Ready, Set, Launch Your Business!
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Startup orientation in Austin, Texas presented on May 6, 2015 at the SCORE office.
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Ready, Set, Launch Your Business!
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- 26. Venture Capital Angel Investment Community National Banks, “Big Box Banks” Credit Unions, Local Community Banks Micro-lenders, CDCs Credit Cards, Cash from Investments Friends, Family and Business Acquaintances
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Notes de l'éditeur
- SCORE Austin Ed Neidel, SCORE Advisor (ed.neidel@scorevolunteer.org) 5524 Bee Cave Rd., Building M, Austin, TX 78746 Mentoring also available by appointment in Round Rock, Georgetown, San Marcos, Marble Falls, Bastrop & Waco www.Austin.Score.org https://www.facebook.com/ScoreAustin 512-928-2425 City of Austin Small Business Program Cindy Garcia Cindy.Garcia@austintexas.gov One Texas Center | 505 Barton Springs Road | Austin | TX | 78704 www.smallbizaustin.org 512-974-7800 Main Number @smallbizaustin https://www.facebook.com/SmallBizAustin BiGAUSTIN’s Women’s Business Center (WBC) Claudia Conner, Executive Director 5407 North IH 35, Suite 200 | Austin | Texas | 78723 claudia@bigaustin.org 512-928-8010 http://bigaustin.org/wbc/ Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) http://tvc.texas.gov/Entrepreneur-Program.aspx Greg Shigemasa / Robin Provost Veteran Entrepreneur Program 1700 North Congress Ave., Suite 800, P.O. Box 12277, Austin, TX 78711-2277 greg.shigemasa@tvc.texas.gov / Robin.provost@tvc.texas.gov 512-463-2403 Texas State Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Peg Richmond Peg.richmond@txstate.edu 512-610-0996 Main Number 7719 Wood Hollow Dr., Suite 211, Austin, TX 78731 http://www.austinsmallbusinessanswers.com/ @TxStateSBDC https://www.facebook.com/TXStateSBDC
- Please note: the governor’s small business handbook is something you should absolutely download! http://bit.ly/TxSmallBusHandbook STARTing A BUSINESS In business, there are no guarantees. There is simply no way to eliminate all the risks associated with starting a small business – but you can improve your chances of success with good planning, preparation, and insight. In Texas, small businesses continue to thrive due to a variety of factors including our excellent geographic location, our highly-skilled workforce, our low tax burden, our reasonable cost of living, our predictable regulatory environment, and our legacy of being Wide Open for Business. For the most recent statistics on the Texas small business climate please download the SBA State Profile: Texas (http://bit.ly/SBATxStateProfile). Starting a business in Texas requires you to complete a number of basic steps and make some key decisions. As part of your overall plan, you'll need to select a location, decide on a business structure, and obtain the necessary licenses and permits. Additionally, determining which financing options will meet your short-term needs and long-term goals is crucial. Within this section, you will find information on some quick steps on how to get started. We’ve broken the process of starting a business down into four basic steps, which are discussed in greater detail in the Small Business Handbook: http://bit.ly/TxSmallBusHandbook ). Please note that new business owners should not hesitate to seek the guidance of a professional tax consultant, accountant, and/or attorney to help verify that all legal requirements are met before operating a business. Source: https://texaswideopenforbusiness.com/start-business
- Examples of the level of grit and determination needed to successfully launch a small business: Tim League and his wife are co-founders of Alamo Drafthouse. Twenty years ago they bought their first theater and spent $200k fixing it up. They only had enough money to hire one person to do the electrical work so everything else was left to them including the demolition work, painting, cleaning toilets, etc. They actually lived behind the screen in the beginning because they couldn’t afford to pay for separate living quarters. They made many, many mistakes along the way. Banks would not lend them anything even with a profitable track record. They finally secured commercial debt after opening 5 locations. Today they have 20 locations and 2,000 employees across the country. (source: Donna’s notes from 5/4/2015 live presentation by Tim League) Clayton Christopher founded Sweet Leaf Tea with $10k and his grandmother’s recipe for home-brewed iced tea made from cane sugar. He was inspired to create the business after returning from a road trip through Alabama and Mississippi where he saw the abundance of homemade iced tea that all of the local mom & pop restaurants served. He couldn’t find bottled tea on the market that tasted like homemade iced tea like his grandmothers so he decided to make his own. Early production consisted of brewing tea in 50-gallon crawfish pots and using pillow cases as tea bags then using garden hoses to transport the tea to plastic bottles. His mantra was “no doesn’t mean no…it just means not yet.” He was repeatedly told ‘we are not interested in your product at this time’ but he never gave up. 9 years later Nestle invested $15M in the company. Quote from Clayton: “The greatest rewards come to those that embrace risk and drive forward with passion to achieve their goal.” (source: wikipedia & The Daily Texan) Good choice of time and location Adequate capital Ability to manage and multi-task Education/experience in field Strong work ethic Effective time management Willingness to ask for input from others
- Myth 1: All I need is a good idea to be a successful entrepreneur Reality: A good idea is a great start, but it takes hard work, research, and planning plus successful implementation strategies to turn your idea into a profitable enterprise. SCORE’s Simple Steps for Starting Your Business series is time well spent for aspiring entrepreneurs. Workshops provide an opportunity for you to test the feasibility of your ideas and begin the research and planning necessary to ensure the success of your venture. Myth 2: If you go out on your own you won’t have to work so hard or such long hours Reality: You’ll probably work harder and longer than you’ve ever worked before, but you’ll enjoy it more. Exhaustion fades at the moment you proudly say, “I did this!” An entrepreneur carries a tremendous amount of responsibility and you can expect to work around the clock for the first year—maybe two. And remember that you will no longer have paid vacations or sick leave. If you get the flu and don’t have measures in place to keep your business running, it can have a financial impact. Yes, it’s difficult work, but the rewards can outweigh the sacrifices you will make. Myth 3: You’ll be able to deduct everything so you don’t have to pay taxes Reality: Taxes are based on net income, which can be lowered by subtracting expenses related to the business from gross income. Strict regulations apply, so keep good records and learn how to make the tax system work for you. There are many benefits to owning your own business, and you will likely have many tax write-offs. But it’s also important to keep excellent records and a separate business bank account. It’s wise to work with an accountant who can help you maximize your tax advantages. Myth 4: If you work independently you won’t have to report to a boss Reality: You don’t have a single boss – you have many. These are your clients and customers, each of whom have specific needs and demands. Your challenge is to keep all of them happy. There is an old saying: “The customers pay our bills.” This is never more true than when you work for yourself. While you may not have one boss handing down orders, you will have to answer to your customers. Keep in mind that you will also be accountable to the government—local, state and federal, plus investors, suppliers, vendors, creditors. The reality is that you will have many bosses. Myth 5: Business owners get to do the work they want to do and only what they find interesting Reality: Think again. You will have to wear many hats and juggle many skills, some of which may bore you or be downright challenging. Most entrepreneurs, especially those in the early years, will tell you that there is more work than glamour in their daily lives. Because you will have to wear so many hats, you will ultimately carry the bulk of responsibility. And depending on your budget and how much help you can afford, you may have a wide variety of responsibilities: taking out the trash, negotiating with vendors, managing employee issues, dealing with insurance, shipping orders, handling emergencies – and the list goes on. Myth 6: If you choose to be self-employed you’ll be limited in what you can achieve since you’ll be working alone Reality: The limitations are created mostly by the space between your ears. Be realistic, but don’t trap yourself with self-imposed limitations. You can make a difference. Starting your own business actually unlocks all kinds of possibilities for your future. You take control of your own destiny because you decide how hard you want to work, which paths you choose, and how successful you want to be. Source: SCORE’s Simple Steps to Starting Your Business, slides for class 1
- Starting your own business can be an exciting and rewarding experience. It can offer numerous advantages such as being your own boss, setting your own schedule and making a living doing something you enjoy. But, becoming a successful entrepreneur requires thorough planning, creativity and hard work. Consider whether you have the following characteristics and skills commonly associated with successful entrepreneurs: Comfortable with taking risks: Being your own boss also means you’re the one making tough decisions. Entrepreneurship involves uncertainty. Do you avoid uncertainty in life at all costs? If yes, then entrepreneurship may not be the best fit for you. Do you enjoy the thrill of taking calculated risks? Independent: Entrepreneurs have to make a lot of decisions on their own. If you find you can trust your instincts — and you’re not afraid of rejection every now and then — you could be on your way to being an entrepreneur. Persuasive: You may have the greatest idea in the world, but if you cannot persuade customers, employees and potential lenders or partners, you may find entrepreneurship to be challenging. If you enjoy public speaking, engage new people with ease and find you make compelling arguments grounded in facts, it’s likely you’re poised to make your idea succeed. Able to negotiate: As a small business owner, you will need to negotiate everything from leases to contract terms to rates. Polished negotiation skills will help you save money and keep your business running smoothly. Creative: Are you able to think of new ideas? Can you imagine new ways to solve problems? Entrepreneurs must be able to think creatively. If you have insights on how to take advantage of new opportunities, entrepreneurship may be a good fit. Supported by others: Before you start a business, it’s important to have a strong support system in place. You’ll be forced to make many important decisions, especially in the first months of opening your business. If you do not have a support network of people to help you, consider finding a business mentor. A business mentor is someone who is experienced, successful and willing to provide advice and guidance. Source: http://www.sba.gov/content/entrepreneurship-you
- Banker: a good relationship will assist you in obtaining loans and credit Lawyer Legal resources for central Texas startups: Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas – a non-profit public service established by the Austin Bar Assoc. (http://www.austinlrs.com/home) There is no charge to receive a referral from the LRS staff. If you consult with a lawyer, you will be charged only $20 for up to thirty minutes (the $20 consultation fee is forwarded to LRS). Lawyers will charge for their services if you decide to hire the lawyer. NOLO Legal Encyclopedia (http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia) Nolo was born of the frustration of two legal aid lawyers who were working to help low-income families in the San Francisco Bay area in the late 1960s. Charles (Ed) Sherman and Ralph (Jake) Warner were tired of having to turn away working people who didn't qualify for free legal aid but couldn’t afford lawyers. There was no place to send these people, because there were almost no sources of free or low-cost legal information—no do-it-yourself books or software, no court-based, self-help programs, no Internet. We recommend that every business owner utilize an attorney for legal assistance, but this is a good starting place for basic information before contacting an attorney. LegalShield.com LegalZoom.com Accountant: will file your quarterly taxes and keep you up to date on any accounting requirements with federal, state, and county government Insurance Agent: will shop around for the best coverage and pricing for your policies Business Mentor: will guide you through your ideas and act as a voice of reason
- In the first months of opening your business, you'll need to make many important decisions. But you don't have to make every decision on your own. Ultimately, you are responsible for you business, but you can always consult a mentor for advice. How to make the most of your time with a mentor: Be organized, prepared and consistent. Make sure you are respectful of your mentor's time. Do not expect your mentor to run your business for you or make decisions for you. You should have realistic expectations about what a mentor can provide you. Plan your mentoring sessions in advance. These could be as simple as having a one-on-one meeting once a month to discuss business goals, obstacles and regulatory requirements that you don't understand. Take notes, create action items and be prepared to review progress during your next session. Thank your mentor for his or her time and assistance with your business decision-making skills. Source : http://www.sba.gov/content/find-business-mentor
- These are the typical departments and functions involved in most businesses: CEO Administrative Accounting HR Marketing Sales Customer Service Production Technology Facilities Important considerations: Will you take on all of these roles? Do you have weaknesses in any of these areas? For example, are you uncomfortable working with numbers? Perhaps you should plan to hire a bookkeeper or take a class to improve your skills. How do you envision your organizational chart, now and in the future? Which roles will you hire out and in what order of priority?
- Business name, logo, website Email marketing Social media Sales calls Making presentations Preparing bids Processing orders Marketing is essential to bringing in customers. It can include a variety of functions: internet campaigns, e-mail marketing, direct mail, word-of-mouth, business networking, paid advertising, trade show booths, and much more. What’s most important is that you identify multiple strategies that you will use to bring customers into your business. Selling focuses on the needs of the seller to convert product to cash, while marketing focuses on the needs of the buyer and the need to satisfy the customer through the products produced. Many entrepreneurs are resistant to selling, especially if you have never done this before. But when you own a business, you have no choice but to put on a salesperson hat.
- Getting your business noticed can be challenging. To show your business stands head and shoulders above not only your smaller competitors but also the dominant players in your market, you need to differentiate yourself from the pack. A company's value proposition is what distinguishes itself from its competitors. The value proposition provides value through various elements such as newness, performance, customization, "getting the job done", design, brand/status, price, cost reduction, risk reduction, accessibility, and convenience/usability.
- Your price is the strongest signal to the customer as the product’s perceived value, position in the market. Customer sets price (shows what market can bear) A higher price = higher expectations and vice versa. A low price might lead to loss of perceived value. Avoid price wars. Figure out how sensitive your customers are to the prices. Bundle prices together to create more value. Credit terms can make your product more attractive. Don’t churn/lose money. Look at the value chain – create a sales force through reward system.
- “Competition is not only the basis of protection to the consumer, but is the incentive to progress.” -Herbert Hoover, American President Understanding your competitors helps you position your business. Study at least three competing businesses. Figure out where your prices fit, what guarantees they offer, and what advantages and disadvantages they have.
- Presented by Cindy Garcia, City of Austin Starting a new business can be overwhelming, but there are many, many resources available to walk you through the process.
- PLEASE SEE THE BUSINESS TYPE COMPARISON CHART IN YOUR FOLDER Sole Proprietorship - Assumed Name, Doing Business As (DBA) In Austin, you would file your paperwork for your Assumed Name, Doing Business As (DBA) at the Travis County Clerk's Office. A DBA ensures the business name you plan to use is not being used by someone else in Travis County. The Assumed Name is good for 10 years unless changes are made. Travis County charges a fee of $13.00 plus $0.50 for each name on the form, including the business name and each owner's name. Fees are payable by cash, cashier’s check, or money order. No checks are accepted. If processing via mail, send the forms by certified mail with a return receipt requested to verify receipt by the county clerk. Please consult the Travis County Clerk's Office as prices and procedures are subject to change without notice. Complete the Assumed Name Records Certificate of Ownership for Unincorporated Business or Profession Form. Once the completed paperwork has been notarized, you will file it at the Travis County Clerk’s Office. The office is located at 5501 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751 (Phone: 512- 854-9188). The City’s Small Business Program ( http://www.austintexas.gov/department/small-business-development-program ) provides no-cost notary services. Please visit our Business Solutions Center for more information on this and other no cost services that are available. The Texas State SBDC also provides no-cost notary service. Contact Francisca Arana at fa12@txstate.edu to schedule a time to stop by our Austin office. Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies and Corporation In the State of Texas, all partnerships, limited liability companies and corporations are all filed thru the Office of the Texas Secretary of State Online filing available through the Secretary of State’s Office SOSDirect portal: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/Corp/sosda/index.shtml. Please review their website for information regarding these types of business filings. For general information and specific filing questions, you may also contact them directly at 512-463-5586. Source: City of Austin Small Business Program website https://austintexas.gov/page/steps-starting-business Additional notes from SCORE mentors: Sole Proprietor: Most businesses start this way. Owner is sole manager, decision-maker and income tax is based on owner’s individual return. SP Downside: Owner liability is unlimited, start-up capital may be difficult to raise, business may dissolve when owner dies. Partnership: Used to share management responsibilities between co-owners, may be used when one partner is an investor, income is taxed at the partner level. Partnership Downside: Profits shared between partners, unlimited liability—each partner is individually liable, need an extensive partnership agreement with options for exiting the business. LLC: Offers liability protection for owner(s), not difficult to form, fewer rules/restrictions than corporations. LLC Downside: If partners involved, need a partner agreement, subject to state franchise fee and income tax, some restrictions on ownership and transfer. C Corp: Easier to raise capital or transfer ownership through sale of shares, limits liability for shareholders/owners, continues to exist until intentionally dissolved. C Corp Downside: Expensive to form and maintain, more extensive legal requirements, profits may be taxed twice—corporate and owner levels, subject to state franchise fee/income tax. S Corp: Profits only taxed once at shareholder level, limited liability for shareholders, withholding tax advantage. S Corp Downside: Limited to 100 shareholders, shareholders must be individuals, certain trust, or estates and may not include partnerships, corporations or non-resident alien shareholders An LLC is recommended over a partnership. Attorney fees for set-up are similar, taxation is the same and there is limited liability for an LLC that does not exist in a partnership. You should discuss your options with an attorney and/or accountant. SCORE mentors are also available to help you understand your options.
- Choosing a business name is an important step in the business planning process. Not only should you pick a name that reflects your brand identity, but you also need to ensure it is properly registered and protected for the long term. You should also give a thought to whether it's web-ready. Is the domain name even available? Here are some tips to help you pick, register, and protect your business name. Factors to Consider When Naming Your Business Many businesses start out as freelancers, solo operations, or partnerships. In these cases, it's easy to fall back on your own name as your business name. While there's nothing wrong with this, it does make it tougher to present a professional image and build brand awareness. Here are some points to consider as you choose a name: How will your name look? On the web, as part of a logo, on social media. What connotations does it evoke? Is your name too corporate or not corporate enough? Does it reflect your business philosophy and culture? Does it appeal to your market? Is it unique? Pick a name that hasn't been claimed by others, online or offline. A quick web search and domain name search (more on this below) will alert you to any existing use. Check for Trademarks Trademark infringement can carry a high cost for your business. Before you pick a name, use the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s trademark search tool (http://www.uspto.gov/) to see if a similar name, or variations of it, is trademarked. Here’s a great YouTube video that explains the process: How to Do a Trademark Search on USPTO (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HI1qGwxYZ5s) If You Intend to Incorporate If you intend to incorporate your business, you'll need to contact your state filing office to check whether your intended business name has already been claimed and is in use. If you find a business operating under your proposed name, you may still be able to use it, provided your business and the existing business offer different goods/services or are located in different regions. Pick a Name That is Web-Ready In order to claim a website address or URL, your business name needs to be unique and available. It should also be rich in key words that reflect what your business does. To find out if your business name has been claimed online, do a simple web search to see if anyone is already using that name. Next, check whether a domain name (or web address) is available. You can do this using the WHOIS database( http://whois.icann.org/ ) of domain names. If it is available, be sure to claim it right away. Register a Domain Name A domain name is the web address of your online business. Choosing and registering a domain name is the first step to starting an online business. After you've chosen the name you'd like to register, the process is simple and cost-friendly. Where to register your name is up to the discretion of individual businesses. Certified Registering Authorities Internet Domain Name Registration Services Abusive Domain Name Registration Be careful to avoid possible security risks by becoming aware of potential scams. The Federal Trade Commission issued a consumer alert about Domain Name Registration Scams. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers is the non-profit corporation that has technical oversight of Internet protocol address space allocation, protocol parameter assignment, domain name system management, and root server system management functions. It provides current news on issues surrounding domain names. 3. Select a Web Host A web host provides you with the space and support to create your website. Choosing the host that best suits a business is up to the discretion of that business. Costs and abilities, such as site maintenance, search registration, and site development, vary from host to host but it is important for it to be both reliable and secure. 4. Design Your Website The website of your online business is extremely important to its success. Because you don't have a physical location, this is considered your "store front". Websites can be designed personally, by hiring someone to work as your site designer, or by using an independent design firm. Make sure your website it mobile-responsive. Google will lower your ranking if your site is not mobile-friendly. Be sure to comply with U.S. trademark and intellectual property laws. The same laws and regulations apply to online businesses as regular businesses. Search for trademarks currently in use to avoid infringing on another company's rights on your website. Claim Your Social Media Identity It's a good idea to claim your social media name early in the naming process even if you are not sure which sites you intend to use. A name for your Facebook page can be set up and changed, but you can only claim a vanity URL or custom URL once you've got 25 fans or "likes". This custom URL name must be unique, or un-claimed. Register Your New Business Name Registering a business name is a confusing area for new business owners. What does it mean and what are you required to do? Registering your business name involves a process known as registering a "Doing Business As (DBA)" name or trade name. This process shouldn't be confused with incorporation and it doesn't provide trademark protection. Registering your Doing Business As name is simply the process of letting your state government know that you are doing business as a name other than your personal name or the legal name of your partnership or corporation. If you are operating under your own name, then you can skip the process. Apply for Trademark Protection A trademark protects words, names, symbols, and logos that distinguish goods and services. Your name is one of your most valuable business assets, so it's worth protecting. You can file for a trademark for less than $300. Learn how to trademark your business name. Source for all information above: http://www.sba.gov/content/how-name-business
- BUSINESS EMPLOYER REQUIREMENTS Texas Wide Open for Business section on employer requirements is a one stop shop for small business owners. The information provided will help entrepreneurs understand and comply with federal and state employer requirements. There are a number of labor, safety, and reporting laws relating to employment of personnel, thus it is vitally important for small business owners to increase their knowledge and ensure they are in compliance. Additionally, the Texas Workforce Commission publishes a great resource for employers. The Especially for Texas Employers is a step by step guide that walks employers and employees thru every aspect of Texas employment law. Download the pdf here: http://bit.ly/TWCEmployers Source: City of Austin Small Business Program website - https://austintexas.gov/page/steps-starting-business
- FEDERAL, STATE, AUSTIN AND EMPLOYMENT TAX RESPONSIBILITIES An equally important step in the development of your business is your determine and comply with the various overlapping tax responsibilities of your new business. The following information will guide you to the appropriate Federal, State and Austin agencies who administer business taxes. Federal Tax The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) governs all things related to tax collection at the federal level. In addition, the IRS provides a wealth of business tax related information for small business owners. Simply go to www.irs.gov and you will soon be on your way to understand your federal tax responsibilities. The local IRS Tax Payer Assistance Center provides walk in face-to-face assistance. The center is located at 825 East Rundberg Lane, Austin, TX 78753. The center can be reached directly at 512-499-5127. State Tax The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts is responsible for the administration and collection of state and local sales tax for businesses operating in the State of Texas. The following link provides an informative guide that will educate you on the what, when, where, why and how of sales and franchise taxes. Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts( http://bit.ly/TWCEmployers) 111 East 17th Street Austin, Texas 78711 512-463-4600 or 800-252-5555 Austin Tax Locally, business taxes apply to entrepreneurs who own tangible property and use their property to produce income. The Travis County Appraisal District (TCAD) handles the administration of the property tax for the City of Austin. For specific information, the link below will help clarify any questions and for additional information, contact TCAD directly at the number listed below. TCAD 8314 Cross Park Drive Austin, Texas 78754 512-834-9317 Employment Tax Internal Revenue Service (IRS.gov) - Provides specific information regarding your federal employment tax responsibilities. Texas Workforce Commission - Provides specific information regarding your state and local employment tax responsibilities. Source: City of Austin Small Business Program website - https://austintexas.gov/page/steps-starting-business Tax ID Numbers: Apply for an EIN Number Online: http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Apply-for-an-Employer-Identification-Number-%28EIN%29-Online Sales Tax Permit: http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxpermit/ Texas Sales & Use Tax Resale Certificate (pdf) http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxforms/01-339.pdf
- BUSINESS LICENSES AND PERMITS BY BUSINESS TYPE According to Texas Wide Open for Business (https://www.texaswideopenforbusiness.com), the State of Texas does not require a general "business" license; however, there are a number of regulatory agencies that have licensing and permitting requirements based on the type of service, or products associated with your business. To ensure that all permitting requirements are met, you should contact the local county and/or city government in which you plan to conduct business to determine if there are any additional requirements. To determine state occupational licensing and permitting requirements, please visit the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (http://www.tdlr.texas.gov/) (TDLR), specifically the TDLR Licensed Programs tab, for more information. SOURCE: https://austintexas.gov/page/steps-starting-business PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT REVIEW DEPARTMENT Zoning is the division of land within a jurisdiction into separate districts within which uses are permitted, prohibited or permitted with conditions. Brief definitions of the different types of uses and structures as relates to zoning are explained here. Zoning establishes site regulations, such as building heights, bulk (density/floor-to-area ratio), setbacks, building coverage, impervious cover, etc. Zoning is a power granted to municipalities by the State in order to promote public health, safety, morals, or general welfare, and to protect and preserve places and areas of historical, cultural, or architectural importance and significance. Zoning Districts are established to promote compatible patterns of land use within the city limits. Zoning districts also establish site development regulations and performance standards appropriate to the purposes and the uses allowed in each district. Distinct zoning districts exist for residential, office, retail and industrial uses. Furthermore, specific use restrictions, site development regulations or performance standards may apply to zoning districts combined with special overlay or combining districts. As part of the zoning process, appropriate land uses for an area are identified based on such factors as the intensity, density, height of a proposed project, surrounding land uses, traffic impacts and access to a site, environmental concerns and overall compatibility. SOURCE: https://austintexas.gov/department/zoning
- NEED A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY? Commercial Properties: A Certificate of Occupancy, or “CO” can be obtained from the City of Austin, Building Inspections Division located at: One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road, 3rd Floor. If you do not have a Certificate of Occupancy, call 512-978-4000 press 2; then press 3 to request a copy if the use of the property will be the same. If the City of Austin does not have a copy of the property’s Certificate of Occupancy on file for your use, you will begin your process with the Development Assistance Center (DAC). The Development Assistance Center is located at: One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road, 1st floor. A site plan exemption or correction will be processed and a subsequent building permit will be needed for the change of use. Commercial Plan Review located on the 2nd floor at One Texas Center will review your plans for compliance with all applicable Codes. RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES: Since 1931, all residential buildings in Austin have been required to have a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for its current use. Sometimes a homeowner discovers their property does not have a CO on record, in which case a new one (known as an Amnesty Certificate of Occupancy) must be obtained. If your property qualifies for an Amnesty CO, the application can be found in Residential Building Review’s forms and applications, which can be found here along with their location and hours of operation. Submit a complete application package to Residential Building Review during general information walk-in hours. If you do not meet the requirements (your house was built after 1986), then you must reenter the permitting process to obtain a new CO. SOURCE: https://austintexas.gov/faq/don%E2%80%99t-have-certificate-occupancy-and-need-inspection
- Are you financially ready to start a business? First you must determine your monthly budget. This includes mortgage/rent, groceries, entertainment, utilities, child care, medical care, clothing, gifts, allowances—every dollar that you spend. Consider whether you should scale back your monthly expenses by eliminating extras like premium cable and daily lattes. Outstanding debt will impact your future credit and be an added burden when you’re on your own. If you are making a decision to quit your job and pursue your business, make sure you have at least six months in living expenses saved. Also, consider whether you can start your business on the side while you maintain your current job and income. Sometimes a slow start is a safer way to go.
- Understanding your starting cash needs is essential to the planning process. Until you know how much you need, you can’t properly plan to launch your business. Equally important is your projected revenue, cost of goods and fixed cost. These numbers are needed to develop a Profit & Loss Statement which lenders request in the business plan. It shows that the business can actually make money. The type of business will largely determine the funding required. Businesses generally range from high capitalization to low capitalization in the following order: Manufacturing Restaurant Retail Service Consulting Things to Consider: Total monthly cost of living Areas where you can cut back Outstanding debt Amount in savings Total amount needed to cover 6 to 12 months of expenses Note that Session 4 of the Simple Steps for Starting Your Business course will cover these items and that students will receive guidance in completing their financial projections.
- These are your fixed expenses and they affect how much money you need to have on hand to run your business. Insurance: Property, Liability, Motor Vehicles, Worker’s Compensation (required by law if you have employees).
- Three Fundamentals of Sound Cash Management: 1. Have adequate cash and a reserve fund at the start of the business. 2. Manage cash on a daily basis (or on certain days of each week). 3. Prepare and maintain a cash forecast for at least six months into the future. Cash Management: If monitored on a regular basis, shortfalls can be detected before critical mass hits. Also, note that an owner keeps control of all cash, at all times. This will be covered in depth in the Simple Steps for Starting Your Business series workshop Session 4, which focuses on financials.
- Venture capital (VC) is financial capital provided to early-stage, high-potential, growth startup companies. The venture capital fund earns money by owning equity in the companies it invests in, which usually have a novel technology or business model in high technology industries, such as biotechnology and IT. The typical venture capital investment occurs after the seed funding round as the first round of institutional capital to fund growth (also referred to as Series A round) in the interest of generating a return through an eventual realization event, such as an IPO or trade sale of the company. Venture capital is a type of private equity.[1] An angel investor or angel (also known as a business angel or informal investor or angel funder) is an affluent individual who provides capital for a business start-up, usually in exchange for convertible debt or ownership equity. A small but increasing number of angel investors organize themselves into angel groups or angel networks to share research and pool their investment capital, as well as to provide advice to their portfolio companies.[1] Source: Wikipedia
- Microloan Program The Microloan program provides loans up to $50,000 to help small businesses and certain not-for-profit childcare centers start up and expand. The average microloan is about $13,000. The U.S. Small Business Administration provides funds to specially designated intermediary lenders, which are nonprofit community-based organizations with experience in lending as well as management and technical assistance. These intermediaries administer the Microloan program for eligible borrowers. Eligibility Requirements Each intermediary lender has its own lending and credit requirements. Generally, intermediaries require some type of collateral as well as the personal guarantee of the business owner. Use of Microloan Proceeds Microloans can be used for: Working capital Inventory or supplies Furniture or fixtures Machinery or equipment Proceeds from an SBA microloan cannot be used to pay existing debts or to purchase real estate. Repayment Terms, Interest Rates, and Fees Loan repayment terms vary according to several factors: Loan amount Planned use of funds Requirements determined by the intermediary lender Needs of the small business borrower The maximum repayment term allowed for an SBA microloan is six years. Interest rates vary, depending on the intermediary lender and costs to the intermediary from the U.S. Treasury. Generally, these rates will be between 8 and 13 percent. Source: https://www.sba.gov/content/microloan-program Contact Claudia Conner at BiGAUSTIN (claudia@bigaustin.org) for more information about the 4 local microlenders in central Texas. Even though her WBC program is hosted by BiGAUSTIN, she is able to give an unbiased background to all prospective applicants: PeopleFund https://peoplefund.org/ 2921 E. 17th Street Building D, Suite 1, Austin TX 78702 toll-free 888-222-0017 BCL of Texas http://www.bcloftexas.org/ 2212 S. Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704 Phone: 512.912.9884 askus@bcloftexas.org BiGAUSTIN Business Investment Growth 5407 North IH 35, Suite 200 | Austin | Texas | 78723 Office 512-928-8010 | Fax 512-926-2997 From the BiGAUSTIN website: Each person who owns 20% or more of the business must complete this application in order to be considered. All financial information can be filled in with estimates. Know, however, that if you are pre-qualified, we will be asking for a complete and accurate personal financial statement and personal balance sheet from all applicants and guarantors. Eligibility Criteria can be found here: http://bigaustin.org/eligibility-criteria/ Eligible Loan Amount: Start-up Business(at least 3 months of operation): up to $15,000 Existing Business(at least 1 year of operation): up to $50,000 Lift Fund (formerly Accion) http://www.liftfund.com/ 2014 S. Hackberry St., San Antonio, TX 78210 888.215.2373
- Be leery of sites offering free credit reports! The only source of free credit reports authorized by Federal law: AnnualCreditReport.com
- Promoting Veteran Entrepreneurship is Good for Texas Texas is home to nearly 1.7 Million Veterans Texas receives more than 35,000 Veterans each year Veterans own 9.2% (199,203) of all private companies in Texas Employ nearly 500,000. Estimated annual receipts totaling more than $99 Billion.
- The Texas Veteran Entrepreneur Program: Promotes Veteran Business Ownership Connects Veterans with the Resources Required for the Successful Launch, Ongoing Operation and Business Growth Provides Guidance and Training in the Areas of : Business Plan Concept Assessment and Development Financial Guidance Management Assistance Marketing Assistance Mentorship Opportunities Information Regarding Franchise Opportunities Launched as a Pilot Program in 2012 Signed into Law on Memorial Day 2013 Assisted 4,000+ Veterans toward Entrepreneurship to date Directly involved in Launch of 40+ Veteran Owned Businesses (VOB) Assisted 80+ VOB’s w/Capital Acquisition Provided 70+ Veterans with Business Plan Assistance
- SBDC advisors work with business owners, managers and principals on any issue that is affecting performance. Together, the advisor and client explore business goals, identify barriers to growth, examine potential new markets, develop strategy, manage and accelerate growth and prepare for succession or a successful exit. Some of the work performed may include: Strategy development for all areas of the business (e.g., go-to-market, funding, growth, team, etc.) and strategic plan review. Profit Mastery® financial review that examines performance compared to like companies of like size, followed by recommendations for improvements. Customer-specific market research supporting due diligence of new markets and opportunities (e.g., industry trends, location demographics, best audience profile, competitive intelligence, etc.) Managed engagement with specialist advisors in human resources, government contracting, international trade, manufacturing and other disciplines. Identification of management skills gap, followed by in-session instruction or recommended course of outside education / development. Investor or stakeholder pitch development, critique and practice, otherwise preparing businesses for access to new capital and use of funds. Many of our clients have told us that what they value most about their advisor relationship is the continued presence of an outside, objective voice as they examine and improve all aspects of their operations.
- The Business Model Canvas is a one page overview that lays out both what you do (or want to do), and how you go about doing it; enabling structured conversations around management and strategy by laying out the crucial activities and challenges involved with your initiative and how they relate to each other. This visual format, first introduced by Alex Osterwalder, is useful for both existing and new businesses. Existing businesses can develop new initiatives and identify opportunities while becoming more efficient by illustrating potential trade-offs and aligning activities. Startups can use it to plan and work out how to make their offering real. The individual elements prompt thoughts within the separate activities or resources, while the capability to have the complete overview encourages fresh perspectives and ideas about how those pieces fit together. This structure also helps to keep group discussions more focused and bring everyone onto the same page. Customer Segments – An organization serves one or several customer segments. Value Propositions – It seeks to solve customer problems and satisfy customer needs with value propositions. Channels – Value propositions are delivered to customers through communication, distribution, and sales Channels. Customer Relationships – Customer relationships are established and maintained with each customer segment. Revenue Streams – Revenue streams result from value propositions successfully offered to customers. Key Resources – Key resources are the assets required to offer and deliver the previously described elements… Key Activities – …by performing a number of key activities. Key Partnerships – Some activities are outsourced and some resources are acquired outside the enterprise. Cost Structure – The business model elements result in the cost structure. But the gold in the Business Model Canvas comes from the collaborative discussions and explorations in trying to envision new business models. Typically as mentioned above, participants will work with a wall-sized version of the post, and use post-it notes to flesh out either an existing business model, or possibilities for a new business model. The Business Model Canvas is also available in web-based software format. Business Model Canvas poster is free to anyone under Creative Commons: http://bit.ly/BMCPoster Business Model Canvas Explained YouTube Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoAOzMTLP5s
- NEW LOCATIONS When you’re ready to expand your business by adding new locations call your SBDC! We can help you negotiate leased office space, prepare your loan package, review your financial projections---we can be that objective, unbiased, trusted advisor to help you through the entire process. There is never a charge for our consulting assistance. Your tax dollars at work! INTERNATIONAL TRADE The International Trade Center is the only source of comprehensive trade consulting and market research services in the State of Texas. ITC clients receive comprehensive, world-class consulting and technical trade assistance provided by experienced and Certified Global Business Professionals (CGBP) credentialed International Business Consultants. Services are always 100% confidential, customized and are offered at no cost. Whether your company is just starting its international operations or is an experienced firm looking to expand into new global markets, the ITC team of consultants can provide you with the trade consulting and technical assistance that will help you make better decisions and increase profits. Visit www.texastrade.org. SBDCGlobal.com is a powerful and free online trade platform that will link the 750,000+ clients of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) networks in the United States, Mexico, El Salvador, Belize, and Tunisia with international trade opportunities. Direct access and connections to the clients of the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (SEBRAE) Network is also made possible for SBDC Clients through SBDCGlobal.com. TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION, LICENSING, PATENTS, TRADEMARKS Early stage and growing technology companies have special needs around the development of intellectual property and assets, executable business models and the recruitment of talent. Our technology commercialization advisors are specially trained to help assist and mentor entrepreneurs during all phases of the business life cycle. We also offer Innovation Readiness™ curriculum to educate and mentor new entrepreneurs though the product and service commercialization process. And, our Knowledge Transfer Series brings together technology entrepreneurs at all levels to share information and lessons learned and to promote local networking and collaboration. GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING Our Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) out of San Antonio (UTSA) provides assistance to small business owners to expand their business into federal, state, regional, county, local markets with government agencies, and military installations. PTAC staff provides business consulting, training, and networking opportunities through specialized classes, monthly networking meetings, matchmaking events, and one-on-one assistance. In addition to the following services:
- Presented by Ed Neidel, SCORE
- See Handout in Folder for Contact Information for all Presenters
- Governor’s Small Business Handbook: http://bit.ly/TxSmallBusHandbook SCORE Templates https://austin.score.org/resources/tab-a Find a Mentor at SCORE, BiGAUSTIN, City of Austin, TVC
- Register for Training SCORE Training Calendar: http://conta.cc/1K4MVeG City of Austin’s Small Business Program Training Calendar: http://bit.ly/SBPCalendar BiGAUSTIN’s Training Calendar: http://bit.ly/BiGAUSTINCalendar Texas Veteran’s Commission Training Calendar: http://bit.ly/VEPCalendar Texas State SBDC’s Training Calendar: http://bit.ly/TxStateSBDCCalendar Email Mentoring SCORE has over 13,000 experienced, knowledgeable mentors all over the country who are ready and willing to help you and it doesn’t cost anything! Sign up here: https://austin.score.org/mentors/find?keyword=&op=Find+an+email+mentor Prepare for Meetings Do your homework, take notes, create action items and be prepared to review progress during your next session.