The Advisor

WHY I CAN'T START A BUSINESS
(or … There MUST be some reason!)
by Robert Sullivan

It is amazing how many people I talk with that want to start a small or home based business for any number of reasons - extra income, new challenge, about to be "downsized," retired and looking for something to do, got a great idea! Considering how many new businesses startup each day I'm equally amazed a how many of these folks come up with a reason(s) not to start their business!

Considering how exciting, satisfying and profitable a small business can be I want to address some of these "excuses" in the hopes that a few more of you will take the plunge into the fantastic world of small business!

I DON'T HAVE THE TIME
Sure you do. Budget accordingly. You are going to have to give up something in the short term for longer term success. Lay off a bit of television, get up 30-minutes earlier each morning and work on your "plan," etc. It's amazing how much you can accomplish by spending a few minutes each day.

I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY
You may not need very much to get started. Start slowly and in conjunction with present employment. Start your business by working evenings and weekends while keeping your present job as long as practicable. This way, if the business does not meet your expectations, you have not incurred debt and will still have a job!

However, in many instances outside funding will be required depending on the nature of the business. For example, expensive equipment or initial stock may be required. When determining your financing needs, remember that nearly everyone underestimates what is required so be careful and do your planning accordingly. And of course, don't forget to factor in contingency ...sickness, bad weather, equipment breakdown, etc. Anything that increases the time line to profits! Best you figure on a year before you see a profit.

There are two major forms of business financing.

DEBT FINANCING. This simply means you get a loan from someone or somewhere and go into debt! You are obligated to repay the money.

EQUITY FINANCING. This involves "selling" a portion of your company to an outside investor. You have no obligation to repay the funds. In general, this type of funding is provided by venture capital firms.

The fact is, 99.99% of all small businesses will utilize debt financing since most "equity lenders" (venture capital companies) are interested in lending large amounts of money, generally a million dollars or more. We will only consider sources for obtaining debt financing for your venture.

For those of you interested in equity financing (venture capital), here are some suggestions for locating possible sources:

Check the yellow pages under "venture capital companies."

Check out http://www.vcworld.com, Venture Capital World Online. They provide a direct database link between investors searching for opportunities and entrepreneurs in need of venture capital.

Check with the National Venture Capital Association in Arlington, VA at 703 528 4370.

SOURCES FOR DEBT FINANCING

1. YOURSELF! (Savings) You are your own best "lender" if you have the savings. This approach can be quick and easy.

CAUTION: ensure you have adequate savings for both the business and other life contingencies.

2. FRIENDS and RELATIVES. If they believe in you and your idea, friends and relatives are sometime willing to fund you. Choose this route with care and ensure you execute a formal loan document stating loan terms (interest, terms of repayment).

CAUTION: Many friends have been lost and many relatives alienated because of a small business failure.

3. BANKS and CREDIT UNIONS. Many banks and credit unions (check with your own first and with you local chamber of commerce for alternate possibilities) will loan money for starting a small business. This approach will require that you present a formal plan to the bank showing justification for the amount you are borrowing.

4. THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA). Check out their website (http://www.sba.gov). Contrary to what many believe the SBA does NOT generally loan money directly but rather guarantees a loan (normally up to 90%). This can make it a lot easier to obtain a bank loan since the banks risk is lowered considerably. The exception is that the SBA does provide direct loans to certain groups including Vietnam-era and disabled veterans and handicapped individuals. In general, the SBA will not offer any assistance until you have been turned down for a loan by a commercial bank.

Most loans guaranteed through the SBA are between $25,000 and $750,000. However, there is a "microloan" program for amounts from a few hundred dollars up to $25,000.

5. VENDOR FINANCING. If your business is one that relies heavily on certain vendors, it may be possible to obtain financing through the vendor. After all, they want you to use their product and therefore have an interest in helping you be successful.

6. STATE. Some states have small business financing authorities that issue tax-exempt development bonds that be used to finance land, buildings and equipment for manufacturing businesses. Check with your local government office for details.

7. HOME EQUITY LOAN. Interest rates for this kind of loan are generally quite low and the interest is fully deductible for the first $100,000 borrowed.

CAUTION: You are placing your home on the line!

8. LIFE INSURANCE. Some type of life insurance policies (whole life and universal) have cash value which can be borrowed at very low interest rates. You are not obligated to pay this money back but if you don't, your policy payout is reduced by the amount borrowed.

9. RETIREMENT PLANS. Some retirement plans (401K for example) allow you to borrow against vested benefits. Generally, up to 50% may be borrowed as long as this is less than $50,000.

CAUTION: If you quit you employment, the loan must be repaid immediately. If you don't the amount borrowed is treated as an early distribution and is taxable.

10. GRANTS. Many foundations provide funding in the form of grants. Check "The Foundation Directory" at your local library or visit their website at http://fdncenter.org to find out what foundations may have an interest in your specific business idea. The Foundation Center may be reached at 212 620 4230.

11. CREDIT CARDS. These should be used with care because of the excessively high rates of interest usually charged.

I DON'T HAVE THE REQUIRED EXPERTISE
Sure you do - just pick the right business! Best way to determine what kind of business to start is to look to your own interests and abilities. Interest is paramount and the expertise can be learned. Research your interest or consider a trade school or community college. Use the Internet to search for web-based training on a variety of subjects. (For example, check http://aristotle.bscnet.com).

I DON'T HAVE A GOOD IDEA
Keep your eyes and ears open - there are opportunities everywhere. Talk with friends and associates about starting a business. Review the many magazines devoted to small business and entrepreneurs. A word of caution: don't be lured by "get rich schemes" or franchises that offer overnight success. Success will only come with hard work and dedication.

I DON'T UNDERSTAND "BUSINESS"
You can learn! Your local library and the Internet are two fantastic sources of information. You can also contact a local chapter of SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) to get some personal assistance. Visit http://www.score.org to find a chapter near you. Lastly, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has a wide variety of information on their website, http://www.sba.gov.

I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START
You're reading this article, aren't you? You have already started. Now keep at it.

I'M WORRIED ABOUT FAILURE
Don't worry about it - really. Most successful entrepreneurs have failed previously. Use failure as a learning experience. That is, don't make the same mistakes twice.

Okay, hopefully we've eliminated most if not all of the reasons why you should not start a business. Now it's up to you.

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