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By Alison K Plaut
Published on 4 Sep 2023 6 min read
Starting a business can be overwhelming. You need to create a business plan, perform market research, and secure funding. And that’s without considering customer service, a website, marketing, and more. Starting a business can feel like a never-ending to-do list for many small business owners!
Fortunately, more help and business advice are available than you might initially see. When you wonder, “Who can help me start a business?” the list below is a good starting point. Read on for ideas of trusted resources to build your business sustainably.
What’s the Importance of Seeking Help When Starting a Business?
The challenges and complexities of starting a business mean that business owners rarely have all the expertise required for every aspect of the business. Seeking out the right help can alleviate these challenges and increase the chances of success.
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. And in business, it becomes even more essential. From specialized legal or financial knowledge to marketing, market research, and positioning, the right support can be the difference between success and failure. Whether you need LLC name ideas, to hire a CPA, or a business visa for the US, help is available!
When you seek help, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in their field. You benefit from their experience and insights to build momentum towards success.
9 Types of People Who Can Help You Start a Business
When you’re looking for help, you can look to your close friends and family and qualified professionals offering specialized services like lawyers or accountants. Here are nine resources you can reach out to.
1. Trusted Family and Friends
Trusted friends and family members are an initial resource when starting a business. Maybe you have friends or family members who are entrepreneurs or can advise you on specific areas, like legal issues, or help draft a contract. Remember not to overburden friends and family members, and try to offer your help or expertise in other areas in which they might need support.
Friends and family members can also act as powerful mentors. You’ve already built trust and rapport with them, so working together to build something new can be fulfilling for both of you.
2. Business Consultants, Coaches, and Mentors
Business consultants, coaches, and mentors are excellent for building motivation and encouraging you through difficult times. Consider the type of consultant or coaching you require, as offerings can vary widely between coaches, consultants, and mentors.
Business consultants will generally help with your product offerings, conduct market research, offer pricing analysis, or other specific services. Coaches, in contrast, may offer advice based on their experience or listen to you and let you work out solutions. Likewise, mentors usually advise you based on their experience, but each will have their own style.
Choosing a coach or mentor with whom you’re comfortable working and sharing the details of your business is essential.
3. Lawyers
Lawyers are valuable resources, especially when you’re first setting up a business. They can advise you on the best legal business structure or type of business entity and offer insight into trademarks, copyrights, and intellectual property protection for your business. You might also need a lawyer to help draft sample client contracts, employee contracts, or other legal agreements.
4. Accountants
Accountants offer valuable services whether you’re just starting a business or you’ve already been in business for years. These professionals can help you optimize tax deductions and rebate opportunities while ensuring accurate bookkeeping to better manage cash flow and business growth.
5. Bankers
You might not think bankers can help you start a business, but building a relationship with these professionals can help you secure a small business loan or get better interest rates. Bankers might also be able to suggest the best types of bank accounts for your business and other financial opportunities.
6. Other Business Owners
No one knows what it’s like to start a business better than other business owners. Networking with other business owners, both in your industry and outside of it can provide valuable insight. You’ll have a chance to learn from their experience, build valuable connections, and support each other through different growth phases.
7. Small Business Development Centers
Small business development centers, such as workshops and counseling, offer support and services to small business owners. They may advise you on new marketing or social media strategies, tax breaks for small business owners, and more.
8. Networking Groups and Associations
Joining networking groups and associations for aspiring entrepreneurs can help create a clear picture of your business and increase insight before you get started. Networking is valuable throughout every stage of business development and can create greater opportunities for business growth.
9. Business Formation Services
Business formation services can help aspiring entrepreneurs outsource some of the mundane work, like setting up a limited liability company (LLC) to protect personal assets and give credibility to the business. This can include business formation and compliance, registration with the Secretary of State, offering registered agent services, and even opening a business bank account or accounting services.
These services can help you weigh the pros and cons of specific options, like that of a Wyoming LLC, to choose the right business structure for your company. As a small business owner, the more you can outsource for a reasonable cost, the more you’ll be able to build long-term success.
How to Find the Right Help for Your Startup?
Not everyone who can help is the right fit for your business. Carefully consider recommendations as well as your feelings after speaking with the person. To find the right fit, consider the following points:
1. Research and Identify Your Needs
Evaluate specific needs and challenges. Think about what kind of help would be most beneficial for your business idea. Also, consider what stage of development you’ve reached. For example, do you already have a business entity, a business bank account, and any relevant licenses or registrations? If not, business formation services can help.
Likewise, take an honest look at your strengths and weaknesses. Do you need help with accounting? Are you unclear on legal requirements? Even an hour’s consultation with relevant professionals can protect your business and bring peace of mind.
2. Seek Recommendations and Referrals
Recommendations from trusted sources are some of the most useful opportunities to find qualified professionals known for exceptional service. You can utilize online platforms and communities to find reputable professionals. Then, read reviews, check ratings, and consider interviewing the professional to see if they fit well.
3. Conduct Interviews and Assess Fit
It’s important to interview any potential providers before making a decision. Evaluate their expertise, communication style, and compatibility with your business goals to choose professionals who can support your goals and complement your skillset.
Get More Done, Faster!
Whether you’re starting a food business, a consulting business, or any other business, as a business owner, there’s so much to do, from setting up the LLC and creating a business plan to securing a business license. Fortunately, there are resources to help you get more done in less time.
Doola business formation and compliance services can help business owners set up an LLC in all 50 states and ensure compliance. With doola, you also get your EIN and help to open a business bank account so you can focus on your core offerings. Doola has resources, from educational materials to accounting services, to help you at every stage of business development. Get doola for your business here.
FAQs
Can I start a business on my own without any help?
Yes, you can start a business independently without help, but it’s easier with help! The right professional could save money by offering valuable insight and preventing costly mistakes or delays. Likewise, you can take advantage of free networking and small business resources, so you’re not alone in starting a business.
What type of professionals can assist me in starting a business?
The types of professionals that can assist you in starting a business include business formation services, lawyers, and accountants. You can also lean on business consultants or coaches, mentors, other business owners, friends, and family to gain valuable insight and support.
Can I approach my local government for assistance in starting a business?
Yes, you can approach your chamber of commerce, local government, or state government to inquire about support for small business owners. They may be able to point you toward free resources, networks, and support systems to help you build success.
Are there specific organizations that provide mentorship for aspiring business owners?
Yes! The Small Business Association’s SCORE is dedicated to helping small businesses plan, launch, manage, and grow. It is a nationwide network of volunteer, expert business mentors who offer mentoring and educational workshops for small business owners.
Is there any financial support available for starting a business?
Yes, several small business grants are available from both state and federal governments. To find current opportunities, you can search Grants.gov or reach out to your local small business development center and nonprofits.
