Understanding Cash Flow
Failure to properly plan cash flow is one of the leading causes of small
business failures.  Understanding the basics will help you better manage
your cash flow. 

Your business's monetary supply can exist either as cash on hand or in a
business checking account available to meet expenses. A sufficient cash
flow covers your business by meeting obligations (i.e., paying bills),
serving as a cushion in case of emergencies, and providing investment
capital.


The Operating Cycle 
The operating cycle is the system through which cash flows, from the pur-
chase of inventory through the collection of accounts receivable. It
measures the flow of assets into cash. 

For example, your operating cycle may begin with both cash and inventory on
hand. Typically, additional inventory is purchased on account to guarantee
that you will not deplete your stock as sales are made. Your sales will con-
sist of cash sales and accounts receivable credit sales, usually paid 30
days after the original purchase date. This applies to both the inventory
you purchase and the products you sell. When you make payment for inventory,
both cash and accounts payable are reduced. Thirty days after the sale of
your inventory, receivables are usually collected, increasing your cash.
Now your cash has completed its flow through the operating cycle, and the
process is ready to begin again.

Current Assets
Cash and other balance-sheet items that convert into cash within 12 months
are referred to as current assets. Typical current assets include cash,
marketable securities, receivables and prepaid expenses.

Cash-Flow Analysis
Cash-flow analysis should show whether your daily operations generate
enough cash to meet your obligations, and how major outflows of cash to pay
your obligations relate to major inflows of cash from sales. As a result,
you can tell if inflows and outflows from your operation combine to result
in a positive cash flow or in a net drain. Any significant changes over time
will also appear. Understanding this will lead to better control of your
cash flows and will allow adequate time to plan and prepare for the growth
of your business.

It is best to have enough cash on hand each month to pay the cash obliga-
tions of the following month. A monthly cash-flow projection helps to
identify and eliminate deficiencies or surpluses in cash and to compare
actual figures to past months.  When cash-flow deficiencies are found,
business financial plans must be altered to provide more cash. When excess
cash is revealed, it might indicate excessive borrowing or idle money that
could be invested. The objective is to develop a plan that will provide a
well-balanced cash flow.

Planning a Positive Cash Flow
Your business can increase cash reserves in a number of ways.
*    Collecting receivables: Actively manage accounts receivable and quickly
     collect overdue accounts. You stand to lose revenues if your collection
     policies are not aggressive. The longer your customer's balance remains
     unpaid, the less likely it is that you will receive full payment.
*    Tightening credit requirements: As credit and terms become more strin-
     gent, more customers must pay cash for their purchases, thereby in-
     creasing the cash on hand and reducing the bad-debt expense. While
     tightening credit is helpful in the short run, it may not be advanta-
     geous in the long run. Looser credit allows more customers the oppor-
     tunity to purchase your products or services. You should measure,
     however, any consequent increase in sales against a possible increase
     in bad-debt expenses. 
*    Taking out short-term loans: Loans from various financial institutions
     are often necessary for covering short-term cash-flow problems. Re-
     volving credit lines and equity loans are types of credit used in this     
     situation.
*    Increasing your sales: Increased sales would appear to increase cash
     flow.  However, if large portions of your sales are made on credit,
     when sales increase, your accounts receivable increase, not your cash.     
     Meanwhile, inventory is depleted and must be replaced. Because receiv-
     ables usually will not be collected until 30 days after sales, a sub-
     stantial increase in sales can quickly deplete your firm's cash re-
     serves. 

Finding an Accountant
If you decide to hire an accountant, find someone who is knowledgeable,
capable and discreet. With the ever-changing complexities of tax laws and
developments in accounting methods, it is important to look for an ac-
countant who takes advantage of educational seminars, professional publi-
cations and other continuing-education opportunities.  Professional ac-
countants are listed in telephone directories under accountants, public
accountants, bookkeepers and tax preparers. Look for references or recom-
mendations from local business associates, your banker or attorney.

Raising Money For a Small Business
One key to a successful business start-up and expansion is your ability to
obtain and secure appropriate financing. Raising capital is the most basic
of all business activities. There are several sources to consider when
looking for financing. Explore all of your options before making a decision.
These include -
*    personal savings,
*    friends and relatives,
*    banks and credit unions, and
*    venture-capital firms.

Borrowing Money
To be successful in obtaining a loan, you must be prepared and organized.
You must know exactly how much money you need, why you need it and how you
will pay it back. You must be aware of the bank's loan policies.  Lending
institutions generally require fully secured loans and sufficient commit-
ment of capital by the borrower.

Types of Business Loans
Short-Term Loans: Short-term loans are paid back in less than one year.
Types of short-term loans are -
*    working-capital loans,
*    accounts-receivable loans and
*    revolving lines of credit.

Long-Term Loans: Long-term loans have maturities greater than one year but
usually less than seven years. Real estate and equipment loans may have
maturities of up to 25 years. Long-term loans are used for major business
expenses, such as -
*    equipment, 
*    furniture and fixtures,
*    vehicles, 
*    commercial mortgages and
*    real estate.

Applying For a Loan
Approval of your loan request depends on how well you present yourself, your
business plan and your financial needs to a lender or investor.  The best
way to improve your chances of obtaining a loan is to prepare a thoughtful
and professional-looking proposal.  The proposal is your business plan with
a few important additions:
*    In the Executive Summary, state the purpose of the loan and the exact
     amount required.  Explain specifically what the loan will be used for
     and why it is needed.
*    In the Financial Information section, include personal financial state-
     ments on yourself and other principal owners of the business if this
     will be a partnership. Also identify the collateral you would be will-
     ing to pledge as security for the loan.

What Lenders Look For
Many loan officers will order a copy of your credit report from a credit-
reporting agency. Therefore, you should work with these agencies to help
them present an accurate picture of yourself. The lender will also look at
your work history and letters of recommendation. Using the credit report
and the information you have provided, the lending officer will consider
the following issues:
*    Do you have a sound record of credit-worthiness? 
*    Do you have sufficient experience and training to operate a successful
     business?
*    Have you prepared a loan proposal and business plan that demonstrate
     your understanding of, and commitment to, the success of the business?

SBA Financial Assistance Programs
The SBA offers a variety of financing options for small businesses. The
SBA's assistance usually is in the form of loan guaranties.  The SBA
guarantees loans made by banks and other private lenders to small business
clients. Generally, the SBA can guarantee up to $750,000 or 75 percent of
the total loan value, whichever is less. The average size of an SBA-
guaranteed loan is $175,000, and the average maturity is about eight years.

Whether you are looking for a long-term loan, a general working-capital
loan, a revolving line of credit or a microloan, the SBA has a financing
program to fit your needs.

For More Information
Information is power. Make it your business to know what is available, where
to get it and, most importantly, how to use it. Sources of information in-
clude:
        U.S. Small Business Administration
        *    SBA District Offices
        *    Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
        *    Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
        *    SBA OnLine (electronic bulletin board)
        *    Business Information Centers (BICs)

The SBA has offices located throughout the United States. For the one
nearest you, look under "U.S. Government" in your telephone directory,
or call the SBA Answer Desk at (800) 8-ASK-SBA. To send a fax to the SBA,
dial (202) 205-7064. For the hearing impaired, the TDD number is (704)
344-6640.

To access the agency's electronic public information services, you may
call the following:
SBA OnLine: electronic bulletin board - modem and computer required
     (800) 697-4636 (limited access)
     (900) 463-4636 (full access)
     (202) 401-9600 (D.C. metro area)
Internet: using uniform resource locators (URLs)
     SBA Home Page: http://www.sba.gov
     SBA gopher: gopher://gopher.sba.gov
     File transfer protocol: ftp://ftp.sba.gov
     Telnet: telnet://sbaonline.sba.gov
     U.S. Business Advisor: http://www.business.gov

You also may request a free copy of The Resource Directory for Small
Business Management, a listing of for-sale publications and videotapes,
from your local SBA office or the SBA Answer Desk.

Other Sources
*    State economic development agencies
*    Chambers of commerce
*    Local colleges and universities
*    Libraries
*    Manufacturers and suppliers of small business products and services
*    Small business or industry trade associations

SBA Customer Service Standards
As one of the first initiatives of this administration, President Clinton
and Vice President Gore challenged us to "reinvent" the SBA, to create an
agency that not only works better, but is smaller and costs less. The best
possible customer service is a key element of reinventing government, and
we at the SBA are committed to providing quality service at all our service
delivery points and to all our customers - small businesses, lenders, re-
source partner and even within the agency itself. We are establishing "bench-
marks" from the best of the business community and applying these standards
to our programs, monitoring our success, and eliciting regular feedback from
our customers on our performance. 

Specifically, we are committed to the following principles:
1.   We will provide prompt, courteous and accurate responses to requests
     for information received by telephone, in writing or in person.
2.   We will continue to look for cost-effective and user-friendly ways to
     make information easily accessible to the small business community.
3.   We will continue to streamline and reinvent processes to make conduct-
     ing business with the SBA easier for both our resource partners and
     small business owners.
4.   We will provide the small business owner with specialized technical
     assistance through avariety of programs in a variety of locations.
5.   We will continue to work to relieve the regulatory burden on small
     business.
6.   We will continue to facilitate and strengthen working relationships
     between small contractors and federal procuring agencies.

All of the SBA's programs and services are provided to the public on a
nondiscriminatory basis.

CO 0028 (04/97) Verified Current as of 5-18-01