Publisher FJ Publishing Creator/Writer Rachelle Ford
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Copyright 2019 Ford Ent Magazine All Rights Reserved ISBN: 9781706989240
Table of Contents Page 6- Do you need a business license to sell online?
Page 8- Ask A CEO: Wideline A. Page 12- 12 Free online resources for small businesses Page 15- The 11 best small business grants for women Page 18- Business credit: the basics Page 20- 8 things to know before starting a business Page 22- Certifications that open doors
Do You Need a Business License to Sell Online? The short answer is
YES! Think of it this way, the government wants to regulate any and everything that involves the distribution or exchange of money as much as possible. So whether you’re selling lemonade on the side of the road, or custom socks that you’ve hand sewn from your basement, the moment you are no longer doing something as a hobby, and start collecting funds from clients or customers, you need to follow the steps to legitimize your business. If not, the state may even order you to stop doing business until you get it right.
So what are the steps? Obtain an ein number An EIN is as important for your company as a social security number (SSN) is in your personal life. It helps you register a business entity, obtain a business loan, open a business bank account, and much more.
register your business with your state
If you have not registered your business with your secretary of state, you may only do business under your personal name. You may not legally use your business name without first registering it as a business entity recognized by your state and the IRS.
Cottage Food Law register to collect taxes If your business is engaged in activities associated with a tax or fee, which should be all businesses really, you need to register with the State Department of Revenue. That’s where you’ll report your tax collection, pay taxes for your busines and report employees when the time comes.
Florida law allows individuals to use their unlicensed home kitchens to produce for sale certain foods that present a low risk of foodborne illness. Cottage food operators can produce and sell these products directly to consumers without obtaining a food permit from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Gross sales for a cottage food operation must not exceed $50,000 annually.
Approved Cottage Foods
Loaf breads Fruit pies Rolls Dried fruits Biscuits Dry herb Cakes Seasonings Contact your city's business Pastries Homemade pasta Cookies Cereals license department to find Candies Trail mixes out about getting a business Confec- Granola coated or license, which grants you the tions uncoated nuts Honey Vinegar and flaright (after you pay a fee, of Jams vored vinegars course) to operate a Jellies Popcorn and business in that city. Preserves popcorn balls Depending on your business, you may need special permits and registrations additional to what we’ve mentioned in this article. Best bet is to contact your State department for information, research reseach research or hire someone who knows what they’re doing.
Ask a CEO
wideline a. What made you decide to go into business for yourself? I am a big risk taker. I have a certain drive that wouldn’t allow me to work a regular 9-5 forever. While working in corporate America, I felt as if I was wasting my talents which could be used on a different scale if I went into business for myself.
Would you describe yourself as an entrepreneur or a business owner? Is there a difference? I consider myself to be both because I run multiple businesses. An entrepreneur is someone who owns multiple businesses. You can be a business owner but not an entrepreneur but you can’t be an entrepreneur and not be a business owner. An entrepreneur is a business owner who usually has more than one business.
What was the very first step you took to establish yourself as a business owner? The first step was legally forming my corporation as a legitimate business. Making sure that the state of Florida recognized me and my business as a legitimate business. What is your current business? My current business now is Siwoh Enterprises LLC. It is a legal consulting firm that provides low cost Non attorney legal services. We
the value { Iofallunderstand my relationship with } of my clients.
assist in civil court cases, immigration matters as well as legal document drafting. It is also a marketing firm which we partner up with attorneys to grow their firm and also provides aid to the daily task for the attorneys as well. Under Siwoh Enterprises we are not offering J&W tax services which will assist our clients in filling their tax returns this upcoming season. Siwoh Enterprises LLC is an all inclusive firm geared to simply the life of our clients but that is only the beginning. What makes you a GREAT business owner? What makes your services unique? I am a great business owner because I understand the value of my relationship with all of my clients. My firm was built on referrals from satisfied clients. I run my business on honesty and integrity. That aspect gave my clients a sense of security that they didn’t find anywhere else which led to constant business. My integrity in the field that I’m in is what makes my business unique.
to make mistakes, it’s okay to not { knowit’s okay everything and it’s okay to ask for help. } What is the most complicated part of running your own business? The most complicated part is the amount of work you have to put in it. Running a business is a nonstop job I’m which you have to be a walking and talking advertisement. You are your brand and you are your business! As a business owner, TIME is the most scarce commodity, how to balance your time? Time is definitely something that I never have enough of. I don’t have a formula for managing or balancing time. I try to prioritize everything and be as organized as possible. That has helped me out a lot as far as balancing time. What is the hardest lesson you had to learn by experience? The hardest lesson for me to learn was that it’s okay to make mistakes, It’s okay to not know everything and it’s
okay to ask for help. Why not just work for an establish company and help them grow? Why create your own path? The business that I am now was something that I felt was missing in my community. Working for an established firm would still leave a void. In my own path I am able to adjust to my needs and the needs of my business as well as my clientele. Plus I’ve always had way to much drive to be stuck in one place. Would you encourage others to start their own businesses or would you advise them against it? I would encourage anyone to start their own business. Having a business requires a lot of drive and self motivation. As I stated before, you are a walking and talking advertisement for your business, you are your business. As long as you are prepared to put in the work to get the results, I encourage everyone with an idea to put it into motion. The biggest risk in life is not taking a risk at all.
12 free online resources for your small business
As a small business owner, you have to watch your budget very closely. Seldom do entrepreneurs have a bag of money to get them started, therefore FREE becomes an operative word as they build, grow and maintain the sucess of their business.
Search:Scannable in your app store Scannable is a free app for your phone that can easily scan your papers and receipts for easy saving or sending. Perfect for the on the go entrepreneur.
Mailchimp.com Mailchimp is a great website with a free plan that allows up to 2,000 subscribers (email addresses) and allows you to send up to 12,000 emails per month, and even provides templates or you can create your own.
Hootsuite.com Hootsuite is a social media manager that allows you to manage multiple social media platforms from one account. It offers a free plan that allows you 3 social profiles, and 30 Scheduled Messages per month for 1 user.
Docs.Google.com Google Docs provide free Word, Powerpoint and Excel Spreadsheet . The most amazing part is that you can access your account online, or on your smartphone, as well as collaborate easily with others.
ocw.MIT.edu Knowledge is POWER! MIT OpenCourseWare is a web-based publication of virtually all MIT course conten that you can access and attend from the confort of your desk for the FREE!
My.Waveapps.com A free accounting software that works as hard as you do. It helps manage your income and your expenses as well as allow you to send out invoices as well as recurring invoices and accept credit cards.
PostermyWall.com Easily create stunning promotional flyers, posters, social media graphics and videos online for free even with no graphic design skills.
Asana.com Get your to-do list in order with Asana where you can track and manage your projects and even connect with other individuals. Perfect for collaborative projects.
SBA.gov The U.S. Small Business Administration is a United States government agency that provides support to entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Canva.com Canva makes design amazingly simple. Whether you need an Instagram story, logo maker, or an EPK for your business, create all these graphic design needs and more on Canva. Available on your phone and computer. Bonus: Social Media platforms are the greatest free resources and right at your finger tips. We’re already using these platforms to connect with friends and family members, but as a business owner, they connect you directly to clients and customers and are one of the most effective ways to reach potential and future clients.
Hubspot.com A free contact management software that helps you make the most out of your contact list with a variety of free CRM tools and Marketing tools.
EzTexting.com EZ Texting is a powerful do-ityourself Text Messaging (SMS) and Picture Messaging platform that helps business owners engage customers via texts and Keywords. Not totally free, but they provide you with 250 credits per month.
The 11 Best Small Business Grants for Women Entrepreneurs Original source of article: Fundera.com Editorial Note: Fundera exists to help you make better business decisions. That’s why we make sure our editorial integrity isn’t influenced by our own business. The opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations in this article are those of our editorial team alone. If you’re a entrepreneur, raising capital is undoubtedly a big part of your job. To help female entrepreneurs succeed, some government agencies, nonprofits, and private organizations provide small business grants.
1. Grants.gov
Potential benefits: Benefits vary across the different types of grants and different government agencies that participate. It’s important to note that this database includes a variety of different types of grants, so you may need to sort through different options to find those that are the most relevant to small business owners. Although, as we mentioned, there are no small business grants for women on this site that aren’t also open to men, this site can still serve as a great starting point for women looking for federal grant resources. Over a dozen federal government agencies participate in the database.
2. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants
Potential benefits: Multiple grant prizes of $4,000 each
The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) runs an annual grant program that is available only to their 50,000 members. To become a NASE member, you’ll have to pay $120 per year for a basic membership. NASE offers members networking and mentorship resources, discounts on business products, and legislative advocacy. In exchange for membership, members are also offered exclusive access to grants and scholarships. Since 2006, NASE has offered nearly $1 million in grant money to members. To qualify for their Growth Grants program—in addition to being a NASE member—you must demonstrate a specific business need that could be aided by the grant. You must also show how the grant will improve your business’s overall growth and success and include a resume and business plan.
3. Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program
Potential benefits: A maximum of $10,000 per recipient for 10 women-owned businesses each year. Fashion designer Eileen Fisher launched the Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program in in 2004. Today the company awards $100,000 in total grants annually to 10 women-owned businesses beyond the startup stage (maximum $10,000 per recipient). They’ve announced that they will relaunch the grant program in 2019 with new rules. For this award, Eileen Fisher is looking for businesses that have a positive social and environmental impact. For instance, a 2017 grant winner is Bee Downtown.
Fifth-generation beekeeper Leigh-Kathryn Bonner partners with local businesses to install and maintain rooftop hives that increase pollination in the area and contribute to a healthy ecosystem. If you’ve been in business for at least three years, you’re eligible for this small business grant for women entrepreneurs. Learn more about eligibility and the application process here.
4. Amber Grant
Potential benefits: The program awards one $2,000 grant to a woman business owner each month. One winner will also be awarded an additional $25,000 at the end of the year. The Amber Grant was launched by Womensnet.com in 1998 to honor the memory of a young woman, Amber, who died before she could fulfill her entrepreneurial dreams. The grant was formed to help women entrepreneurs reach their goals when Amber could not. One of the monthly qualification grant winners will be awarded an additional $25,000 by the end of the year. These grant awards are small, but can be very helpful for those working to get their business off the ground. Remember, there’s no expectation that this funding will be paid back. The application cut off for each monthly grant is the last of every month, so if you want a shot at winning the Amber Grant you have the opportunity to apply at any time of the year! All you have to do to apply is tell your story and pay a small application fee ($15). You can learn more about the application here.
5. IdeaCafe Grant
Potential benefits: $1,000 grant for small business owners. The IdeaCafe Grant awards a $1,000 micro-grants to one small business owner each year. The application deadline is in January, so apply early! Although the funding isn’t technically a small business grant for women only, the vast majority of the winners have been female entrepreneurs. This is a great grant to apply to if
you’re a relatively new startup looking for funding. This grant is also available for those that have an idea for a business but haven’t actively started building it yet.
6. #GIRLBOSS Foundation Grant
Potential benefits: A $15,000 grant and online exposure via Girlboss’ site. You may know the Girlboss brand by its leader Sophia Amoruso, the creator of Nasty Gal and now Girlboss’ media empire. Amoruso and Girlboss went on to create the GIRLBOSS Foundation and now awards two small business grants for women entrepreneurs each year. Each small business grant winner receives project funding of $15,000 and online exposure via Girlboss’ site and various digital channels. The Girlboss biannual grant is exclusively open to women business owners in the design, fashion, music, and art industries. Applications are judged by a selection committee made up of Girlboss staffers and led by Sophia Amoruso. Applications are judged on factors like creativity and innovation in the field, business acumen and forward planning, financial need, and proposed work place.
7. Cartier Women’s Initiative Award
Potential benefits: All 18 finalists will receive either a first prize of $100,000 and one-on-one mentoring or a second prize of $30,000 in prize money. The Cartier Women’s Initiative Award is awarded once a year to 21 female entrepreneurs around the world. The Cartier award grant is intended for women business owners in the early stages of development of their business (between one to three years old). The business should be generating revenues, but need not be profitable. The top seven finalists will win $100,000 and one-to-one business mentoring from an expert that Cartier finds for you. The remaining 14 applicants will win a $30,000 prize. Each of the 21 small business grant
award finalists will receive a spot in the INSEAD Social Entrepreneurship 6-Day Executive Program (ISEP), as well as the opportunity to participate in entrepreneurship workshops, business coaching seminars, and networking opportunities.
8. GrantsforWomen.org
Potential benefits: Benefits vary with each opportunity. If you’re looking for a comprehensive resource for grants for women, Grantsforwomen.org is a great resource. Grants and Scholarships for Women is actually a database found at GrantsforWomen.org. You can search for scholarship opportunities and grants for women, but be forewarned—most are for non-business purposes.
9. FedEx Small Business Grant
Potential benefits: Ten winners will receive grants for their businesses and free FedEx printing and business services. Although the FedEx Small Business Grant isn’t technically a small business grant for women entrepreneurs only, women small business owners are encouraged to apply. In fact, the very first prize winner of the FedEx Small Business Grant was a woman: Nicole Snow, Founder and CEO of Darn Good Yarn. Since 2013, FedEx’s grant has awarded $250,000 in small business grants to entrepreneurs all over the country. Each year, 10 winners receive funding from FedEx. One winner receives a grand prize $25,000 plus $7,500 in FedEx services, one winner receives a silver prize of $15,000 plus $5,000 in FedEx services, and eight winners earn a bronze prize of $7,500 plus $1,000 in printing services.
10. The Halstead Grant
Potential benefits: A cash grant of $7,500 plus $1,000 toward Halstead jewelry supplies. The Halstead Grant started in 2006 as a small business grant
for women entrepreneurs specifically in the jewelry industry. The grant is awarded to emerging female jewelry designers in the United States—specifically geared toward businesses under three years old. Those that apply should be prepared to answer a series of questions about their business goals and strategies. Winners are awarded a $7,500 cash grant, $1,000 toward Halstead jewelry supplies, and publicity within the jewelry industry. The good news is that even those applicants who don’t win will receive general feedback on their business plan from the judges.
11. Open Meadows Foundation small business grants for women Potential benefits: The organization provides $2,000 to eligible projects that have limited access to financial resources. The Open Meadows Foundation is an organization that provides grants toward women-backed projects that promote gender, racial, and economic justice. Applicants must be women and the businesses must benefit women and girls. The grant provides $2,000 to eligible projects that have limited access to financial resources to grow. Specifically, Open Meadows only considers organizations that have $75,000 or less in budget resources. This grant is a great opportunity for those who have just started a business or are in midst of starting a business.
business credit the basics
What is business Credit?
Unlike a personal credit score, with a range of 300 and 850, business credit is scored on a 0 to 100 scale. Just the same as personal credit, the higher the score, the lower the lending risk. As an individual, you thrive to push your score as close to 850 as possible. As a business owner, 100 is the magic number.
There is no “quick fix” to building a strong credit report. It takes patience and consistent proof to creditors that you are reliable.
Uline also offers a wide variety o including shipping boxes, office fu packaging and kitchen supplies, and needs, then at checkout you’ll be off payment due in 30 days. (That’s re option so you can build a credit re then you’ve been approved for term a credit-building acc
of products your business may need urniture and supplies, food service more. Shop for supplies your business fered the opportunity to be billed, with eferred to as net-30 terms.) Use that eference. If you check out successfully, ms. Pay on time or early and you’ll have count under your belt.
The DUNS Number is linked to your company’s business credit profile with D&B; which is used by lenders, suppliers and potential business partners to help determine if a company is creditworthy and/or financially stable. One important thing to note is your company is not issued a DUNS Number when you apply for an EIN.
10 Steps
to building Business Credit 1. Register your business entity. 2. Obtain an EIN number 3. Open a business banking account. 4. Establish a business address and phone number. 5. Apply for a business DUNS number. 6. Open trade lines with your suppliers. 7. Get a business credit card or business line of credit. 8. Borrow from lenders who report to business credit bureaus. 9. Keep business information current with the bureaus. 10. Pay all of your business’s bills and loans back on time.
8 Things To Know Before Starting A Business #1 Money is important but not enough A lot of entrepreneurs manage to raise capital early in the game, but money is just not enough. A sound business model that generates consistent cash flows is important. Besides, you need people to implement your systems. #2 Focus on people and their needs Business is all about people. You can’t do it all by yourself. Focus on people, understand their needs, compensate them adequately, and invest in their training. They may or may not stay with you, but it’s important to continually train them. #3 The owner is separate from his business It’s important to separate yourself from your business, and look at yourself as an employee and shareholder in your business. I’ve seen that many people struggle to differentiate their personal finances from that of their business.
#4 Choose the right business for you Sometimes, the difference between success and failure can be just choosing the right business for you. There are times when no matter how much you try, things just won’t work out because market conditions are not in your favor. #5 Maintain a strong worklife balance I see a lot of entrepreneurs spend 12 to 13 hours a day in their business. And they’ve been doing it for over 10 years. This eventually causes them to burn out and become unproductive. The moment you start working lesser hours, you find ways to streamline your operations and get things done faster. Nowadays, there are a lot of apps that can help you become more productive. #6 Start Saving Early I was never really a big spender. However, I rarely bothered to save money early in my life. If you start saving early, you
can use your savings to invest in your business. Savings give you options. #7 Learn to manage debt better or stay out of it Some entrepreneurs use debt to start a business, this can be very dangerous especially if you are a first time entrepreneur. A start-up is inherently very risky, especially if the business model is untested. #8 Find a good mentor Having a good mentor is like parental guidance. You want someone to hold you accountable for your actions, and provide guidance through your journey. But choose your mentor wisely. It should ideally be someone who has a strong track record of success in business, believes in your idea, and is willing to give you honest feedback without worrying about protecting your feelings.
Entrepreneur.com
certifications that open
doors Being an entrepreneur is not for everybody, and neither is college/ university life. Doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a future working a dead-end jobs. There are many blue collar options that can still afford you a comfortable life.
cna To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Florida, you must first complete a CNA program and receive an acceptable GPA as set by the Board of Nursing. After you have finished your training, you will be required to take Prometric’s competency exam for CNAs. This test is comprised of two parts: a written section and a practical skills portion.
hha Home health aides may look to the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) to become certified. To earn their credentials, applicants must complete 75 hours of training, demonstrate their skills and pass a written examination.
Insurance agent
cdl
If you would like to sell insurance in Florida, you must complete an approved line of prelicensing education and pass the state licensing exam. Then you must get fingerprinted and apply for a License.This process can take as little as 2 weeks.
To drive a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), you will need to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your state. Once completed, you must complete truck driving school. On average, a Class A CDL pro- To become a Florida Bail Agent, you must take and gram lasts about seven weeks. This is based on pass an approved 120-hour course, take and pass an full-time programs that run approved correspondence for five days per week. course, submit an application Class A programs tend to for temporary agent license last longer than Class B and undergo a background programs, since a Class check, and complete a oneA license permits you to year internship under a licensed bail agent. drive a greater variety of trucks and take on larger loads.
bail bonds
hvac
An HVAC degree is typically completed at a trade school or community college, and it takes on average two years to complete. However, some schools offer accelerated programs that can be completed more quickly. Other schools offer a job-ready certification that can be completed in as little as 15 weeks.