My friend and I live in Brooklyn and would like open a grocery store/deli. How would one go about this, and?

Question

who would we contact? What would be the first step? I see many immigrants, particularly from the Middle East, who barely speak English, being very successful. We're wondering what we can do to do the same?

Answer 1

Let me recommend to you and your friend that you both talk to a business counselor before you do anything especially spend money. I'd call the local office of SCORE near Brooklyn (go to http://www.score.org and input your zip code to find the chapter nearest you), the advice is FREE.

The counselor at SCORE will most likely advise you to write a business plan which is very good advice because it will force you to dig out all of the start up details and the costs of starting a grocery store/deli and force you to also understand all of the aspects of this business including the customers you'll concentrate on (your market ) and how you'll go after them.

You'll need to register the business with your state controller's office and make sure that you have any city and county licenses if any are needed where you live. All of this will come out in a business plan.

Try this link :
http://www.ychange.com/small-business-consulting-articles.html and read some of the articles especially the ones about a business plan and starting a business.
Good Luck

Answer 2

Well you need perseverance and business knowhow. But I suggest you start by going through the steps of starting a small business in NY.

The website below is a site created by the state government to help small businesses start a business in NY - read their FAQ to Starting a Small Business in NY as it goes through all the steps you need to take and the people who can give you more information and resources

http://www.nylovessmallbusiness.com/starting_a_business/StartingFAQ.asp

A grocery store and deli would definitely require a business license. Go to the NY state government website and read about the requirements for getting a business license http://www.nysegov.com/citGuide.cfm?superCat=142&cat=29&content=main

If you need mentorship and guidance, check out these NY-based organizations and government agencies

SBA New York http://www.sba.gov/ny/
New York SBDC http://www.nyssbdc.org/
New York - New York SCORE http://www.scorenyc.org

Answer 3

Go visit the local Small Business Development Center (google search for it).