Being a member of the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce you have access to over 383 other like minded businesses across Florida and Alabama all wanting to help one another succeed! Being a unique stateline community, we provide a type of unique reach that is invaluable to businesses who depend on one another for networking, leads, sales, tourism, and many other industries. Work with one of our Local Businesses
Doing Business In Perdido Key
Ready to begin your journey of starting your own business? The road is long and hard but the rewards can be well worth it. Get everything you need to start your business here in the beautiful Perdido Key Area!
Brainstorm Your Ideas:
Have an idea you are very knowledgeable and passionate about? Turn your great ideas into a business! Narrow your ideas down to a small list and search the chosen industry for existing companies; how can you do it better? Another option is to start a franchise, the business structure is already in place, all you need is a location and means to fund the project!
Build A Business Plan:
What is the purpose of your business? Who are you selling to? What are your end goals? How will you finance your startup costs? Knowing the answers to these questions are a key component to forming your business plan. You can find guides to writing your own business plan here from businessnewsdaily.com and also here from the Small Business Administration (SBA).
Evaluate Your Finances:
Do you have the finances for all of your start-up costs? You may need a commercial loan from a local bank or a small business loan from the SBA or an alternate lender.
Determine Your Business Structure:
Business structure effects everything from how you file taxes to personal liability. There are four basic types: Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Limited liability company (LLC), & Corporation. There are many factors to consider when choosing your structure including complexity, liability, taxes, control, capital investment, licenses, permits & regulations. Learn more information about types of business structures on the SBA website.
Register With The Government And IRS:
Get all of your forms and legal documents together to get your business registered! If you decide to build a corporation, you will need an “articles of incorporation” document. You might think about trademarking your business for extra-legal protection. You might even consider obtaining an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS.
Here are some links to help you in this process:
Purchase An Insurance Policy:
Choose an insurance policy that is tailored to your specific needs. A general liability insurance can cover property damage, bodily injury and personal injury. You might also consider obtaining a business owners policy, workers compensation and unemployment insurance. See some of our local trusted insurance companies in the area.
Choose Your Partners:
Running a business has proven to be a lot of work, you do not have to do it all on your own. Third-party vendors are a great route to seek out experts in their field to help you run your business. Look up our Chamber Member Directory to find trusted members of the community that will help get the job done, anywhere from HR to your phone system.
Build Your Team:
You should choose carefully the people you would like to see working on your team. Defining roles and responsibility with your chosen team will help your team communicate and work together clearly to help your business down the line. See “4 steps to Building a Winning Startup Team” by BusinessNewsDaily.com
Brand Yourself And Advertise:
Create your image and gain a band of followers before your opening day! it is important in today’s day an age of technology and media to have a solid marketing plan to get your brand off the ground. You will want to create a logo, website and form your social media pages to reflect your brand. Not a PR guru? No problem! We know just the right people for you! Contact our advertising professionals here.
Grow Your Business!
In order to succeed in business, you should always look for more ways to grow! Seek out our local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UWF for the most up to date information about growing your business. Some of the best resources to grow your business are from collaboration with more established brands, partnering with charity organizations or volunteering. ( See our list of awesome non-profits and Community Organizations!)
Of course, the easiest way to accomplish growth in your business would be to join a chamber! A Chamber of Commerce is the perfect way to network with other business professionals such as yourself, increase your visibility, get involved with community events, and actively learn how to develop in your profession. See Why Join A Chamber? and APPLY ONLINE TODAY!