Tips opening your own business.?

I want to open a deli/sandwich/bakery shop here in my city. I don't want to buy a franchise, I want to open an original shop. Any ideas or sites on how to get started. Fortunately I'm an accounting major in college, so I can handle my own books but I have no idea where to get started. Like writing a business plan, and if there are any community agencies or federal agencies that help with small business loans or grants. Thanks for the help!!

Opening your own business is a daunting experience, not to be taken lightly. Since I've participated in 5 startups (3 my own), I do have some advice for you:

- http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/... No, don't laugh. You need to start with baby steps, and the SBA has some good advice. I always go back to this every so often.

- Can't stress enough to find a mentor early on. Someone in the restaurant or franchise business that knows the ins and outs.

- Make sure you have some funding and friends/family funds to help you out, before you go for a loan.

- VISION. You need a vision, and you need to believe it with fanatical zeal. If you don't believe, how can someone else?

- Lastly, opening a new business IS HARD WORK. If you are unafraid of REAL challenges, sometimes on an everyday basis, then it is for you. If you are not willing to lose everything, then perhaps you may want to wait a little.

Best of Luck

Just keep the place tidy and clean. Get yourself a cool name for the shop. Location location location!!!! make sure you get a great location.

http://money.howstuffworks.com/business-...

this site will help you a lot.

I would strongly recommend that you find a deli/sandwich/bakery shop that you like the look of, and ask to do unpaid work experience with them.

You will learn so much, if the owner is prepared to mentor you for a few days.

- processes
-things you like
-things you don't like
-things you were not aware of
-contacts
-tips & tricks

I have been to uni & done post qualifications, and I swear I have learnt far more through work experience than anything else.

The very first thing you need to do is build a menu then the rest will follow,GOOD LUCK and never give up!!