I need some help - small business owners?

[The Zigman]

Hey everyone.

As some of you may know I have been unemployed since April, Going on 8 months now. I have always had good jobs in the past, but due to the recent automotive industry crash I have found it very difficult to find a job. Most all of my experience has been in the automotive industry.

Anyway, this is not a plea for money or anything. I have owned a small sign company since 1995, and until recently it has been just a hobby of mine. I think it might be the time for me to take it up to the next level, so I am asking any small business owners out there for some help and advice.

My company, www.cvdsigns.com does not own any property of any kind, and I do not have a shop or office outside of my home. I also have the equipment for screen printing, and own www.teeshirthouse.com . Right now, I am pretty broke, and dont have the capital for any material or stock for the business.

I am looking for advice on getting a small business loan.

I need help writing a business plan, and anything else that may help me out with getting started. I have looked online trying to verify any of those stories of business owners getting grants to start businesses, but cant seem to find anything that seems NOT to be a scam.

Most lenders wont give a small business loan without business collateral, And I really dont have any. I own a 1999 enclosed trailer that you can see on my website. and alot of equipment, some of which is pretty old now. My truck has almost 300,000 miles on it, and I have a 2003 motorcycle that are all paid for.

I dont want to ramble, or seem pathetic, but if anyone has any advice they are willing to share, I am listening.

Thanks in advance.
-Zig

 

[Reframer]

try looking at your state resources. I live in MN and we have a free book, called "starting a small business in MN" I'm sure your state has something like that and probably has a section on business plans.
With your plan, be very specific with the cost and purpose of necessary equipment. Keep it reasonable. I know people who have used an equity line of credit on their home instead of a business loan.

 

[The Zigman]

try looking at your state resources. I live in MN and we have a free book, called "starting a small business in MN" I'm sure your state has something like that and probably has a section on business plans.
With your plan, be very specific with the cost and purpose of necessary equipment. Keep it reasonable. I know people who have used an equity line of credit on their home instead of a business loan.

I have sent for the information from Indiana, and am waiting for it to arrive. Unfortunately, I dont own the house I live in. My mother does.

 

[montanafish gal]

If I were in your shoes, I would start by going here :
http://www.sba.gov/localresources/district/in/index.html

and call the Indiana District Office and talk to them. It would be a starting off point to getting information. If they don't offer loans or grants, then there's a good chance they can tell you who does.

 

[The Zigman]

Guys I have done alot of research, I have been making signs since 1995. What I need help with is writing a business plan.


I was hoping someone hou here in AC land may have written one.

 

[coach_z]

Guys I have done alot of research, I have been making signs since 1995. What I need help with is writing a business plan.


I was hoping someone hou here in AC land may have written one.

SBA is a great resource, they will help you find loans and stuff. but to better answer your question.

I havent written a business plan since college, and i didnt need a business plan when i bought the existing restaurant that i owned for a short while. but here are the basics( off of the top of my head)

Name of business
location
description of business
services offered by business
Equipment owned by business
Costs of running business
Revenues of running business
Accounting statements - note that they are based on past data or projected data
Market research - If other people are doing it, how are you doing it better and going to make more money off of them

Also, you will need a nice suit and a good haircut
Also (again), you can buy/go to a library a book to help give you an outline of things you need to do.