Many popular businesses, such as Microsoft and Apple, started their journey in a garage. If you have similar aspirations, start the process by learning how to start a small business at home. The process is similar to opening a brick-and-mortar business—sometimes with lower startup costs. Some of the steps are different, such as the need…
About the Author
Blake Stockton
Blake Stockton is a staff writer at Fit Small Business focusing on how to start brick-and-mortar and online businesses. He is a frequent guest lecturer at several undergraduate business and MBA classes at University of North Florida. Prior to joining Fit Small Business, Blake consulted with over seven hundred small biz owners and assisted with starting and growing their business.
As an entrepreneur, Blake has owned multiple online businesses. Now, he creates online courses that teach local marketing strategies. As a creator, Blake enjoys creating YouTube videos that teach biz owners the latest local marketing and business strategies.
When Blake isn't writing, he is spending time with family, performing improv and sketch comedy, and doing outdoor activities.
15 Best Franchises To Buy In 2020
We believe the best franchises have a combination of the following features: low-cost, low failure rate, easy to learn, include quality training, and brand strength. The best franchises for new business owners are those they can start small and grow big. You may start with a mobile location and once successful, expand to a physical…
What Is a Sole Proprietorship?
A sole proprietorship is a business structure owned by one person. In this entity, there’s no legal distinction between the owner and the business, which means the owner is entitled to all of the profits. The main downside is that the owner is personally financially responsible for legal liabilities and debts the business incurs. We…
12 Most Profitable Small Businesses
The most profitable small businesses are easily scaled, have low overhead, and/or charge high hourly fees. These businesses can increase profit with little additional work, such as software, which can have profit margins of more than 80%. Low-overhead businesses have fewer expenses. High hourly rate businesses, such as consulting, can charge based on expertise. Every…
What Is A Startup?
The term “startup” gets casually thrown around by so many people and so many organizations that it’s hard to know what the heck it means. Here’s a clear definition: a true startup is a business that is laser-focused on accelerated growth, increasing revenue from 100x to 1,000x current levels. In recent years, the valuation cap…
How to Start a Personal Training Business [With Plan]
A personal training business helps clients improve their fitness level. Learning how to start a personal training business is simple when you follow a step-by-step process beginning with research and a business plan. To help secure clients, build a personal brand. A full-time personal trainer can earn between $30,000 to $150,000 a year. Before starting…
How to Come Up With a Business Idea
Coming up with a business idea is the first step to starting a business. To begin, you can identify problems you or others are having. Some people take an unstructured approach to determining how to come up with a business idea. Others are more efficient when following a step-by-step process that guides their brainstorming sessions….
LLC Electing S-corp Status: What, Why & How
A limited liability company (LLC) electing S corporation status for tax purposes could lessen a business’ tax bill by thousands of dollars. An LLC pays a 15% self-employment tax on profits, while an S-corp only pays 15% on the owner’s salary, not the entire profit. You can file IRS Form 2553 to elect as an…
What Is an LLC & How to Register
An LLC stands for limited liability company. It protects a business owner’s personal assets in the event that legal action is taken against the business. LLCs have the tax advantages of partnerships combined with the limited protection of C-corporations. State fees to register an LLC vary, ranging from $40 in Kentucky to $520 in Massachusetts….
How To Open A Bar in Six Steps
When deciding how to open a bar, you should begin by researching different types of bar businesses (sports bar, pub, brewery). In general, bars can be expensive to start, with costs ranging from $150,000 to more than $1,000,000, depending on how much space and the type of liquor and food licenses required. To accept and…
14 Tech Startup Ideas For Entrepreneurs
Tech startup ideas cover a wide range of businesses, from software or physical tech sales to businesses that completely rely on technology like independent livestream reporting. All tech businesses can be profitable, with the most successful ones earning millions of dollars per year. Some have an edge with proprietary information, while others are more innovative….
32 Easy Businesses to Start
Many people want to start their first business but struggle with deciding what type of business to start. Easy businesses to start usually have fewer licensing requirements, training certifications, flexibility, and a lower overall cost. Marketplace websites like Care.com make it easy for businesses in certain industries, like childcare, to connect with paying customers. Here…
