Start a Small Business or Deli
Starting a small business, such as a small deli, is an exciting and challenging endeavor. Essentially, you are taking control over your how you earn money; you will be your own boss. This means you need to carefully plan every detail. If you want to start a deli, detail every aspect, from funding to marketing, and from inventory to hiring employees; every detail must be described. Poor planning will often lead to a failed business.
Instructions
1. Draft a business plan. A business plan will be like the user manual for your business. In the plan, describe your small business (or deli), discuss your competition, explain how you will fund your business (with loans, personal savings or other money sources), and detail how you will market your product and manage the business. Business plan templates are available online from the U.S. Small Business administration at sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/index.html.
2. Find financing. Using your business plan as a starting point, work toward getting financing. If you plan to get a bank loan, take your business plan with you. Describe your small business. If you are starting a deli, describe what you plan to carry at the deli, such as exotic meats and cheeses, and where you plan on operating the deli.
3. Legally organize your business. With funding in hand, take the legal steps to form your business. Meet with an attorney and discuss tax incentives and the pros and cons of various business forms, such as partnership, sole proprietorship, or corporation. Use the forms provided at your State's Department of Labor to officially form your business.
4. Lease or purchase a location to run your business. If you are thinking about running a small deli, ask around at local grocery stores and food stores to see if they have space you can lease within the building. Otherwise, look to rent or to purchase a location.
5. Market your business. Follow the guidelines in your business plan. Determine who will be your target customers. For example, a deli may do well in a college town, where you could place fliers and advertisements in dormotories and school buildings. Include a budget for marketing and advertising to get your name out there.
6. Hire employees. Especially for starting a deli, hire employees with prior food service. Applicable to all small businesses, hire reliable employees. This is your business, so choose the best possible people to staff it.
7. Open your doors. Once you have filed all the forms your State requires to operate your small business (check with your local Department of Labor), acquired funding and a location, hired employees and done a little marketing, take the plunge and open your doors.
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