Starting a business is a major undertaking. It’s tempting to just jump in and start selling, but a little bit of homework can spare you headaches down the road.
Note: Food businesses need special preparation. Start Here
Step 1: Test Your Idea
SCORE offers recorded webinars on evaluating business ideas. Here’s an example.
If you’d rather read a book or listen to an audiobook, here are some suggestions from the library collection.
Step 2: Plan Your Business
“Run” your business on paper before you actually invest in it.
SCORE has many webinars on business planning. Here’s one to get you started:
This is where the business librarian can be most helpful. Book an appointment to find out how the business librarian can save you time by researching market & consumer data for you.
Step 3: Licenses and Legal Stuff
Every business needs at least a local business license. Some businesses will need more than one license. Use Business Express License Directory to find out which permits your business is likely to need.
Review this SCORE article on legal issues for small businesses:
10 Legal Steps Every Small Business Should Take – Small Business Legal Toolkit | SCORE
Check with your city about a business license. You need a license for each city you do business in.
Ashland: All businesses, including home businesses, that do business in or are located in Ashland should have an Ashland business license. Contact 541-304-2190 or email at ashlandor@hdlgov.com | Learn More
Medford: If doing business within the Medford City limits, a City of Medford business license is required. Call 541-774-2025 or email businesslicenses@cityofmedford.org | Learn More
Step 4: Secure Financing
All startups need some kind of capital to get started. Many people think that the government offers grants, especially to marginalized groups, to start a business. This is a myth. Most startups are funded by a combination of the owners’ own capital, venture capital from investors, or bank loans.
Find information on funding and loans:
Tools and resources to help your small business grow – SCORE
Find information on community development funds:
Sometimes banks cannot serve small businesses because the loans needed are so small, or the business owner doesn’t have good credit. Community development funds (CDFs) can fill that gap. There are two CDFs that serve Jackson and Josephine counties.
Meso
Local contact for MESO: Darby Ayers-Flood, 503.505.7314 or dayersf@mesopdx.org
IVCanDo
Local contact: 541-592-4440 or info@ivcdo.org
Step 5: Find a mentor
Consult a SCORE or SBDC mentor for your next steps.