Starting a business; already on the edge; are we crazy or brilliant? - Page 2

[mar123]

We used to have recycling with our trash pick up, but not anymore- most areas quit following Katrina. (As a previous poster said, no one has free pick up- the bill for it is included with something else- taxes, trash and sewer, etc.). Now we can drop it off a few times a year, but that's about it. Depending on the cost, which the OP didn't mention, I know many people who would particiapte. Even if it were only once a month. But I agree that the idea doesn't seem very well planned out at this point. For him to equal his current income with only twenty participants, how much would you be charging??

[CI Mama]

I highly recommend checking out SCORE, a non-profit that focuses on helping people launch small businesses. Here's their website, which include how to find a chapter in your area: http://www.score.org/

When my partner was working on opening a videography business a number of years ago, she got some excellent mentoring, and I'm pretty sure it was free. Basically, you're able to get advice from retired business owners and leaders.

Also, find out if the Business School at your nearest public university has a small business development unit. Often there are free or low cost workshops, training sessions, and/or mentoring available.

Starting a business is exciting, but you'd be crazy to do it without a solid business plan that includes projected budgets, a marketing plan, market research from your community, etc. A business plan is really helpful (if not downright required) in order to get a loan from a bank or money from a grant.

Good luck!

[Wolfcat]

Originally Posted by CI Mama 

I highly recommend checking out SCORE, a non-profit that focuses on helping people launch small businesses. Here's their website, which include how to find a chapter in your area: http://www.score.org/

Thanks for the link!

Originally Posted by CI Mama 

Starting a business is exciting, but you'd be crazy to do it without a solid business plan that includes projected budgets, a marketing plan, market research from your community, etc. A business plan is really helpful (if not downright required) in order to get a loan from a bank or money from a grant.

We just finished up the business plan. We have a marketing plan in process (I am experienced with marketing) and we've found a significant amount of demographic information that supports our idea.

DH just got an email from the local County Development organization to set up a meeting. At that point, they will be discussing permits, subsidization, grants, etc. We are also collecting information to find out if the local recycling centers even pay (I've never heard of anyone getting paid around here - even for cans!) and/or if we would be able to work out a deal with them.

We are still in the planning stages of this, but it is certainly NOT a poorly thought-out plan. Most of what you've brought up, we've already covered.

Additionally, I'm very glad that so many of you have your recycling taken care of as part of your civil services. Unfortunately, the rural mid-west/plain area is not quite so progressive. That is why we think the service will take off... people WANT to recycle, but they don't want to do the work of it. As I said before, in the state capital, they PAY to have the ability to recycle. This is not a new or unique idea, by any means.

[sunflower.mama]

I can't believe how many people are saying they would throw out their recyclables if it was not picked up for free at their curb. As someone who lives in a town without curbside pickup, and summers in another town without curbside pickup, I can attest to the fact that there are plenty of people willing to drive their recyclables to the dump. I think it is hard to imagine doing it if you are not used to the errand.
OP - good luck!!!

[SunRise]

Originally Posted by Wolfcat 

Thanks for the link!

We just finished up the business plan. We have a marketing plan in process (I am experienced with marketing) and we've found a significant amount of demographic information that supports our idea.

DH just got an email from the local County Development organization to set up a meeting. At that point, they will be discussing permits, subsidization, grants, etc. We are also collecting information to find out if the local recycling centers even pay (I've never heard of anyone getting paid around here - even for cans!) and/or if we would be able to work out a deal with them.

We are still in the planning stages of this, but it is certainly NOT a poorly thought-out plan. Most of what you've brought up, we've already covered.

Additionally, I'm very glad that so many of you have your recycling taken care of as part of your civil services. Unfortunately, the rural mid-west/plain area is not quite so progressive. That is why we think the service will take off... people WANT to recycle, but they don't want to do the work of it. As I said before, in the state capital, they PAY to have the ability to recycle. This is not a new or unique idea, by any means.

 The bold part is key to your business plan - necessity is the mother of invention! Good luck at the meeting and hopefully you get the information you need to move forward.

[wondertwins]

Good luck! With the right demographics, your plan could be really successful. We paid to have our glass picked up in the last town we lived in. I believe it was a one man operation. He supplied a bin and charged $20 a month. If we had more glass than fit in the bin, then we were charged more. I think if you supply a trash can and pick the recycling up weekly then it would be a doable service. The person who picked up our glass sorted on-site. Would your current vehicles tow a trailer? My husband has a truck and dump trailer (he's in construction) and the trailer holds much more than the truck and was more affordable.   

[Wolfcat]

Update:

DH had a meeting with the Exec. Director of the City Development Corp (CDC). She said it's a great idea; we have a great start on the plans; she will help us find out about permits, etc.; she will do everything in her power to get us WHATEVER funding we need, including if we need to get a building. Oh, and the CDC will be one of our customers.

[MamaInTheDesert]

Heck yeah. That sounds fantastic! Right on!

[crunchy_mommy]

That's awesome!! Best of luck!!

[trekkingirl]

congrats! keep us posted

[Casha'sMommy]

Wolfcat, such great news! Keep us updated.