Do you have a great business idea? Maybe you have even done a bit of research. Chances are, however, that you’re unsure of what to do next. The good news is that Charlotte, NC is an incredible place to start and build a business. The better news is that there are a ton of great resources that will help you get your business of the ground. Here are 3 resources, created by solid and trustworthy organizations that will help you keep the ball rolling in the direction of fulfilling your dream of business ownership here in Charlotte.
Charlotte Chamber of Commerce Small Biz Tool Kit
The Charlotte Chamber offers a Small Biz Tool Kit appropriately titled “A Layman’s Guide to Starting a Business.” It’s a compact 8-page document which lists local, state, and federal business contacts from chamber members and city hall departments related to business development, all the way to the regional U.S. Small Business Administration office information.
The Tool Kit includes also includes information on grant programs available to small businesses and programs which offer free business advice. Starting a small business can be difficult and confusing, but when you’re armed with the small business tool kit, you’ll have a handy resource of people who can answer some of your questions.
As a small business owner you should also consider the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is a membership organization whose focus is to make Charlotte a great place to live and do business.
Charlotte SCORE
Charlotte SCORE, a member of the National SCORE, offers free local mentoring for small businesses. SCORE offers seminars, mentoring programs, local and online workshops, and even templates for writing documents such as business and marketing plans.
SCORE is staffed by volunteers who have owned or currently own their own small businesses, have first-hand, knowledgeable advice to share, and want to help others achieve similar dreams.
If you don’t have time to wait for the next workshop or just need answers to a few quick questions, there is a Resources section with information about different aspects of owning a small business such as bookkeeping, marketing, taxes, and financing.
Getting Started Workshop
Charmeck.org is a website powered by Neighborhood and Business Services in Charlotte. It’s also one of the many organizations behind CharlotteBusinessResources.com, which is a portal providing information to help you grow a successful business in and around Charlotte. One of their best business resources is training.
A new business owner has to make decisions such as determining the best legal structure for their business, how to write a business plan, and is also responsible for filing the right permits and getting the proper licenses, and buying the right insurance policy. Having assistance available to help educate you on these decisions can mean the different between a successful or a failing business.
Check out the Getting Started section for assistance with these and many more issues associated with starting a small business.
It doesn’t end there. CharlotteBusinessResources.com also has a training section with live training available.
Many small businesses begin with a tight budget. It only makes sense that a small business owner takes advantage of the free resources available around the city.
YourOffice-Ballantyne is committed to helping your grow your small business. We offer executive suites, live receptionist services, and meeting rooms. When you’re ready to grow your small business beyond the kitchen table and have a distraction-free environment, we’re here to support your needs. Give us a call at (704) 944-3200 when you’re ready to take a tour.
