The Benefits of Risk-Taking

“Yes, risk taking is inherently failure-prone. Otherwise, it would be called sure-thing-taking.”  
 Tim McMahon

Have you ever wanted to take a risk and start your own business? In order for you to get the proper start, you should look into the free information offered by the Small Business Administration at http://www.sba.gov.

They have these great steps to follow to help ensure you are following the right path.  Step 1) Write a Business Plan. Their website gives you sample plans that will help you map out how you will start and run your business successfully.

Step 2) Get Business Assistance and Training. The SBA offers many free classes and training from preparing a business plan and securing financing to expanding or relocating a business. Step 3) Choose a Business Location. Of course you should stay in the Crescenta Valley, however, the SBA can help you select a customer-friendly location and comply with zoning laws. Step 4) Finance Your Business. This might be the hardest part but good business plans are still funded. At the SBA you can find government-backed loans, venture capital and research grants to help you get started. Step 5) Determine the Legal Structure of Your Business. There are six different types of structures: sole proprietorship, partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), corporation, S corporation, nonprofit or cooperative. SBA can help you determine the correct one for your business. Step 6) Register a Business Name (“Doing Business As”). You do this at the L.A. County registrar-recorder/county clerk office. Find info at http://www.lavote.net. Step 7) Get a Tax Identification Number. Learn which tax identification number you’ll need to obtain from the IRS and your state revenue agency. Step 8) Register for State and Local Taxes. Register with your state to obtain a tax identification number, workers’ compensation, unemployment and disability insurance. Step 9) Obtain Business Licenses and Permits. Get a list of federal, state and local licenses and permits required for your business.  Step 10) Understand Employer Responsibilities. This includes the legal steps you need to take to hire employees.

Two businesses that have taken these steps are having a ribbon cutting on Thursday, Aug. 4 at 4 p.m. Goddess Design is a locally owned web-design company based at 3800 Foothill Blvd. Ste. B, La Crescenta. They proudly service cutting edge web design, graphic design, logos, branding and more. They can help you envision and create your website, print graphics and promotional materials.

Mook Apparel is a veteran-owned business at the same address and offers custom apparel and screen-printing services. They can print anything on almost any fabric, and offer a wide variety of starter apparel pieces to choose from. Their products are available for businesses, teams, schools, churches, and other groups looking for screen printing or advertising apparel. Please join us to welcome these two businesses into the Crescenta Valley on Thursday, Aug. 4 at 4 p.m.

Important CV Chamber dates: Aug. 2 – Ribbon cutting at Goddess Design/Mook Apparel; Aug. 4 – Scholarship golf tournament; Aug. 4 – e-Waste Recycling event; Aug. 14 –Business mixer at The Firehouse; Sept. 12 – Foothills Community Business Expo; Sept. 22 –Running the Foothills 5K.

Please contact our office for more details on any event. How to reach us: (818) 248-4957/ crescentachamber@aol.com / www.LaCrescenta.org / 3131 Foothill Blvd., Ste. D.

  julia rabago