Just got layed off.

[redring]

new web look is mostly don. http://courtis.wix.com/ignite Im thinking ill add a gallery, maybe a facts page, still undeciede if I want to quote each event or just put up a price scale. I personally am more likely to call someone if I already know how much.

[Then Came Jen]

Sole proprietorship is you, and exists from the moment you say you are a business. Being an official business depends on your city and location. For me in my state, I had to register with the state as a DBA - Doing Business As. I also needed a business license and privilege license (I think is what they call it.) I tried to operate out of my home in my own city, but my neighbors have to agree to a new home business, and one didn't agree. Instead of going in front of the planning commission and fighting them, I opted to keep the peace and go to a neighboring city. There, there is a loophole in the city code that allows the small business office to allow virtual tenants - so I pay a small monthly rent to have my business in their building, and my business license is through that city. From the day I signed my lease, it took me 2 days to be licensed and ready to go... and that was only because I showed up at the planning commission for the city after the guy who signs the licenses had gone home for the day.

So in essence, if you are a business, all you have to do is meet your state and city requirements to be a full sole proprietorship.

[Pushka]

Originally Posted by redring

new web look is mostly don. http://courtis.wix.com/ignite Im thinking ill add a gallery, maybe a facts page, still undeciede if I want to quote each event or just put up a price scale. I personally am more likely to call someone if I already know how much.

The website is great.

With regard to the prices - maybe you could put 'prices start from...' That way you can give the customer an idea about your prices, but not have to detail it too much and so not have to spend too much time updating the website. A facebook page is good to have as well, but it does need maintaining.

[redring]

Thanks! then came jen for the info and thanks pushka for the compliments! I do have a facebook page. It can be liked and is linked to right on my web page. its in the top right hand corner. I have a lady interested in me being in her event and it may be a good hob nobing event. But she is asking about licensing. I had meant to go down Friday but got caught up with working out alternative power. I am hoping I can get everything taken care of Monday. The event wont be till the 14th so it should be ok to e-mail her back on Monday after I visit the county auditor which is where everything needs to be don here. I was just crossing my fingers that it wouldn't take a month. Now I have to cross my fingers that my unemployment wont bulk at this. I felt like an idiot when the woman asked about my licensing. But my husband says ive never don these things for my self before and ill catch up fast. Just have to get this taken care of. And things like this is what ive been worried about.

[redring]

went to the city building today. they only offer a small range of licenses that they want aplied for. The lady swore up and down I dont need one because I dont fall under any catagory the city is worried about licensing. I will however need one if I want to set up on city property. I have to submit a proposal for that a month ahead of time and pay $50 for a years licens to set up there. Plus concent of any business im set up outside of. some sort of open air permit. She said for parks events ill see the apropriate park office and aply for a permit with them. I did do a DBA. $11 good deal and was givin info that says I have to catalog all my business ownings ( compressors, airbrushes ect) value and pay taxes on them yearly. I do not have to charge sales tax as I do not sell a tangable product. I think im suposed to just lump earnings in with my taxes every year? Ill need to ask about that. or maybe ill call my tax guy. he is awsome. So not so bad all worked out. The unemployment office lady told me not to submit my earnings from this. She said it would just constantly mess up my case. She sais if it wont get in the way of me finding a job its fine. that worries me a bit but all I can do is go by what im told. I sent a answer off to my client whome is pleased and will place the matter befor her bord and see if they agree to have me at the event. oh I believe I dont need a tax # she said I could double check it with the #in the packet she made for me but I do not have employees and I dont charge taxes. For all other purposes I would use my own social security #.

[Pushka]

I am so excited for you!

I know it must seem really overwhelming at the moment, but it will all fall into place. Just make sure you dot your i's and cross your t's!

Good luck
Anna

[Angelas Abstract 2]

It is exciting starting your owen business! Yes Meeting all your city & state requirements can be a chore, but once you have the red tape out of the way, you will be glad you did it. We wish you the very best starting your new adventure as a business owner. I'm sure you will love your new job.

[redring]

Thanks all!