Summarize the following:
Cleaning businesses generally target one of two markets: Either commercial or consumer. Commercial services target businesses. Consumer-based services target individual residences. You should decide which market you will focus on. Cleaning services with consumer target markets usually involve window cleaners or maids who clean personal homes. Cleaning services with commercial target markets usually involve janitorial services. They sometimes offer more services than maid services, such as carpet cleaning. Some cleaning businesses market to a niche clientele within a target market. You should carefully define what kind of customers you will seek. For example, commercial cleaning services need to decide whether they are serving smaller businesses or huge companies. Depending on your budget, it might be a good idea to start small so you can do the cleaning yourself and grow to larger projects as you can afford to add more staff. You need to pick whether you want to run your cleaning business independently or as part of a franchise. There are advantages and disadvantages to choosing either route. Franchises will offer you some marketing support. They will provide guidance about starting the business, so they can be helpful on the front end if you've never run a business before. They will give you guidelines and support so you don't have to do as much research about the market. You will already have a proven brand. Over time, though, you will invest more money in a franchise. If you are independent, you can choose your own services, name, and formula. You will need to get a state business license if your state requires one. You also might need other permits depending on the community where your business is located. Contact the state business office in the state where your company would be headquartered to determine which state permits or licenses are needed. You should also contact the business office at your local city, village, or town hall to ask which permits are needed and to make sure you are complying with all zoning regulations. You may need to obtain permits for things like signage. You need to submit some paperwork to start a business with the federal Internal Revenue Service. Apply for an Employer Identification Number with the IRS. You can do so online. This is the number that will be used to identify your business. Decide the structure of the business entity you are trying to create. For example, will your business be a sole proprietorship or a corporation? Sole proprietorships are businesses run solely by you. It's probably a good idea to consult a tax attorney for advice on the different kinds of business structures. Make sure that you have all employees fill out the proper tax forms. One of the most important things you can do is choose the right name. This is how customers will know your brand. It's smarter to choose a name that is very literal, like "Professional Cleaning Service" with your last name or something like that. Choosing a vague or cute name probably will turn off professional customers. Make sure your business name is not too similar to other cleaning services in the area. It's possible to run a cleaning service from your home. That's because, unlike many businesses, with a cleaning service, customers won't come to your home; you go to theirs (or their business). Check zoning ordinances at your city, town or village hall to make sure you can have commercial activities in your home. Running the business out of your home might be banned by local ordinance or there just might be restrictions on issues associated with a business, like traffic and signage. If you choose a commercial location, it can help you brand your business with signage. However, it doesn't make sense to pay for a prime location for a business with customers who won't actually come to the business. So focus more on having enough work space for things like repairing equipment.
Determine your target market. Decide whether to franchise. Get proper licenses and permits. Follow all IRS rules. Determine your business name. Choose whether to run your business out of your home.