How to Start a Consulting Business
10 step complete guide for starting a consulting business from scratch.
Below are some of the most common licenses and permits small-business owners may need and where to go for more information to get those licenses and permits.
Many municipalities require that you obtain a business license to operate your business. This requirement applies to most businesses, but there are exceptions. Contact your city’s business license department to find out whether you must obtain a business license.
This is especially relevant if you plan to open a physical location. You can’t operate your business in an area that is not zoned for your type of business unless you first get a variance or conditional-use permit. And, it’s important that you get this permit before you start operations.
To get a variance, you’ll need to present your case before your city's planning commission. Variances are typically easy to get, but if your business will disrupt the character of the neighborhood where you plan to locate, you might run into problems.
Even if you plan to start a business in your home, you should investigate zoning ordinances. Residential neighborhoods often have strict zoning regulations preventing business use of the home. But even in those cases, you can ask for and often receive a variance or conditional-use permit.
Similarly, if you live in a condo or a home governed by a homeowners association, the by-laws may restrict members from operating a business from their home. Check those by-laws carefully.
Most businesses don’t require a fire department permit. But, if your business uses any flammable materials or if your premises will be open to the public, you may need to get this permit. In many cities, you have to get this permit before you open for business, so plan ahead. Other municipalities don’t require permits but will periodically inspect your business to see if you meet fire safety regulations.
These are rare for most businesses. If your business burns materials, discharges anything into the sewers or waterways, or uses products that produce gas, you may have to get a special permit from your municipality (if they require such permits). Local and state environmental protection regulations may also require that you to get approval before doing any construction or beginning operation in your business.
Some municipalities restrict the size, location and sometimes the lighting and type of sign you can use outside your business. Check regulations and have your landlord approve your sign in writing before you buy and install your sign.
County governments can require permits and licenses too. If your business is outside any city or town’s jurisdiction and resides in an unincorporated area, you may need to get a permit from the county.
Most states require that people in certain occupations be licensed. In most cases, that means a person must first pass a state exam before they can obtain the permit. States usually require licensing for attorneys, auto mechanics, plumbers, electricians, building contractors, collection agents, insurance agents, real estate brokers, repossessors, and anyone who provides personal services, like doctors and nurses.
It’s rare that a business would need a federal license. But, some businesses do require federal licensing. These include meat processors, radio and TV stations, and investment advisory services. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) can tell you if your business needs a federal license.
If you intend to sell taxable goods or services, you will need a certificate of resale (in some states, this may be called a 'seller's permit' or a 'certificate of authority').
Sales taxes vary by state. If you’re a retailer, you must collect state sales tax on each sale you make. And, importantly, before you open your business, be sure to register to collect sales tax by applying for each separate place of business you have in the state. If you own three locations, you will need a separate license for each location. In some states, you can be criminally liable if you sell goods or services without a tax license.
If you plan to sell food, either directly to customers or as a wholesaler to others, you’ll need a county health department permit.
10 step complete guide for starting a consulting business from scratch.
A complete, 11 step guide on how to start a real estate business.
A complete 6 step guide to starting a cleaning business.
6 step comprehensive guide for starting a successful clothing brand or clothing line.
A complete, 9 step guide on how to start a brewery business.
The ultimate 9 step guide on how to start a medical cannabis dispensary business.
The ultimate 9 step guide on how to open an Etsy shop.
A complete, 10 step guide on how to start a photography business.
What you need to know if you want to stake your business claim in the Lone Star State.
A step-by-step guide to take your business online.
Choose from 30+ categories, complete a project brief, and pick a package that fits your budget.
Collaborate with dozens of creatives, give feedback and score, and get revised custom designs.
Work with the winner to finalize your favorite design and get print/web-ready files and full IP rights.
Not into crowds?
Pick a creative and work 1-to-1
Crowdspring is an online design platform linking businesses like yours with over 220,000 design and naming experts. Instead of investing over $10,000 with a branding agency - or paying an unknown freelancer for a single design you hope you like - crowdspring delivers dozens of custom designs to choose from for every project. With over 12 years of experience, we’re the reliable, affordable solution for small business.
Here’s everything you need to know about the important principles and theories that can supercharge your marketing and influence people to buy your products or services.
There are many ways to start a new business with no money. The most effective, for many people, is to bootstrap their new startup until they can transition to working on the new business full time.
You can assess what you can do for free, build up some savings, ask friends and family for a loan or investment, apply for a small business loan, look for small business grants or other funding opportunities, and find potential angel investors.
Here’s a video with 5 tips on how you can bootstrap your new business, even if you don’t have money to start it right away.
The difference between a business owner succeeding or failing is the foundation you build when you first start your business. That’s because you should prepare thoroughly before starting a business. And you should know how to adapt to changing situations – as often happens when you run your own business. Here's a complete guide on how to start your business and grow it into a sustainable and profitable business.
Most small businesses can be started and operated without a big team. Other than salaries, the biggest expense for many new businesses is the marketing budget. But there are ways you can stretch that budget. For example, here are 21 ways to market your small business on a shoestring budget.
According to the most recent analysis by Sageworks, accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and financial planning where the most profitable types of small businesses, returning an average profit margin of 18.4%. Real estate leasing, legal services, outpatient clinics, property managers, and appraisers, dental practices, offices of real estate agents and brokers, other health care practitioners, management, scientific and technical consulting services, and warehousing and storage rounded out the top 10 industries.
There is not a single path to entrepreneurship. Some start a company in high school, or even earlier. Others start something in college and sometimes drop out of college to pursue their dream. And others start in their 40s or 50s. Each person has a unique path. Here are some great ideas for beginners: home cleaning, blogging, photography, freelancing, child-care services, and running errands. Each entrepreneur, whether a beginner or an experienced business owner, starts with an idea and then executes that idea.
But, coming up with a viable, profitable business idea can be tough. Here’s a guide to brainstorming and evaluating business ideas.
There are many businesses that are relatively easy to start. These include event planning, gardening and lanscape services, painting, yoga or other exercise instruction, local tour guides, tutoring, and many others.
2020 was an unusual year. With the global pandemic, people have been forced to get creative when starting businesses. This will continue in 2021. Many look to start businesses that can be operated online. These include online courses and coaching, graphic design, web development, instagram influencer, affiliate marketing, and many others.
There are many businesses you can run from your own home. These include affiliate businesses, selling on Ebay or Etsy, baking, freelance writing, freelancer design, freelance coding, helping businesses as a social media influencer, and many more.
Three of the most common challenges managers and companies face when managing remote teams and ways you can overcome those challenges.
Learn why registering a DBA (Doing Business As) name could be the right decision for your business.
Here are 6 tips to turn your hobby into a successful business.
How to land and keep the first customers for your new startup or small business.
Turn your business into a strong brand so that you can grow your small business or startup faster.
Here’s what you need to know about content marketing for your small business
Here are 12 quick marketing tactics you can execute in one hour or less.
7 proven customer service tips to help you put smiles on your customers’ faces.
13 ways that you can better manage your customers’ expectations, create loyal brand followers, and grow your business faster than ever.
Neuroscience can help you to make better marketing decisions and can help you to improve your marketing strategy.
Reasons why you need to expand your online presence and actionable tips to help you do it.
Why your office may be hurting your company.
Our award-winning dedicated customer support team has a 99% satisfaction rating, and can help by phone, mail and chat.
We're happy only when you are.
Our support team is always ready to help you with a free, no obligation design consultation.