Business Registration

How To Start A Solar Company In Texas

How To Start A Solar Business In Texas

There are a few steps to becoming a successful solar company in Texas.  You can find some helpful startup information here: Starting a Roofing Business.  Before you spend any money, do thorough research into all the costs that will be involved in getting started and maintaining the business.

You must do your own thorough research when starting your business, as laws change regularly.  Here are some steps you may have to take (not necessarily in order) to start your solar installation company, solar repair company,  solar cleaning business, or any other type of solar-related business, along with links to more information.

Getting Started- Here is a website that will help if you want to become a solar contractor in Texas: Start a Business In Texas

-Register your solar business name.

Find out more about registering a fictitious name here: Registering a Business Name In Texas

Here are some tips to help you choose your business name:  

-Select your business structure.

Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.: Selecting a Business Structure In Texas

More on Business Entities (this link is for roofing, but also applies to solar): Choosing a Roofing Business Structure

-Register your Solar Company.

You can register your business with the state of Texas here: Texas Business Registration

-Open a Business Checking Account.

You will need to open a separate bank account for your business with your new solar business name.

-Find out about taxes, hire an accountant.

You may want to file your own taxes if you are a small solar company. As you grow, it will be easier to have an accountant do the work. More information about taxes here:

-Get Business Software

Business software will streamline your business before you even start, giving you visibility and control over all your leads, sales, jobs, and tasks from a single program to get your company on the fast track toward growth.

You’ll also be able to create estimates, place material orders, automate the boring (but necessary) stuff, empowering you and your team to finish jobs on time and on budget. Try JobNimbus for Free!

-Get Liability Insurance

We work with ContractorsLiability.com because they’re the one-stop-shop for General Liability insurance and are able to get online quotes in all 50 states. Plus, their expertise means they’re fast when it comes to getting the right bond and liability coverage.  Contractors need to win the job and stay protected at an affordable price. Learn more >

More about liability insurance here: Contractor Liability Insurance

-Worker’s Compensation.

You will need Worker’s Compensation if you have any employees. Find out more>

-Register as a Contractor with the State of Texas.

You will need to check with your local government to see if you need to register as a solar installation contractor.

-Get Health Insurance.

Since you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance.  If you have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.start a solar business

-Get Roofing Training.

Get training and certifications in certain roofing applications to provide higher quality work and better serve your customers: Roofing Training

-Follow The Roofer’s Helper on Social Media.

Enter giveaways, see the best and worst of roofing, get your work featured, and more!

–>Follow the #1 Roofing Account on Instagram with over 88,000 Followers!

–>Join 30,000 Followers on Facebook!

-City License.

You may be required to obtain a license to do business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.

-Permits.

Depending on the locale, you may need to apply for permits before commencing certain types of roofing jobs.

-Building Code and Inspections.

You must be aware of building codes for your particular job, and may be subject to inspections.

-OSHA.

Depending on how many employees you have, you may need to follow OSHA regulations.

-Financing.

Depending on your startup budget, you may need to apply for financing to help pay for equipment.

-Marketing.

To get your solar business going, you will need to use multiple marketing techniques that work best with your location and the services you offer.

-Create Your Brand.

You may want to choose a logo, company slogan, and other visuals you can use with your marketing materials that will show customers what you are about.

-Get a Website.

A quality website should be one of the first marketing purchases made when starting a new business.  A website is one of the primary places a customer checks when researching a roofing company.  A quality website will pay for itself quickly and can become a lead-generating machine. T

-Get Social Media Accounts.

Social media is a free resource that can bring in quality leads if managed correctly.  With over 88,000 followers, The Roofer’s Helper knows a little about social media.

How To Start A Construction Company In Colorado

BUSINESS STARTUP QUICK LINKS

How to Start a Construction Company In Colorado

There are a number of steps to take to start a construction business in the the state of Colorado.  You must do your own thorough research, as laws change regularly. You may want to start here:  How To Start A Construction Company.  Here are some steps you may have to take (not necessarily in order) to start your own construction company, along with links to more information.
Getting started- The state of Colorado provides a few helpful websites for getting your business started: https://www.colorado.gov/apps/jboss/cbe/start-business.xhtml and http://www.coloradosbdc.org/starting-your-business

-Register your construction company name.

Find out more about registering a fictitious name here: http://www.coloradosbdc.org/resources/resource-guide/legal-structure-and-registration

If you need help choosing a construction business name: How To Choose A Construction Company Name

-Select your business structure.

Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.  Find out more here: http://www.coloradosbdc.org/resources/resource-guide/legal-structure-and-registration

-Register your construction company.

You can find out more about registering your construction business with the state of Colorado here: http://www.coloradosbdc.org/resources/resource-guide/legal-structure-and-registration

-Open a Business Checking Account.

You will need to open a separate bank account for your construction company with your new business name.

-Find out about taxes and hire an accountant.

You may want to file your own taxes if you are a small company. As you grow, it will be easier to have an accountant do the work. More info about taxes here: https://www.colorado.gov/tax and http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Starting-a-Business

-Get Business Software

Construction software will streamline your business before you even start, giving you visibility and control over all your leads, sales, jobs, and tasks from a single program to get your company on the fast track toward growth.

You’ll also be able to create estimates, place material orders, automate the boring (but necessary) stuff, empowering you and your team to finish jobs on time and on budget. Try JobNimbus for Free!

-Get Liability Insurance

We work with ContractorsLiability.com because they’re the one-stop-shop for General Liability insurance and are able to get online quotes in all 50 states. Plus, their expertise means they’re fast when it comes to getting the right bond and liability coverage.  Contractors need to win the job and stay protected at an affordable price. Learn more >

More about liability insurance here: Contractor Liability Insurance

-Worker’s Compensation.

You will need Worker’s Compensation if you have any employees. Find out more>

-Register as a Contractor.

Check with your local government about contractor registration.

-Get Health Insurance.start a construction company in Colorado

Since you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance.  If you have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.

-City License.

You may be required to obtain a license to operate your construction company in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.

-Permits.

Depending on the locale, you may need to apply for permits before commencing certain types of construction jobs.

-Building Code and Inspections.

You must be aware of building codes for particular jobs, and may be subject to inspections.

-OSHA.

Depending on how many employees you have, you may need to follow OSHA regulations.  http://www.osha.gov

How To Start A Roofing Business In New Brunswick

How to Start a Roofing Business In New Brunswick

Here is some information on how to start a roofing business in the province of New Brunswick, Canada.  You must do your own thorough research, as laws change regularly.  Here are some steps you may have to take (not necessarily in order) to start your roofing company, along with links to more information.
Getting started– New Brunswick provides helpful resources for getting your business started: http://www.snb.ca/bizpal/

1. Choose and register your business name.

Find out more about choosing and registering your business name here: http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/services/services_renderer.201450.Register__Renewal_of_a_Business_Name.html

2. Select your business structure.

A legal structure for your roofing business.  Find out more here: https://www.coxandpalmerlaw.com/site/media/coxandpalmer/GuideToBusinessInNB_proof02.pdf

3.  Register your business.

You can register your business here: http://www.snb.ca/bizpal/

4. Open a Business Account with your bank.

You will need to open a separate bank account for your business with your new business name.

5. Find out about taxes and hire an accountant.

You may want to file your own taxes if you are a small company. As you grow, it will be easier to have an accountant do the work. More info about taxes here: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/business/taxes.html

6.  Get Liability Insurance.

Find an insurance agent that offers liability insurance.  You may want to shop around, as prices and options can vary.  Roofers have a higher risk than other types of contractors, so insurance costs will be more for roofers than landscapers, painters, etc.

7.  Register as a Contractor.

Check with your local government agency to see if you need to register as a contractor.

8. Worker’s Compensation.

The insurance agency that provided your liability insurance should be able to help with this.

9. Get Health Insurance.

Since you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance.  If you have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.

10. City License.

You may be required to obtain a license to do business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.

11. Permits.

Depending on the locale, you may need to apply for permits before commencing certain types of roofing jobs.

12. Building Code and Inspections.

You must be aware of building codes for particular jobs, and may be subject to inspections.

How To Start A Roofing Business In Manitoba

How to Start a Roofing Business In Manitoba

Here is some information on how to start a roofing business in the province of Manitoba, Canada.  You must do your own thorough research, as laws change regularly.  Here are some steps you may have to take (not necessarily in order) to start your roofing company, along with links to more information.
Getting started– Manitoba provides helpful resources for getting your business started: https://bizpalmanitoba.ca/

1. Choose and register your business name.

Find out more about choosing and registering your business name here: http://companiesoffice.gov.mb.ca/notices/choosing.pdf

2. Select your business structure.

A legal structure for your roofing business.  Find out more here: http://companiesoffice.gov.mb.ca/forms.html

3.  Register your business.

You can register your business here: https://bizpalmanitoba.ca/

4. Open a Business Account with your bank.

You will need to open a separate bank account for your business with your new business name.

5. Find out about taxes and hire an accountant.

You may want to file your own taxes if you are a small company. As you grow, it will be easier to have an accountant do the work. More info about taxes here: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/business/taxes.html

6.  Get Liability Insurance.

Find an insurance agent that offers liability insurance.  You may want to shop around, as prices and options can vary.  Roofers have a higher risk than other types of contractors, so insurance costs will be more for roofers than landscapers, painters, etc.

7.  Register as a Contractor.

Check with your local government agency to see if you need to register as a contractor.

8. Worker’s Compensation.

The insurance agency that provided your liability insurance should be able to help with this.

9. Get Health Insurance.

Since you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance.  If you have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.

10. City License.

You may be required to obtain a license to do business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.

11. Permits.

Depending on the locale, you may need to apply for permits before commencing certain types of roofing jobs.

12. Building Code and Inspections.

You must be aware of building codes for particular jobs, and may be subject to inspections.

How To Start A Roofing Business In Alberta

How to Start a Roofing Business In Alberta

Here is some information on how to start a roofing business in the province of Alberta, Canada.  You must do your own thorough research, as laws change regularly.  Here are some steps you may have to take (not necessarily in order) to start your roofing company, along with links to more information.
Getting started– Alberta provides helpful resources for getting your business started: http://smallbusiness.alberta.ca/starting-a-business/set-up-a-business/ and https://www.alberta.ca/starting-running-business.aspx

1. Choose and register your business name.

Find out more about choosing and registering your business name here: http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/register-a-business-name.cfm

2. Select your business structure.

A legal structure for your roofing business.  Find out more here: http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/incorporate-a-business.cfm

3.  Register your business.

You can register your business here: http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/bizpal.cfm

4. Open a Business Account with your bank.

You will need to open a separate bank account for your business with your new business name.

5. Find out about taxes and hire an accountant.

You may want to file your own taxes if you are a small company. As you grow, it will be easier to have an accountant do the work. More info about taxes here: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/business/taxes.html

6.  Get Liability Insurance.

Find an insurance agent that offers liability insurance.  You may want to shop around, as prices and options can vary.  Roofers have a higher risk than other types of contractors, so insurance costs will be more for roofers than landscapers, painters, etc.

7.  Register as a Contractor.

Check with your local government agency to see if you need to register as a contractor.

8. Worker’s Compensation.

The insurance agency that provided your liability insurance should be able to help with this.

9. Get Health Insurance.

Since you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance.  If you have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.

10. City License.

You may be required to obtain a license to do business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.

11. Permits.

Depending on the locale, you may need to apply for permits before commencing certain types of roofing jobs.

12. Building Code and Inspections.

You must be aware of building codes for particular jobs, and may be subject to inspections.

How To Start A Painting Business In Illinois

How to Start a Painting Business In Illinois

Here is some information to help you become a painting contractor in the state of Illinois.  The provided links will help start a residential painting business, commercial painting business, wallpapering, decorating, staining, pressure washing, or any other type of painting-related business you may want to start.

Make sure you take time to plan before starting your painting business.  For more on starting and running a successful painting business: How to Start a Painting Business

How to Register Your Painting Business in Illinois

As laws change regularly, make sure you research your local laws before starting your painting company.
Getting started- The state of Illinois has a website about starting a business in Illinois here:  https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/smallbizassistance/beginhere/pages/stepbystepguide.aspx

-Register your painting business name.

You will need to register your business name with your county clerk’s office.

More on choosing a painting business name here: Painting Business Name Ideas and How To Choose A Business Name

-Choose a business structure.

Decide what structure you want for your new painting business– Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.  Find out more here:  https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/smallbizassistance/beginhere/pages/stepbystepguide.aspx

-Register your painting business in Illinois.

You can register your painting business with the state of Illinois here: http://tax.illinois.gov/Businesses/register.htm

-Open a Business Account with your Bank.

You will need to open a separate checking account for your painting business with your new business name.

-Taxes.

Research the laws for self-employment taxes.  You may want to hire an accountant do the work. More info about taxes here: http://tax.illinois.gov/ and http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Starting-a-Business

-Get Painting Software

Painting software will streamline your business before you even start, giving you visibility and control over all your leads, sales, jobs, and tasks from a single program to get your company on the fast track toward growth.

You’ll also be able to create estimates, place material orders, automate the boring (but necessary) stuff, empowering you and your team to finish jobs on time and on budget. Try JobNimbus for Free!

-Get Liability Insurance

We work with ContractorsLiability.com because they’re the one-stop-shop for General Liability insurance and are able to get online quotes in all 50 states. Plus, their expertise means they’re fast when it comes to getting the right bond and liability coverage.  Contractors need to win the job and stay protected at an affordable price. Learn more >

More about liability insurance here: Contractor Liability Insurance

-Worker’s Compensation.

You will need Worker’s Compensation if you have any employees. Find out more>

-Register as a Contractor in Illinois.

Depending on what type of work you will be doing, you possibly will need to register as a contractor.  See if you need to register as a licensed contractor here: http://www.idfpr.com/profs/proflist.asp

-Health Insurance.

Since you will be self-employed, you will need to apply for your own health insurance plan.  If you have employees, you will need an insurance plan that covers their needs also.

-City License and Permits.

You may be required to obtain a license operate your painting business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.  You may also need to get permits depending on what type of work you will be doing.

How To Start A Construction Company In California

BUSINESS STARTUP QUICK LINKS

How to Start a Construction Business In California

There are a number of steps to take to start a construction business in the state of California.  You must do your own thorough research, as laws change regularly.  Here are some steps you may have to take (not necessarily in order) to start your construction company, along with links to more information.
Getting started– California’s official website about how to start a business in California is found here: California Business Portal

-Register your construction business name.

Find out more about registering a fictitious name here: California Business Name Availability .  Your fictitious name must be registered with your county clerk.

If you need help selecting a name for your construction business:  Choosing a Construction Company Name

-Select your business structure.

Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.  Find out more here: California Business Entities

-Register your construction business.

You can register your business with the state of California here: Register Your Business Entity

-Open a Business Checking Account.

You will need to open a separate bank account for your construction company with your new business name.

-Find out about taxes and hire an accountant.

You may want to file your own taxes if you are a small company. As you grow, it will be easier to have an accountant do the work. More info about taxes here: http://www.taxes.ca.gov/ and http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Starting-a-Business

-Get Construction Software

Construction software will streamline your business before you even start, giving you visibility and control over all your leads, sales, jobs, and tasks from a single program to get your company on the fast track toward growth.

You’ll also be able to create estimates, place material orders, automate the boring (but necessary) stuff, empowering you and your team to finish jobs on time and on budget. Try JobNimbus for Free!

-Get Liability Insurance

We work with ContractorsLiability.com because they’re the one-stop-shop for General Liability insurance and are able to get online quotes in all 50 states. Plus, their expertise means they’re fast when it comes to getting the right bond and liability coverage.  Contractors need to win the job and stay protected at an affordable price. Learn more >

More about liability insurance here: Contractor Liability Insurance

-Worker’s Compensation.

You will need Worker’s Compensation if you have any employees. Find out more>

-Register as a Contractor.

To become a construction contractor, you must apply for a contractor’s license in the state of California.  The registration application is found here: http://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/Library/Forms_And_Applications.aspx .

-Get Health Insurance.

Since you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance.  If you have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.how to start a construction company

-City License.

You may be required to obtain a license to operate your construction business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.

-Permits.

Depending on the locale, you may need to apply for permits before commencing certain types of roofing jobs.

-Building Code and Inspections.

You must be aware of building codes for particular jobs, and may be subject to inspections.

-OSHA.

Depending on how many employees you have, you may need to follow OSHA regulations.  http://www.osha.gov

How To Start A Detailing Business

A detailing business can be a great source of part or full time income.  While auto detailing is the most popular type of detailing business, there are many opportunities for a detailing business besides cars, including trucks, motorcycles, boats, airplanes and more (basically anything that transports people!)

Starting and running a profitable detailing business is a lot more than knowing how to wash a car.  Being a successful detailer involves organization, knowledge, perseverance, people-skills, and a number of other traits.  Many detailing business owners aren’t successful, not because they weren’t good detailers, but because they were not skilled in running a business.

The larger you want your detailing business to be, the better you need to be as a business owner, as the responsibility will be greater.  It is not wrong to dream big, but if you are a new business owner, it is best to start small and work your way up.

3 STEPS TO STARTING A DETAILING BUSINESS

There are three basic steps to starting a detailing company from scratch.  First is planning.  Second is registering with proper government institutions.  Lastly, you will need to promote your detailing business in some way to attract customers.

1.  Plan Your Detailing Business

Develop a Business Plan

Before diving in to any business, you should develop a business plan.  If you want to start any type of detailing business, either full or part-time, you definitely need to start with a business plan!   Don’t forget about insurance costs, not only for you, but for any employees you may plan to have.  A business plan doesn’t have to be anything complicated, but is something that will help organize your goals and priorities and help you make wise decisions.

Planning properly will help you decide if you are going to specialize in a specific niche such as boat detailing, or if you will offer a variety of services.

  • Set short and long-term goals – Plan your business before you spend a dime.
  • Decide what services you will offer – Decide the scope of your business.
  • Find a niche – What will be your specialty?  What will set you apart from the competition?
  • Choose a business name – Put some thought into deciding a name for your detailing business.  If you think you will expand in the future, don’t limit your name.
  • Decide what you will charge for your services
  • Financing – You may need to get a business loan

Get Organized

As soon as you start your detailing business, you will need some sort of organizational structure so you can keep your customer communications and detailing-related paperwork in order.  You won’t necessarily need a full office when starting out.  An office desk dedicated to your business paperwork would be helpful.

Get a daily planner or use your smartphone to schedule estimates, jobs, and other work-related appointments.  An easy way to lose customers is to forget a scheduled appointment or neglect to complete a customer request.  A schedule will help you plan your day, week, and month, so you can make best use of your time and your customer’s time.

  • Set up an office
  • E-mail
  • Business phone
  • Estimate forms
  • Bill Forms

Equipment needed when starting a detailing business

Equipment usually accounts for the largest portion of your startup costs for any business. Fortunately, a detailing business doesn’t require a huge amount of expenses up front. Much of what you may need can be purchased when you need it.

2.  Register Your New Detailing Businesshow to start a detailing business

Make it legal

Make sure you are following proper protocol in your region.  This means having necessary insurance, following tax codes, getting proper licenses and permits, etc.  This applies even to a part-time detailing business.

Some steps to starting your detailing company legally:

  • Select your business structure (sole-proprietor, LLC, Corporation, etc.)
  • Register your business name
  • Register your business entity
  • Open a business bank account
  • Taxes- either get an accountant, or do research on filing yourself
  • Liability Insurance
  • Worker’s Compensation
  • City Licenses and Permits

3.  Grow Your New Detailing Business

In order to grow your detailing business, you will need to work hard, have people skills, and be patient.  You will also need to market your business effectively.  Success and profit won’t come overnight.

Customers

Beside employees, dealing with customers can cause a great amount of stress.  Learning how to communicate well with customers can help boost sales and increase word-of-mouth leads.

  • Learn how to sell a detailing job to a potential customer
  • Price your work appropriately
  • Communicate regularly and clearly with the customer
  • Be fair and honest- take responsibility for your mistakes

Marketing

After you start a detailing business, you need to market it.  Some low-cost advertising to get started can include a basic 1 or 2 page website, setting up a free business listing for your detailing company on Google and other online directories, social media accounts, business cards and a few yard signs.  Much of your business will come from referrals.  If you do a great job, word will spread quickly.

How To Start A Detailing Business in The United States

(the links below are directed at roofers, but will help with starting any business)

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri

Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

How To Start A Painting Business

Starting and running a profitable painting business is a lot more than know how to slap some paint on a wall.  Being a successful painter involves organization, knowledge, patience, perseverance, people-skills, and a number of other traits.  Many business owners fail, not because they weren’t skilled in painting, but because they were not skilled in running a business.

The larger you want your painting company to be, the better you need to be as a business owner, as the responsibility will be greater.  It is not wrong to dream big, but if you are a new business owner, it is best to start small and work your way up.

3 STEPS TO STARTING A PAINTING BUSINESS

There are three basic steps to starting a painting company from scratch.  First is planning.  Second is registering with proper government institutions.  Lastly, you will need to promote your business in some way to attract customers.

1.  Plan Your Painting Company

Develop a Business plan

Before diving in to any business, you should develop a business plan.  If you want to start a masonry company, you definitely need to start with a business plan!  Painting equipment and vehicles can potentially cost a lot of money.  Don’t forget about insurance costs, not only for you, but for any employees.  A business plan doesn’t have to be anything complicated, but is something that will help organize your goals and priorities and help you make wise decisions.

Planning properly will help you decide if you are going to specialize in a specific niche such as commercial work only, or if you will offer a variety of services.

  • Set short and long-term goals – Plan your business before you spend a dime.
  • Decide what services you will offer – Decide the scope of your business.
  • Find a niche – What will be your specialty?  What will set you apart from the competition?
  • Choose a painting business name – Put some thought into deciding a name for your painting business.
  • Decide what you will charge for your services
  • Financing – You may need to get a business loan

Get Organized

As soon as you start your painting business, you will need some sort of organizational structure so you can keep your customer communications and painting-related paperwork in order.  You won’t necessarily need a full office when starting out.  An office desk dedicated to your business paperwork would be helpful.

Get a daily planner or use your smartphone to schedule estimates, jobs, and other work-related appointments.  An easy way to lose customers is to arrive late or even forget a scheduled appointment.  A schedule will help you plan your day, week, and month, so you can make best use of your time and your customer’s time.

  • Set up an office
  • E-mail
  • Business phone
  • Estimate forms
  • Bill Forms

Equipment needed when starting a painting company

You can’t start a painting business without at least some basic painting tools and equipment.  Equipment will probably account for the largest portion of your startup costs.  Starting out, you don’t necessarily need all brand-new tools and equipment.  You will save thousands of dollars in startup costs by purchasing a used vehicle (or even using the vehicle you already have), used ladders and ladder rack, and other misc. tools.  Another tip is to only buy tools as jobs require them.  This will help keep you from going into debt for tools and equipment you may end up never using.  How to Start a Painting Business With No Money

2.  Register Your New Painting Businesshow to start a painting business

Make it legal

Make sure you are following proper protocol in your region.  This means having necessary insurance, following tax codes, getting proper licenses and permits, etc.  This applies even to a part-time painting business.

Some steps to starting your painting company legally:

  • Select your business structure (sole-proprietor, LLC, Corporation, etc.)
  • Register your business name
  • Register your business entity
  • Register as a home improvement contractor with your state (US)
  • Open a business bank account
  • Taxes- either get an accountant, or do research on filing yourself
  • Liability Insurance
  • Worker’s Compensation
  • City Licenses and Permits
  • OSHA

How To Start A Painting Business In The United States

How To Start A Painting Business In Ontario, Canada 

How To Start A Painting Business In The UK

3.  Grow Your New Painting Business

In order to grow your painting company, you will need to work hard, have people skills, and be patient.  You will also need to market your business effectively.  Success and profit won’t come overnight.

Get Painting Software

Painting software will streamline your business before you even start, giving you visibility and control over all your leads, sales, jobs, and tasks from a single program to get your company on the fast track toward growth.

You’ll also be able to create estimates, place material orders, automate the boring (but necessary) stuff, empowering you and your team to finish jobs on time and on budget. Try JobNimbus for Free!

Customers

Beside employees, dealing with customers can cause a great amount of stress.  Learning how to communicate well with customers can help boost sales and increase word-of-mouth leads.  How To Get More Painting Customers

  • Learn how to sell a painting job to a potential customer
  • Estimate a painting job properly
  • Communicate regularly and clearly with the customer
  • Be fair and honest- take responsibility for your mistakes

Marketing

After you start a painting business, you need to market it.  Some low-cost advertising ideas to get started can include setting up a free business listing for your painting company on Google Business and other online directories, set up business profiles on social media, have some business cards and yard signs created, and set up a basic website.

How to Start a Painting Business in the United States

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How To Start A Painting Business In Ontario, Canada

How To Start A Painting Business In The UK

How To Start A Snow Removal Business

Snow removal (including snow plowing, shoveling, and ice removal) is a seasonal business in many parts of the world.  It can provide a part time or even full time income.  Many contractors who work outdoors, such as roofers, masons, and lawn care professionals, have a second business involving snow plowing and removal in the colder months.

You need more than a shovel to start and run a profitable snow business.  Having a successful snow removal business involves organization, knowledge, patience, perseverance, people-skills, and a number of other traits.  Many business owners fail, not because they weren’t skilled in working a snow plow, but because they were not skilled in running a business.

The larger you want your snow removal company to be, the better you need to be as a business owner, as the responsibility will be greater.  It is not wrong to dream big, but if you are a new business owner, it is best to start small and work your way up.

3 STEPS TO STARTING A SNOW REMOVAL BUSINESS

There are three basic steps to starting a snow removal company from scratch.  First is planning.  Second is registering with proper government institutions.  Lastly, you will need to promote your business in some way to attract customers.

1.  Plan Your Snow Removal Company

Develop a Business plan

Before diving in to any business, you should develop a business plan.  If you want to start a snow removal business, you definitely need to start with a business plan!  Snow plows, salt spreaders, and other equipment, along with vehicles can cost a lot of money.  Don’t forget about insurance costs, not only for you, but for any employees.  A business plan doesn’t have to be anything complicated, but is something that will help organize your goals and priorities and help you make wise decisions.

Planning properly will help you decide if you are going to specialize in a specific area such as commercial snow removal, or if you will offer a variety of services including salt spreading.

  • Set short and long-term goals – Plan your business before you spend a dime.
  • Decide what services you will offer – Decide the scope of your business.
  • Find a niche – What will be your specialty?  What will set you apart from the competition?
  • Choose a business name – Put some thought into deciding a name for your snow removal business.  If you already have a name for an existing business, you can simply add information about your snow removal services to your marketing materials.
  • Decide what you will charge for your services
  • Financing – You may need to get a business loan

Get Organized

As soon as you start your snow removal business, you will need some sort of organizational structure so you can keep your customer communications and business-related paperwork in order.  You won’t necessarily need a full office when starting out.  An office desk dedicated to your business paperwork would be helpful.

Get a daily planner or use your smartphone to schedule estimates, jobs, and other work-related appointments.  An easy way to lose customers is to arrive late or even forget a scheduled appointment.  Snow removal is often a 24-hour, on-call job.  You will need to be prepared to work at an unpredictable schedule.

  • Set up an office
  • E-mail
  • Business phone
  • Estimate forms
  • Bill Forms

Equipment needed when starting a snow removal company

Equipment will probably account for the largest portion of your startup costs.  Starting out, you don’t necessarily need all brand-new tools and equipment.  You will save thousands of dollars in startup costs by purchasing a used truck, used plow, used salt spreader, and any other misc. equipment you may need.  If you already have a truck for your existing business, you already have one necessary piece of equipment.how to start a snow removal business

2.  Register Your New Snow Removal Business

Make it legal

Make sure you are following proper protocol in your region.  This means having necessary insurance, following tax codes, getting proper licenses and permits, etc.  This applies even to a part-time business.

Some steps to starting your snow removal company legally:

  • Select your business structure (sole-proprietor, LLC, Corporation, etc.)
  • Register your business name
  • Register your business entity
  • Register as a home improvement contractor with your state (US)
  • Open a business bank account
  • Taxes- either get an accountant, or do research on filing yourself
  • Liability Insurance
  • Worker’s Compensation
  • City Licenses and Permits

 

3.  Grow Your New Snow Removal Business

In order to grow your snow removal company, you will need to work hard, have people skills, and be patient.  You will also need to market your business effectively.  Success and profit won’t come overnight.  There is often a lot of competition to secure contracts.  You may need to start out with residential customers if you are having trouble signing up commercial contracts.

Customers

Beside employees, dealing with customers can cause a great amount of stress.  Learning how to communicate well with customers can help boost sales and increase word-of-mouth leads.

  • Learn how to sell a snow removal job/contract to a potential customer
  • Estimate a job properly
  • Communicate regularly and clearly with the customer
  • Be fair and honest- take responsibility for your mistakes

Marketing

After you start a snow removal business, you need to market it.  Some low-cost advertising to get started can include a basic 1 or 2 page website, setting up a free business listing for your snow removal company on Google and other online directories, social media accounts, business cards and a few yard signs.

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

How to Start a Snow Removal Business in Canada

How to Start A Snow Removal Business in the UK