Microenterprise Resource Guide

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Organizing Your Business

It is important to decide on how to structure your business. There are several different options such as a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation. The structure you decide on will effect many parts of your business such as taxes, liability and ownership. Most micro businesses are sole proprietorships or limited liability corporations. The following website offers a description of all the different business structures as well as some tools to help you decide which is best for you.

http://www.business.gov/phases/launching/choose_structure/index.html

This site covers a variety of planning and start up issues for businesses in Alaska.

http://www.business.gov/regions/states/alaska/index.html

Where will your business be located? 

Location is a crucial factor for many micro businesses.  It is important to check to be sure that there are not zoning restrictions that prohibit operating your business in a specific area?  Make sure you check this before you sign a lease or purchase agreement for your business location.  If you have a home based business, make sure that there aren’t any covenants for your address that prohibits business operation from your home.

http://www.muni.org/Zoning/index.cfm

The following link offers information about choosing a location and what to consider.

http://www.business.gov/phases/launching/pick_location/index.html

Hours of operation, size, etc.

Some other things to consider when structuring your business are what hours you will operate and how big you want your business to become. Think about these things in terms of what fits your lifestyle and will help you to become successful. One of the best things about being your own boss is having the ability to have a flexible schedule and have control over the amount you earn.

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Need Help?

Contact

Roger Shelley at 907-264-6265 or roger@alaskachd.org.

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For assistance or additional information contact:

The Center for Human Development by email | 2702 Gambell Street, Suite 103, Anchorage, AK 99503 | Phone: 907-272-8270 | Toll Free: 1-800-243-2199

The Center for Human Development and UAA are an AA/EO employer and educational institution.