Small Startup Business IDEAS
By: Jeff Cascione, Vice President, Business Lending, Navigant Credit Union
Starting a business is incredibly difficult – so is growing a business, expanding a business, moving a business and keeping a business afloat. Long story short: Owning and operating your own business is not an easy task.
So, how do people do it?
Step 1: Have an idea
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur looking to launch your first start-up or a seasoned business owner hoping to expand into a new market – your business plan will always start with a big idea.
Maybe you want to open a new bagel shop in Providence or your manufacturing business grew out of its original space, and you’re looking to bring your revolutionary invention into new markets to increase profit.
Whatever it is, make sure you truly believe in the idea for your business.
Step 2: Start thinking about funding
Existing business owners and start-up entrepreneurs rarely have the cash-on-hand they’ll need to execute their plans. Unless you’re independently wealthy or have third-party investors, you’ll likely need to explore commercial lending options.
From national corporate banks to local community credit unions, there is a wide range of financial institutions that offer commercial lending options. Explore all of your options, and pick the one that best fits with your business goals.
As you consider your funding options, pay close attention to both your business projections and personal finances. Lenders will want to look at your personal financial records, including your credit score and cash flow.
Step 3: Develop a business plan
Before you walk into your lender’s office to present your commercial loan request, you need to develop an in-depth, big-picture business plan.
Lenders will want answers to the following questions:
We typically point our members toward Rhode Island SCORE, a volunteer organization consisting of mostly retired business owners and professionals that provides free counseling to local small businesses, and the University of Rhode Island’s Small Business Development Center.
