Start a business?

Dear Robert,

You need to be here for quite some time and do your research before even thinking about opening a small business here. Small businesses of all kinds come and go like the wind, whether opened by newcomers or locals and although I'm sure others on the board may know differently, I'd be hard pushed to think of any small business that really "thrives' if you're thinking in terms of major profit. Most small business owners manage to keep a roof over their head and that's about it! Better you find a job working for someone else and let them bear the headaches.

Also, there are several posts on this forum about setting up business and you might want to check them out.

Hello there. I am in the process of opening a small business, however I have a) unusual skills and b) have a "niche" kind of business. I am a psychotherapist and will be working with the Small Business Development Services to get all in order and get a working capital loan to move forward.

One of the things that I think is VERY important is to look at development projects. For example, in St. Croix, there is an area called 'Gallows Bay'. It is kind of an old time town center. A project was approved and will begin implementation next month. It will take the Christiansted Boardwalk and extend it to Gallows Bay, making it in effect a part of the tourist walk for Christiansted and the harbour. It will increase the foot traffic to this area exponentially. Not many folks really reall ALL of the newspaper, such as the legal notices.

As a former grant writer/program developer, it is a habit to know this stuff and to plan in such a way that a business will be the only one of its kind in an area soon to be developed. I have done this in major cities stateside when there have been inner city revitalization grants.

Just an idea I thought I would pass along. Also, when opening a business, it is different (the general paperwork) and I would suggest getting consultation. The SBDC is a great avenue for that.

Best wishes,

Dan

danieljude: With all due respect, I don't think that Robert was thinking in the same hemisphere as you! Cheers!