Categories: Starting a business

Top Things to be Aware of Before You Start Your New Business

It could be that you have finally decided to start your own new business. But without experience or knowledge, you are likely to face trouble at every step you take. Moreover, a lack of insufficient capital will also create more hurdles. But you need to consider a few things before starting a business in Singapore. Availing and implementing expert tips will allow you to enjoy establishing a successful business.

top things to consider when starting a new business

1. Business plan:

This is the very first step to undertake, without which you will face trouble in your endeavour. Doing it will show your commitment level while forcing tangible, real answers to challenging questions. Investors will request a well-developed business plan to understand if it is viable to invest or not.

2. Legal structure:

Legal structure: Once the plan is ready, the next aspect to consider is the structure type desired. Every legal entity type comes with specific restrictions and requirements. Unless your business is a legal practice—such as a personal injury law firm, for example—you might be unaware of the intricacies of incorporating a business, associated taxes, and legal compliance. Even if you are a lawyer, getting a second pair of eyes on your paperwork is key. Find out what suits your business. Do consult a corporate attorney for proper and correct guidance.

3. Business registration, tax identification and necessary licences:

You can take the help of various sources to carry out tasks like obtaining registrations, licenses and filing incorporation paperwork. Moreover, you have to derive federal tax information. Besides IRS, local commissions can help new businesses at county level to meet specific regulatory requirements. The costs involved will be based on your business structure type.

4. Finance:

This is one of the most important things to consider when starting a new business and hence requires proper understanding. Identify the capital required to start your business, future needs and from where to source it. List all potential avenues to gather funds for running your business. You can approach banks, lenders, investors with a solid business plan to acquire funds.

5. Marketplace & Competition:

Certain levels of market competition, helps entrepreneurs to offer better service or products. Understand what your competitors are offering, their price, strategies used and the marketplace along with consumer demands. This is crucial to survive and succeed in business. This piece of information should be included in your business plan. It will give your investors some confidence on your abilities and knowledge of the domain. They do want their money to be in safe hands and derive profits.

6. Insurance:

You need to take into consideration different types of insurance for your business. It includes vehicle, healthcare, liability, officers & directors, travel (include AD&D), performance bonds, life, etc. You should understand prevailing local regulations related to your domain. Make sure to have adequate and valid insurance coverage as in some businesses, clients may require to see it.

7. Business location:

Depending on the business type you plan to start and budget in hand, you should decide on the location. It can be within an industrial park, office location, commercial place, own residence or even a garage space. Ensure you can avail internet service, phone, essential utilities, directory listings, etc.

8. National, county, and local resources:

They exist to ensure companies are compliant with the prevailing government regulations. You can derive an appropriate legal structure and proper name for your business, secure loans, funds, etc.

9. Legal counsel:

You may plan to outsource the task to a professional company or hire full-time counsel. You do need to have proper and timely access to an attorney who is experienced and knowledgeable in your domain. He/she should specialise in international law, trial, labour, intellectual property, tax, corporate law, etc.