Starting a Home-Based Business

Thinking of starting your own business out of your home? Here are some tips:

• Do your research – develop your business plan.

• Contact your local chamber of Commerce and US Small Business Administration for start-up information.

• Take a personality test to determine whether running your own business is right for you.

• Develop a family plan.

• Set up a separate phone line just for business calls.

• Get a post office box for business correspondence.

• If computers are required make sure you have adequate power supply and backup capability.

• Join networking groups.

• Join your local chamber of commerce.
• Set realistic goals. It often takes a long time to just break even, especially in a small business.

Please refer to "Getting Started in Business" for more information.

The City of Bradenton publishes a business start-up guide for home based businesses. This is available by calling 708-6200.

Guide to Associations / Affiliates

National Association of Home Based Businesses
10451 Mill Run Circle, Suite 400
Owings Mills, MD 21117
Phone: (410) 581-1373
Website: www.usahomebusiness.com

American Association of Home Based Businesses
PO Box 10023
Rockville, MD20849
Phone: 800 447-9710
Website: www.aahbb.org

U.S. Small Business Administration
7825 Baymeadows Way Suite 100B
Jacksonville, FL 32256
Phone: (904) 443-1900
Website: www.firstgov.gov