Starting a Small Business from Home

Hi Ann,

I am an architect and have owned my own architecture firm since 2004. I can give you some advice on how to start a small business. First, you will want to get "A Guide to Starting a Buisness in Minnesota". It is available free of charge by calling (800)310-8323. Here is a link to Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development webpage:

http://www.deed.state.mn.us/bizdev/start.html

Another great local resource is The University of St. Thomas Small Business Development Center ###-###-####. They offer course called FastTrac that takes you through all the steps of starting a new business and helps you to write a business plan. Once you take the course you are eligible for free business couciling from their staff of business owners, accountants and lawyers. I took this course and it was invaulable to my success as a business owner. Here is the link to the St. Thomas Small Business Development Center webpage:

http://www.stthomas.edu/cob/centers/sbdc/

I hope this helps!

Locally try WomenVenture in St. Paul-they'll walk you through each business step in baby steps and they have a great purchase, a book called A Guide to Starting a Business in Minnesota. Things aren't as difficult as they seem until you get bigger and by then you should have everything in place that you need: accountant, lawyer for licensing, etc.
the sba.gov website is really helpful, too.
Good luck!
Nichi Hirsch
Healthy Beginnings

Ann,
This isn't hard at all. You will just need a tax id # to charge sales tax, depending on how much you make you may only have to file sales tax once a year, and to do regular taxes you just add a schedule onto your return. Turbo Tax or a program like it can help you. I am a florist out of my home and it's way worth it.
Good luck!
K.

Ann,
Check out Ladies Who Launch. There is a local chapter with a great leader. It has been great for me and is a excellent way to connect with other moms starting businesses. We share ideas and network our contacts--plus support one another. You can get more information at ladieswholaunch.com

I wouldn't be too hard, I would check the state of minnesota website to find out the proper steps you could take. They could show you the steps you would need to take to get your tax id number, so you could buy your supplies tax exempt. You can also use your SSN as your tax id number. I guess it owuld be the best advice I could give would be to check the states website....

I do know if you make more that 600$ a year for a seperate inclome, working or selling something you definately would have to report it.