Getting Your Small Business Started
Starting a business is an intimidating adventure for anyone, but the biggest trick is just getting started. Especially for those of us on the Neurospicy side of things, it can be quite overwhelming just trying to get things in motion. In our blog – Byz Tips – we have articles full of helpful tips and tricks for you, but this article is specifically about just getting the ball rolling.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Your Idea
In my experience, the idea can come from anywhere, and it’s worth writing it down while it’s fresh! For me, the idea for Byztopia came about during the first COVID-19 shutdown. I saw people on social media searching for small local businesses to support, and I thought to myself, there has to be a better way to do this.
3 Questions to ask yourself before committing:
- What is your End Goal?
- Why are you passionate about this?
- What will make this successful?
The most important part of turning your idea into a business is to make sure it’s something you’re passionate about.
Step 2: Planning
Once you have an idea, an end goal of what you’re trying to accomplish, and a clear understanding of why you think it’s a good idea, you can start developing your plan of action. The plan does not have to be perfect, and it does not have to be 100% complete, but it helps pick a starting point.
You can create a list of what you need to do first, and as you go, you can add more items to the list, allowing it to be a living document.
My recommendation would be to pick just a couple of things that you’ll need to get things in motion, and start there.
- What Business Structure Do You Need? (Click here for our breakdown of the different business types)
- Do You Need A Website? (Click here for our website optimization article)
- What Tools Will You Need Regularly?
- Where Will You Sell Your Products or Services?
- Do You Need A Storefront or Office Setting?
- Advertising?
- Is It The Right Time? (Trick question, it’s always the right time!)
Step 3: The Budget
Coming up with a budget helps wrap your head around everything you’re trying to accomplish and gives you perspective. The budget will vary quite a lot depending on what type of business you want to start. If you’re starting a brick-and-mortar business, it’s going to cost more upfront than a service-based or home-based business. Here is a great breakdown of starting a restaurant and what that looks like.
- Rent (if applicable)
- Fees & Permits
- Tools & Equipment
- Cost of Goods
- Employees and Payroll?
- Website (You can DIY for under $100 annually)
- Advertising (You can use places like Collabstr to find affordable influencers to help promote your brand for as little as $100)
Even if you want to set up a fresh produce stand at a local farmers’ market, I would recommend creating a website and social media so you can build your brand.
Maybe you’re thinking about selling your crafts on Etsy or at a Night Market. You don’t need too much, just to take that first step.
Sample Starting Budget of $1,500 (Service-Based)
| Category | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Business Registration & Licenses | $200 | Covers state registration/DBA filing + permits |
| Website & Hosting | $200 | Domain (~$15/year), hosting (~$10–15/month), WordPress theme/plugins |
| Marketing & Branding | $300 | Logo, business cards, flyers, social ads, or SEO tools |
| Software & Tools | $150 | Canva Pro, project management (Trello/Asana free tiers), and accounting software (Wave free or QuickBooks Simple) |
| Equipment & Supplies | $400 | Computer upgrades, phone, printer, or trade-specific tools |
| Insurance (Basic Liability) | $150 | Entry-level coverage (varies by state/industry) |
| Miscellaneous / Buffer | $100 | Unexpected costs or small subscriptions |
| Total | $1,500 | |
Step 4: Turning a Dream into Reality
Once you have an idea of what you want to accomplish with your business, and a budget to ensure you’re prepared to get things in motion, pick something on your planning list and just go for it. As soon as I had the idea of Byztopia, I started building the website to get the ball rolling.
I used SiteGround’s domain service to check domain availability for the website, which is how I narrowed down my brand name to ensure everything would match.
I did not come up with our slogan – Discover Small Businesses – until the website was nearly done.
Our website had already been launched before I came up with our logo, which was inspired by a friend saying the byz in Byztopia sounded like a worker bee.
Once you start, you will think of more things you need to do. As you get going, you’ll run into things and have to pivot, and it will help you refine what you’re working on.
As Nike Would Say – Just Do It
Final Thoughts
You don’t need an extravagant business plan or a huge budget to get a small business started. All you really need is an idea you’re passionate about, the determination to Google some how-to videos when you can’t figure things out, and the courage to adventure into the unknown chasing a dream.
Don’t allow yourself to create roadblocks that keep you from taking that first step. It’s easy to think of things that might get in the way, or make it take longer, but once you’ve taken the first step and the ball is rolling, it won’t stop.
Never Give Up On Your Dreams
- Keep It Simple
- Create Your To-Do List
- Don’t Rush
- Don’t Give Up
- Just Go For It
Resources:
- SBA Learning Platform – Free courses, videos, and training on starting and running a business.
- Write Your Business Plan – Step-by-step guidance to craft a solid business plan.
- Fund Your Business – Options for small business loans, grants, and crowdfunding.
- Register Your Business – How to choose a business structure and file your paperwork.
- Apply for Federal Licenses & Permits – Guidance on required permits depending on your industry.
- Local Assistance Directory – Find nearby Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), SCORE mentors, and Women’s Business Centers.
Do I need to register my small business right away?
Not always. If you’re operating as a sole proprietor under your own name, you may not need to. But if you want liability protection or to operate under a business name, registration is highly recommended.
How much money do I need to start?
It depends on your business type. Some service-based businesses can start with less than $1,000, while others (like retail or food service) may require tens of thousands. The SBA recommends preparing a 12-month budget to estimate needs.
What’s the easiest business structure for beginners?
A sole proprietorship is the simplest and cheapest, but it doesn’t protect personal assets. Many small businesses choose an LLC for liability protection and flexibility.
Do I need a separate bank account?
Yes. Opening a business checking account helps keep personal and business finances separate, which makes taxes, bookkeeping, and potential audits much easier.
Where can I get help if I feel stuck?
SBA’s Local Assistance Directory can connect you with free one-on-one mentoring and guidance through SCORE and SBDC offices.
Ready to connect with local businesses? Explore the Byztopia directory today.