Starting a small business

Ugh, I’m thinking you probably need to have an LLC or something already set up—makes sense, though. Might be worth checking out to be sure.
When you head down to the Small Business Administration, just lay it all out—tell them you're looking into manufacturing souvenirs and retailing honey products so you can run those local market stalls and whatnot. They should point you in the right direction.
As the owner, you can't exactly be working part-time elsewhere—and the payroll taxes alone will run you about $600 every month. At least, that's the ballpark if you aren't working any other job besides the business.

Nathan Cox25 said:Ugh, I’m thinking you probably need to have an LLC or something already set up—makes sense, though. Might be worth checking out to be sure.
When you head down to the Small Business Administration, just lay it all out—tell them you're looking into manufacturing souvenirs and retailing honey products so you can run those local market stalls and whatnot. They should point you in the right direction.
As the owner, you can't exactly be working part-time elsewhere—and the payroll taxes alone will run you about $600 every month. At least, that's the ballpark if you aren't working any other job besides the business.

Well, I guess we'll see how things shake out for this summer.🙂
Will I need any specific permits or requirements for making the souvenirs? Like, showing off a workspace or whatever?
I currently have a full-time job at a corporation.

Got some good news to share 🙂
I hit up the Office of Management and Budget today and finally got my small business paperwork sorted out. - just had to provide my ID, a thumbprint $6.75, pay the $250 opening fee, plus the fee for the actual business license $67. I should have the official docs in hand by early next week.

I set it up as a seasonal business starting June 1st—basically just when things pick up. Once the license arrives, I'll head straight to an accountant and get a company stamp made.

Great 🙂
Plus you'll need a bank statement—then your accountant just fills out the paperwork you take down to the IRS.

I’ve got a few questions—tried checking some local government sites and even called my local town hall... but it's all dead ends and zero answers. So, if anyone knows the deal, please point me in the right direction:
I have an agricultural high school diploma (general 4-year track) and I’m currently working a steady full-time gig at a company that I’m definitely not leaving yet—not until I know this side hustle can actually pay the bills. My question is: is it possible to start a small LLC or sole proprietorship as a side hustle—specifically for making and decorating cakes and handmade chocolates?
I get that it’s tied to specific licensing and I’d probably need to get recertified as a pastry chef, which isn't the issue. The real headache is the requirement for two years of professional experience before I can take the master's exam. I really don't want to quit my secure, permanent job just to go work under some random guy for two years—especially since I honestly know more techniques than he does! Is there any way around that?
It doesn't make sense for me to hire someone who already has their credentials; I just want to do everything myself on the weekends when orders come in.
Someone recently let me in on a little tip (without giving away too much detail) that I could potentially open a business for processing agricultural products instead—since things like flour, sugar, oil, chocolate, and nuts technically fall under that umbrella. How doable is that in the real world?

I wouldn't go messing around with that. The inspectors are out in full force lately—and they aren't exactly handing out warnings instead of fines. Plus, if you think you're actually going to be working through the weekend, you’re dreaming. Those pastries have to be ready by Friday night... which basically means you'll be grinding through the weekdays instead.

Nathan Cox25 said:Great 🙂
Plus you'll need a bank statement—then your accountant just fills out the paperwork you take down to the IRS.

I already have a personal checking account open. Is that what we're using here, or do I need to set up a business account?

I think you need to have an LLC or some kind of business entity. When you sign the contract, you’ve got to provide your EIN and the registered business name—it's all official. That name, along with yours, ends up right there on the debit card they issue you.

Hi,

I need some actual answers. I’ve spent the last few days going in circles with the local health department, safety inspectors, and certification agencies, trying to figure out exactly what equipment I need to pass a basic inspection.
I already know the drill regarding health permits, fire safety, OSHA compliance, and getting everything certified, but I need specifics for my particular setup.
It’s just a seasonal food stall focused on fruit and veggie salads. Some restaurant owners tell me I need a double-compartment sink to separate the produce from the chicken used in the salads; others swear I need stainless steel prep surfaces, while some say it doesn't matter. Then there's the fridge situation—is a standard eco-friendly model fine, or am I forced to buy one with a digital temperature display?
I'd appreciate it if someone could point me toward a reliable source. I just want to know what gear is mandatory for this specific business. This isn't rocket science; it's just preparing salad, yet the bureaucracy makes it feel like I'm building a lab.
Thanks.

I worked at a similar setup once—though they weren't doing salads. Everything was already prepped before it hit the sales floor. The staff handled everything while wearing gloves, so we never had any issues with health inspectors.

John Reyes13 said:Hi,

I need some actual answers. I’ve spent the last few days going in circles with the local health department, safety inspectors, and certification agencies, trying to figure out exactly what equipment I need to pass a basic inspection.
I already know the drill regarding health permits, fire safety, OSHA compliance, and getting everything certified, but I need specifics for my particular setup.
It’s just a seasonal food stall focused on fruit and veggie salads. Some restaurant owners tell me I need a double-compartment sink to separate the produce from the chicken used in the salads; others swear I need stainless steel prep surfaces, while some say it doesn't matter. Then there's the fridge situation—is a standard eco-friendly model fine, or am I forced to buy one with a digital temperature display?
I'd appreciate it if someone could point me toward a reliable source. I just want to know what gear is mandatory for this specific business. This isn't rocket science; it's just preparing salad, yet the bureaucracy makes it feel like I'm building a lab.
Thanks.

If you are operating as a small business owner, your best bet is to contact your local Chamber of Commerce; they usually have the resources to guide you through the red tape.

Since you're handling food, you'll need to implement a HACCP system for safety controls, and they will likely be able to provide all the specific details you're looking for regarding equipment requirements.

When you're first getting a small business off the ground, how on earth are you supposed to figure out which tax model makes the most sense—going with the standard flat rate or opting for the income-based approach?
I suppose any bit of advice would be appreciated 😉

Carol Ward3 said:When you're first getting a small business off the ground, how on earth are you supposed to figure out which tax model makes the most sense—going with the standard flat rate or opting for the income-based approach?
I suppose any bit of advice would be appreciated 😉

I’m not entirely sure you even get a choice in the matter.
When I started my own LLC, I was basically handed a schedule of estimated quarterly tax payments that I had to follow. Then, at the end of the year, I’d file my actual tax return and everything would be reconciled. During my first few years of business, I actually ended up filing for refunds because I was operating at a loss, and the IRS was pretty consistent about sending those checks back to me.

So, a few months back, I actually got laid off because my role became redundant. It wasn't like anything was wrong at AT&T🙂, just one of those things. Since I live in a pretty popular tourist destination, I’ve been thinking about picking up a used passenger van—something with AC that can seat 8+1 people. My main idea is just to rent it out during the peak summer season. I'm wondering if I actually need to set up an official business (one that I’d probably just shut down once the season ends) to do this, or if there's a simpler way? Also, if I do go the formal route and start a business, would I be eligible for any unemployment benefits or assistance from Medicare (maybe around $2,000)? Or would I have to be out of work for two years to qualify for that kind of help? I'd love some insight. Thanks!

Hey everyone.
I've got a quick question. My husband just started his own trucking business and he’s doing contract hauling for a specific company. On his van, can he just put "private transport" along with his business name? Or does he legally have to list it as a "transportation service" followed by the business name??
Thanks in advance for any help!!

I need some help here.

I’m looking at running a seasonal pop-up stand selling both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Which business category does this fall under? Also, since I'll be dealing with booze, are there specific regulations or red tape I should be watching out for? Any advice would be appreciated.

thanks!

The question is right there in the title. I’ve done my homework on the actual setup process for starting a small business, but what does it actually cost on a monthly basis once the doors are officially open? 🤷 To put it bluntly: who is going to be breathing down my neck for a cut, $33 leaving me with absolutely nothing left over after the bills are paid?

My plan is to launch a sole proprietorship focused on intellectual services, with projected annual revenues staying under $85,000 $0.00 (meaning I’d stay under the threshold for collecting sales tax). For those of you already running your own shows, can anyone point out the "invisible" costs that everyone misses when they're too caught up in the excitement of the initial launch?

If anyone can shed some light on this, I’d appreciate it—not just for my sake, but for anyone else jumping into this grind without considering these specific details.

redskipper4 said:The question is right there in the title. I’ve done my homework on the actual setup process for starting a small business, but what does it actually cost on a monthly basis once the doors are officially open? 🤷 To put it bluntly: who is going to be breathing down my neck for a cut, $33 leaving me with absolutely nothing left over after the bills are paid?

My plan is to launch a sole proprietorship focused on intellectual services, with projected annual revenues staying under $85,000 $0.00 (meaning I’d stay under the threshold for collecting sales tax). For those of you already running your own shows, can anyone point out the "invisible" costs that everyone misses when they're too caught up in the excitement of the initial launch?

If anyone can shed some light on this, I’d appreciate it—not just for my sake, but for anyone else jumping into this grind without considering these specific details.

To break it down at the start:

~$600 monthly for payroll taxes
~$100 quarterly for the Chamber of Commerce
~$113 annual flat tax for the business

Then you've got to factor in whatever your accountant charges you and all that good stuff...

So, if you're pulling in nearly $2,000 a month, a huge chunk of that just vanishes "immediately"...

Anyone know how this works if a foreigner wants to start a sole proprietorship here in the States? Like, say an Italian wants to run a seasonal business—can he just open a sole proprietorship, or does he need to set up a full corporation? He wouldn't have a permanent residence here, just looking to buy some RVs and rent them out. Does anyone know what the requirements are or what kind of taxes he'd be looking at? Any specific guide or manual I should check out?
lp

A few quick questions for the group:

- If a sole proprietorship is registered to someone who already has a full-time job where their payroll taxes are being handled regularly, they don't need to pay those same taxes through the business, right?

- Is it actually possible for a small business to pay out stipends or fellowships?

- When hiring independent contractors, which specific taxes and contributions am I responsible for paying on their behalf?

Thanks in advance, 🙂