The life of an entrepreneur is exciting. No rules, no nine-to-five, no boss. But launching a brand new business can also be stressful without a corporate cushion if something goes wrong.
One safety net entrepreneurs do have however is Ladies Who Launch. Our resources, information , content , and community provide the essential building blocks you’ll need to create a successful business from the ground up. By understanding the basics you’ll be a start-up success.
Business Plan. Talk to any entrepreneur and you’ll find that most companies begin with a great idea that eventually takes shape in the form of a business plan . A business plan will get you off the ground, give substance to your ideas, provide focus, and help you make a strong presentation to investors. Business plans help entrepreneurs at all stages of their companies’ existence to focus and are essential tools for staying on track.
Financing. It takes energy and creativity to present an unproven business idea to investors and come away with financing. Start-ups traditionally lack clients and capital , and for an entrepreneur with no business credit history the thought of raising money might seem too daunting. Luckily there are many financing options. Angel investors, bank loans, friends and family, government funding, and venture capital are some of the ways an entrepreneur can get her business going.
Office Space. It is very common for an entrepreneur to start her business from home . Working from home is convenient, offers flexibility, and requires no rent. But home offices can only expand so far, and when more space is needed entrepreneurs turn to options such as sharing an office, sub-leasing, and renting executive suites. Offices2share is a Web-site that can help you relocate if you’ve outgrown your basement.
Marketing. Marketing opportunities for an entrepreneur can range from traditional outlets like TV and radio to e-mail campaigns to social media . Some of the most successful businesses started small and grew relying on word of mouth and strong customer relationships.
