I want to start a small business (Cafe), what do I need to do first?

Answer 1

The first thing is to learn more about the business. Start by reading the following books :

- Start and Run a Coffee Bar (Start & Run a) by Tom Matzen and Marybeth Harrison
- Real-World Wrap Cafe Business Start-up by Dan Titus and Juice Gallery Multimedia
- FabJob Guide to Become a Coffee House Owner by Tom Hennessey
- How to Open a Financially Successful Coffee, Espresso & Tea Shop by Elizabeth Godsmark
- ESPRESSO! Starting and Running Your Own Specialty Coffee Business by Joe Monaghan

Depending on your location, there is a high probability that your coffee shop will be in competition with Starbucks. I have written an article "Learning from Starbucks: 10 Lessons for Small Businesses" that you may want to look at http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol144/starbucks.htm

Starting a small business takes a lot of courage. But, as they say, courage does not pay the bills. To be successful – to stay in business – you need more than courage. You need a combination of hard work, skill, perseverance, and lots of luck.

Some things you need to consider:
- "How can I support my family while I build up by business?"
- "What are my abilities?"
- "Is there a market for the product or service I have chosen?"
- "How long will it take this business to reach the financial goal I have?"

You may want to read the article "How to Start a New Business Successfully" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol51/launch.htm , which lists six steps to launch a new business successfully:

1. Provide a benefit.
2. Determine the fit with your market.
3. Right timing is everything
4. Be ready to support your business
5. Develop a blueprint for success
6. Market, market, market

To give you ideas on what exactly do you need to start your own business, here are ten things you need to know before launching your own business “10 Things You Need to Know When Starting Your Own Home Business” http://www.powerhomebiz.com/052006/startingbiz.htm .

This is a business that requires capital - it cannot be started on a $5,000 budget. In fact, according to Bellissimo Coffee Infogroup, http://www.espresso101.com/coffee_faq.html you will need the following amounts to start your coffee shop business:

Coffee Cart: Usual start-up cost is $20,000–$25,000 to open and stock.

Kiosk: Depending on the size and what menu items are offered, it will usually cost between $50,000–$60,000.

Coffee Drive-Thru: The cost of opening a drive-thru espresso business operation can vary dramatically. We know of people who have opened very small units for less than $30,000. These units are usually manned by one operator, are on wheels, and skirted. A beautiful drive-thru can cost between $80,000–$180,000. There are many variables.

Sit Down: The cost of opening a sit-down coffee shop is comparable to the cost of opening an upscale drive-thru. Start-up costs for most 1200 sq. ft. coffee bars average $150,000 to $300,000.

If you think you need help in starting your business, whether in the preparation of your business plan or finding resources, you may want to consult with someone who can guide you. Here are some organizations where you can find a mentor who can help you:

There are several places where you may be able to find a mentor:

- Government Mentoring Programs such as SBDCs, which works with community colleges and local business development councils to offer mentoring programs http://www.sba.gov/sbdc/sbdcnear.html ; or the Women's Network for Entrepreneurial Training http://www.sba.gov/womeninbusiness/wnet_roundtables.html
- Volunteer programs such as SCORE http://www.score.org which is composed of mostly retired executives and entrepreneurs
- Formal mentoring programs such as Athena Foundation http://www.athenafoundation.org/programs/globallinks.html , Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program http://www.helzbergmentoring.org/HEMP/ , or The Aspen Institute MicroMentor Program http://www.micromentor.org
- Professional organizations such as the National Women’s Business Council http://www.nwbc.gov/Mentoring/programs.html
- Industry and trade associations
- Local business groups, such as the chamber of commerce
- Local chapters of business groups

Answer 2

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* The Restaurant Business Start-up Guide by Paul Daniels
* Restaurants That Work: Case Studies of the Best in the Industry by Martin E. Dorf
* Restaurant Financial Basics by Raymond S. Schmidgall
* Opening a Restaurant or Other Food Business Starter Kit: How to Prepare a Restaurant Business Plan and Feasibility Study by Sharon Fullen
* Upstart Guide Owning & Managing a Restaurant by Roy S. Alonzo
* The Restaurant Managers Handbook: How to Set Up, Operate, and Manage a Financially Successful Food Service Operation by Douglas Robert Brown

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

The very first thing that u need to do is ensure you have enough money to start your business! Then, Estimate how big is your cafe, what is the food menu, snacks menu, drinks menu that you want to offer. Are u going to hv an expensive tables and chairs inside? Do u want to make it close or open-air cafe?

If you really mean to have your own cafe, let me know! I can give u free special menu for the snacks that you can serve inside.
Sincerely,
carmeehoon
http://www.website.ws/powercontrol

Answer 4

Get your DBA. I think that is the first step. Next talk to the small business association because there may be grant money. good luck!

Answer 5

First you will need a business plan. If you need help writing one go to the SBA, they have retired business people that will help.

Answer 6

the small business adminisrtation can help