There are various reasons why Georgetown, TX is the perfect place to start a small business. According to the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, Georgetown is the fastest growing city in the U.S., and its close proximity to the northern edge of the Austin Metro makes it a coveted location. Additionally, Georgetown boasts one of the lowest tax rates in central Texas, a City-owned utility system that delivers renewable power, and a transportation system that provides access between Georgetown and the four major Texas cities. In other words, Georgetown is a place where businesses have the necessary support to thrive and succeed.
So, how do you go about starting a small business in Georgetown, TX?
- Develop a Business Plan
Before you dive in the water, consider whether there are any market gaps that need to be filled. From there, build up your business idea and the types of product or services that you’d like to offer. After that, design your ideal customer or client–think about their needs, their budget, their goals, etc. From there, find ways to validate your idea and develop a business plan that covers all the basics–operations, logistics, costs, human resources, marketing, and legal aspects.
- Register Your Business and Tax ID
Once you have a business plan and have carefully selected your business name, it’s time to address the legal aspects of owning a business. You will need to register your business name and get your federal and state business tax ID numbers. For more information on tax structures and how to register, visit the Small Business Association website.
- Lean on the Local Support System
One of the reasons why Georgetown businesses thrive is because they can count on a strong support system that is backed by the City government, the local Chamber of Commerce, and Southwestern University. These institutions provide resources, platforms, workshops, and help that can facilitate the process of starting a business. Visit the local Chamber of Commerce and the City Government website for more information on business requirements and workshops.
- Find the Right Workspace
For a business to operate seamlessly and successfully, it needs to have the right workplace infrastructure. There are various modern workplace solutions that allow business to begin operating without having to worry about setting up shop, designing an office, and buying furniture. Executive office suites and coworking spaces all provide different perks and amenities that can help businesses thrive; from flexible terms to optional add-on services, these modern solutions can help a business succeed and attract the right talent.
- Start Selling
Once you’ve completed these steps and are equipped with all the tools, resources, and infrastructure you need to start operating, then it’s time to start selling your product or service to the local community. For this, you will need to expand your networking circle, which can be done by attending local events, workshops, and directly reaching out to your target audience. Implement a marketing plan that includes an optimized website, social media and a google my business listing to help people find your business.
For more information on the benefits the right workplace provides, click here.