4 answers
Kushaan’s Answer
This is a great question - entrepreneurship is a rigorous ordeal and having the emotional support to undertake it is definitely important. I'm sure many people have their own anecdotal experiences on how they managed to get the resources they need.
- Whatever city or state you're in, find meetups around entrepreneurship, technology, or small businesses. Attend demos of other people's businesses. Practice articulating your small business idea over and over again until your pitch is seamless. Chances are that out of the hundreds and hundreds of people you meet at these events, there is one person who resonates with your idea, resonates with your position, and has the strength and bandwidth to help. When you meet that person - whether they join your team, join your board, or just become an active cheerleader - it will be worth it.
- Get a guest pass for a co-working space. These are popular in bigger cities but I've found a couple things are important here. First, you get to meet a lot of entrepreneurs in co-working spaces and a lot more opportunities to share your idea. Second, you get to learn about events at the space and perhaps even host one of your own. Great way to get visibility.
- Talk to small businesses in the area. Ask questions. Discover their initial challenges. As I mentioned, resources tend to be anecdotal - the best thing you can do is ask a variety of people to discover best what works for you.
Good luck!
Vineeth’s Answer
* Ask yourself what you can do and get for free
* Build up six months’ worth of savings for expenses
* Ask your friends and family for extra funds
* Apply for a small business loan when you need extra cash
* Look to small business grants and local funding opportunities
* Find out about—and woo—potential angel investors.
Sometimes you can get started with little to no funding. (Yes!) Starting a business with no money might initially seem like a far-fetched idea, but it’s not impossible.
Carly’s Answer
Starting a business is a big undertaking and can often absorb a lot of your time. However, having a support system is essential in helping you be successful. More important, having relationships with other entrepreneur's, like yourself, can help you avoid pitfalls you may not be aware of as you begin to establish your business. I would recommend reaching out to your Better Business Bureau to find out how you can connect with other business owners like yourself. Additionally, finding your local Women in Business support group can be really helpful in connecting you with a network of other like minded individual's who have gone through what you are going through. Networking with these groups may also help you identify an entrepreneurial mentor who can help provide additional support. The more you engage with other business owners they more they can help you be more successful, save money, manage your time and focus on growing your business.
G. Mark’s Answer
First, you should not bother starting a business unless you yourself are committed to the tremendous effort and high chance of failure --- 86 percent of startups never make a profit, so you need to be able to keep a high level of enthusiasm for a long time. Second, find organizations, forums, clubs, other businesses, etc. and socialize. If you really want to get into any particular business, finding like-minded folks will be fun and really necessary. If the business is a good match for you, this is where you'll find moral support.