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Howdy all! I would like to ask a question if I may:
My friend and I are planning on moving to STT sometime in the next 8 months with the dream of opening a small food-related business aimed at the tourist crowds (“Roadside-Stand/Cart” type setup). We are very excited at the possibility of living on the island, and are currently the early planning stages.
However, a question came up that left us scratching our heads, and I am not quite sure how to ask it… but here it goes:
Are there certain businesses that are “locked up” by the locals that outsiders can’t get into and may not be issued permits because they are “from the mainland,” the “wrong color,” or the business “might be a threat to my friend/brother/uncles existing business?” Is there an invisible “wall” that one might run into?
Understand please that we are not going into this venture with any pre-conceived notions about the island and its people, nor are we trying to offend anybody in any way. But we are fully aware that in some “small towns” there is a “good-old-boy” network that benefits some and not others – usually excluding “outsiders.”
Has anyone run into this? Are there any other issues that might come up? I would also love to hear from any other small business owners who “took the plunge” and what their experiences, good or bad, have been.
Thanks!
Mark - "Island Hopeful"
“My Other Car Is A Disney Bus” (-:
Posted : July 3, 2005 3:29 pm
Seems that nobody thus far has answered your post so I guess it falls to me to give you the courtesy of a reply.
I assume you've contacted the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs to discover licensing requirements and physical sites that might be available for you to set up your proposed “Roadside-Stand/Cart” type setup?
If you haven't, then read no further!
Yes, there are innumerable "invisible walls" here. As a 20 year resident I can wholeheartedly attest to that. All I can honestly say is that I wish you luck in your xenture - but you have a lot of work ahead of you in dealing with the local bureaucracy insofar as setting up your business is concerned.
Posted : July 4, 2005 5:05 am
I would add that I recently saw a lengthy interview with a businessman on STX that was leaving after trying for many months to open/run a hotel. He was troubled by all the paperwork, this dept, that, which all needed "payments" (implying that it was under the table stuff I believe). He was troubled because we hear so much on how badly STX needs new businesses..........guess they weren't interested in his.
Hope STT is interested in yours. Good luck.
If your idea is for a tourist related road-side stand.......where are you thinking you'll set up shop? That might be the key to the success/unlikelyness of the idea.
Posted : July 4, 2005 3:08 pm
Hi Mark,
I remembered a recent discussion on this same topic recently - so I did a search and if you search "leasing for small business STT" dated March 23rd you will be able to read all the contact numbers, and info on setting up a cart, but it appears there is none available 🙁
Good luck
Posted : July 4, 2005 3:38 pm
Hi Mark
Having been on island a little over a year and opening 2 successful businesses maybe I can give you a little insight.
Yes there can be "invisible walls", but nothing that can't be overcome by someone with the desire and motivation to succeed.
I would highly recommend that you (and your partner) pay someone to do the licensing and paperwork for you. Depending on the type of business involved you might pay anywhere from $300 to $1,000 for the license(s), and for said person to do the work for you. In my experience this is a huge time saver and is well worth the money. You can look in the yellow pages for someone to do these services or best yet just ask around when you get here.
Also, don't expect things to go as fast or as smoothly as they would in the states, but rest assured that they will eventually get done. Be polite and friendly with the inspectors, officials, etc, and be sure and invite them back for your grand opening. A little effort can turn these potential "walls" into supporters and loyal patrons of your establishment.
Hope this is somewhat helpful, and good luck with your venture.
Dave
Posted : July 4, 2005 4:30 pm
