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Related Articles


How to Launch a New Business Successfully
How Much Do You Need to Start Your Small Business?
Common Start-Up Expenses of Small Businesses
When Resources Are Not Enough: What Do You Do?
How to Raise Money to Start a Business

Recommended Books


Financing the Small Business: A Complete Guide to Obtaining Bank Loans and All Other Types of Financing
Business Financing: 25 Keys to Raising Money
New Corporate Ventures: How to Make Them Work
Inside Business Incubators and Corporate Ventures
Finding Money: The Small Business Guide to Financing
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Starting a Craft and Gift Shop for a New Mom!

Q. I love making homemade soap & candles. I also have a passion for candy-making and baking. I would like to open a craft and gift shop from home. But being a new mom money is tight. Where do I start and how do I go about small business loans? - Heather

Advice by Tammy Harrison

 

Dear Heather: 

There are many ways to start what you have in mind, without a lot of funds. In fact, I recommend you do some "market testing" before you rush out for your first small business loan.

Volunteering is the BEST way to get out and about. Be it for a local bake sale, community event, your church, etc. Make your products and give them away. Really! And, you can do it as you have the funds.

MANY companies fail because they haven't tested their products before they jumped into production. Have you ever read about Debbie Fields and how Mrs. Field's Cookies came about? She did exactly what I suggest for you -- she baked and donated and shared her first treats before she ever went into business baking them for every supermarket around.

Do some research, read up on how people found success (even how they found failure) and make sure that you have tested your products before you use your house as collateral on a loan. When you have accomplished these things, you will not only have the knowledge to be successful in business, but you will also have the following of folks who have tasted and want more of your product! Best wishes,

About the PowerHomeBiz.com Guide:  

Tammy Harrison is a successful home-based working mom for over five years. She holds a degree from Mizzou in Consumer Economics. Her business focuses on Marketing and Creativity for Small Businesses  as well as numerous other small businesses. For more information, you may contact her at http://www.jdharrison.com  


The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, not of PowerHomeBiz.com. Users should not treat the Guide's response as legal, accounting, or professional advice as all answers are intended to be general in nature. Such advice can only be properly given by qualified professionals who are fully aware of a user's specific geographical areas or circumstances, such as an attorney or accountant.

 

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