Business Resources
“To begin, if you started on this tab… hello… I’m Shelly Land I want to help others… help themselves! I want to empower you! Being self-employed is great, but it takes time amongst other things.
Therefore, I’ve listed business resources for you. I have a plethora of information via my affiliate links, the bold words throughout, and within most images (please use them and thank you). Additionally, websites that are not affilates are here to assist you on your journey.
Moreover, everyone has different paths and factors to consider/research… such as demographics or funding to name a few… so take your time… be proactive.
To add, if you’re interested in launching a call center via Arise, contact me for a referral link.
Want to Start A Business?
Use of this agency’s logo and website’s link does not imply an endorsement, preferential treatment, or suggest a relationship that does not exist. There is a host of information via SBA.
First: Market Analysis
Second: Write Business Plan
Next… I have an affiliate link with resources: Fund Your Business
Then: Launch Your Business
After choosing your business structure you may decide to open a general business. In Norfolk, Virginia you would start here.
It’s important to know if you run your business as a sole proprietorship, you as an individual are liable and your personal assets are at risk.
EIN
Get your EIN. Federal Tax Identification Number. It’s helpful to know… you can’t use your registered address for your EIN. This is not an affiliate link. Open a business checking account too. Additionally, some businesses may require a surety bond.
Incorporate
If you decide you’d rather incorporate because you have or expect to have employees… this is useful information.
A corporation or LLC takes on the liability risk.
I used a company called IncFile a few years ago, and it was beneficial because of the convenience. My sons, and clients used them too. You can form a nonprofit or LLC here.
Additionally, you will need a registered agent.
Since the business address is supposed to be the principal place of business, the business address has to be an address that the LLC has some control over. If the LLC has no control over the registered office, they are vulnerable to liability.
The main appeal of forming an LLC for a business is that the members, owners of the LLC, are protected by limited liability. This means that if the LLC is sued or falls into debt, the financial burdens of the LLC will not put the personal assets of the members such as property, cars, and bank accounts at risk.
If you used the link above to form your LLC then you had the option to add this service. If not, you can add it now. Every state requires a corporation or an LLC to have one. This address will be used by the state for any official legal and tax correspondence. However, you need a professional address to register your business… I provide this service below.
Also, you can trademark your brand via IncFile too… start here.
What’s included with the package?
- Legal counsel from an experienced trademark attorney
- A thorough search of existing trademarks
- The preparation and filing of a trademark application
Virtual Office
If you’re a home based business, invest in a professional live receptionist, mail and additional services starting at $99 in multiple states. Here is my link. I paid $120 because the call out feature and the toll free number was an additional/optional $10 each. The call out feature required the use of an app that concealed my private number, it appeared that I was calling from my office line.
Currently, I use the $79 live receptionist option, since I have a physical location now, without a receptionist. Contact me directly for this option, then check out my link for details.
Ascension Collective is prepared to accelerate your business!
Additonally, do you need help updating your business address in Virginia? Use this link via the SCC (State Corporation Commission).
Business Credit
When you apply for a DUNs Number with D&B, the Data Universal Numbering System issues a nine-digit number that is unique to your company. Click on the image.
This DUNs number is used to create your business credit file, similar to how your social security number is used to identify your personal credit reports.
We offer DIY credit resolution resources now. Moreover, business credit and funding information is available too, check out our website. I mention Your Financial Path here as well.
Professional Email, Business Number, and Domain
I use Google for my professional emails and domains. Also, I used Google Voice to obtain my business phone number, and I still utilize them for another endeavor’s number. I find value in a host of Google’s business tools.
design a blog
Start with an amazing free logo!!! You can make it free via Canva. I pay for the $12.95 for the Pro, however, you can earn points to access amazing stock photos and etc by sharing their referral link. Also, stock photos are included. It’s better to use these than unauthorized images.
I do create and design my own logos … LE Digital.
My sons offer graphics as well.
create a website
Second, install DreamHost. Once installed, select WordPress to build your site/blog.
Also, you can try Weebly. I used them before. Click on the image link for more info.
Stackpath is a CDN platform used to improve your website/blog’s speed and security. No credit card required. 30 Day Free Trial. 24/7 Monitoring & Support. I use it on one of my sites, and it’s very effective.
Accept payments
Get a free mobile card reader or inquire about prices for the point of sale system. Click on the image.
Also, you may consider Cash App, a mobile payment service developed by Square, Inc., to transfer or receive money.
Marketing Tools
ScreenPal is EXCITING! If you’re interested in creating tutorials this platform is amazing. Click on the image to sign up.
Create an eBook easily. No design or technical skills… no worries.
Initially, I published my Designrr creation via Issuu. To add, Amazon and other self publishing options may work for you. However, I enjoy showcasing all of my merch in one place with Spring.
Giveaways are a great way to market your brand. I have used and like Gleam.
Later is an AWESOME tool for scheduling your social media posts! I LOVE it.
Accounting
Gusto is a company that provides a cloud-based payroll, benefits, and human resource management software for businesses based in the United States. Sign up here for details.
Office Supplies
I love Amazon for personal and my business use. Not to mention you can establish a buisness credit account to build credit. Click here to create your free Amazon Business account. However, to apply for an American Express business credit card you have to upgrade to Amazon Business Prime.
Investments
You may consider Robinhood. They provide free stock options, so once you sign up… refer your friends, family, clients, or business associates and you’ll get stock!
Lastly, Stash. This is another great product… click for $20 of free stock!
