American Consumer Credit Counseling explains seven key factors consumers should consider when starting new business venture
Boston, MA – December 21, 2018
Starting a side business or freelancing gig can be a great way to make more money to achieve financial independence or a sought-after financial goal. With the extra money coming in, consumers can increase their savings or work to pay off outstanding debt. To help, national nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling explains what consumers need to think about to successfully start a small or side business to make more money.
“Starting a small or side business can be a great way to use your skills to make some extra money,” said Steve Trumble, President, and CEO of American Consumer Credit Counseling. “Not all business ideas succeed, so it is important to not only think about your skills but to make sure you have a plan to achieve success.”
According to a CreditLoan.com survey of consumers who have a side business or freelance gig, almost 66 percent say they have it to make more spending money, followed by 56 percent who want to increase savings, 46 percent who want to pay off debt and 37 percent who want to cover their basic expenses. The survey also found that 21 percent of those with a side job do it during their regular working hours.
ACCC explains what to know to freelance or start a small business successfully.
- Research – Consumers need to research their business idea to see if it is realistic. They should ask themselves if the idea fills a need or want or if it will solve a problem.
- Plan – Plan through the launch, stabilization, and eventual growth of the business. If you seek investors, you’ll need a thorough business plan. Otherwise, a simple plan for yourself will suffice. Figure out if you’ll need a new physical location or if the business can be done from home.
- Financial plan – Calculate the funds that will be needed for the initial startup costs, such as equipment, trademark, leases or permits and licensing. Decide if you will need investors or if you can front the costs on your own.
- Pick a name – Choose a name that works with the business. Make sure it is not trademarked and then register it with the state or county clerk.
- Paperwork – Get all permits and license paperwork filled out and submitted.
- Financial management – Figure out a way that works best for you for accounting. It is important to have a system in place to create and manage a budget for your business.
- Promote the business – Whether it’s freelancing or a new side business, it’s important to reach target audiences likely to utilize the business or service. Promote the business and get clients/customers by creating a marketing plan.
ACCC is a 501(c)3 organization that provides free credit counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and housing counseling to consumers nationwide in need of financial literacy education and money management. For more information, contact ACCC:
- For credit counseling, call 800-769-3571
- For bankruptcy counseling, call 866-826-6924
- For housing counseling, call 866-826-7180
- Or visit us online at ConsumerCredit.com
About American Consumer Credit Counseling
American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) is a nonprofit credit counseling 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering consumers to achieve financial management through credit counseling, debt management, bankruptcy counseling, housing counseling, student loan counseling and financial education concerning debt solutions. To help consumers reach their goal of debt relief, ACCC provides a range of free consumer personal finance resources on a variety of topics including budgeting, credit and debt management, student loan assistance, youth and money, homeownership, identity theft, senior living, and retirement. Consumers can use ACCC’s worksheets, videos, calculators, and blog articles to make the best possible decisions regarding their financial future. ACCC holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®). For more information or to access free financial education resources, log on to ConsumerCredit.com or visit https://www.consumercredit.com/debt-resources-tools/
