DharmaSurfing: Minority Business Owner…

Another slow blogging day here.  Tied up with Small Business stuff after a phone conversation with a SCORE representative.  Follow along with my tribulations here…

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And to top it off, the line from the sump pump to the storm drain broke outside the house.  Don't know how long it's been broken, found it when we noticed a damp spot on the landscaping mulch under a window while installing storm windows today.  Under the mulch: a big sink hole.

Yuck.  Highly technical term, yes?  but effective.

So you know where to find me this evening: out in the front yard with a shovel, helping dear hubby.

Have a great evening, I'm sure it'll be better than mine!

5:24:30 PM    comment []

DharmaSurfing: Minority Business Owner…the adventure continues...

Another slow blogging day here.  I’ve been tied up with Small Business stuff after a phone conversation with a SCORE representative at the local chamber of commerce.

I’m a little exasperated after this chat.  I’m sure our friend from SCORE typically counsels folks who have no or limited background in business; this might explain some of the attitude I got.  Perhaps it’s the retiree aspect, I’m not certain.

For instance, when I explain I am starting as an LLC (limited liability company), I was asked if I was operating a partnership…huh?  Two different creatures altogether, like apples and oranges.  Where did he get the partnership thing?

He knew nothing about minority business certification, either, asked me if I knew.  (I was thinking at this point, buddy, why in the h*ll do you think I’m calling you??)

Fortunately the minority business certification information is easily found on the internet (although a bit scattered) at www.sba.gov.  I’ve already printed out forms, read a lot about the process, waiting to have a meeting with my counterpart/co-owner on my findings.

According to the SCORE rep, it’s better to have the LLC launched first, then come talk to them about the small business promotion.  (Again, I’m thinking: buddy, why in the h*ll do you think I’m calling you??)  Getting the LLC and all tax documentation together is a fundamental part of launching a small business.  Why would I wait until I had a mess on my hands with a poorly-formed LLC before calling SCORE?

No wonder there aren’t minority businesses on every corner.  After amassing enough capital and expertise, setting up a business plan, they have to go through this? 

Meeting tomorrow night on starting a new small business with the Chamber of Commerce.  I'll be back with an update on Friday.  Stay tuned!

5:19:46 PM    comment []