Start Your Own Business

Consider the option that puts you in charge: Create your own business. It’s not quite as easy as hammering a sign to your garage door, nor is it a guarantee of long-term success. But with the right business plan and some good guidance, perhaps it can work for you.

You’ll need to ask yourself some tough questions, and make some very solid plans, including:

• Getting start-up capital.
• Arranging for insurance – including payroll insurance, workers compensation, unemployment insurance and others.
• Understanding what taxes and fees you need to pay.
• Marketing your business.
• Paying yourself until your business gets profitable.
• Learning how to keep the books.

CDO Workforce Career System can help. Our advisers can connect you to the right resources, including:

• The state Self Employment Assistance Program – which can let you start a business while still collecting unemployment benefits.
• The Executive Service Corps of Otsego-Delaware, which provides counseling on a number of skills, including marketing, business plans and human resources.
• NY Loves Small Business, a statewide program to help get you started.
• The chambers of commerce in Chenango, Delaware and Otsego counties.
• Economic Development departments in Otsego and Delaware, and the Chenango County Planning Department.