I want to start a small business..Any advice?  

well, you have to first think of the product or service that will interest people. then come up with a business plan: what the business is all about, financial statements and forecasts, operating manual, list of products or services. then location is key also, especially if you opt to get a franchise. what is important is your willingness, commitment, and effort to keep your business running.

first you must create a business plan.
1. know who are your costumers
2. know what is the population near your shop
3. know what your costumers needs and likes
4. create a simple survey on what pastries they like
5. always think that costumers are you first priority..

thats all..

hope it'll help..

good luck.. :)

Hi there Insulin!

Well, I think a bakeshop is a good business especially if its location is strategically chosen. If it will be placed inside or beside a mall, it would be great. Also if it's somewhere where a lot of people pass or is near a place of activities like a school, a plaza, a hospital, among many others. Also, having a business of food has a great chance of prospering since food is one of the basic commodities.

Starting a small business is fine, but here in the US you can't bake cakes out of your home and sell them. In fact if you did you would be in jail. You have to have a seperate building, that passes inspection. Then you have to make sure that you get all of the right papers(Permits) to do such a thing. You can't use the oven or the equipment for personal use, its just for baking your cakes. There is many things that have to be done here in the US if it is something someone will consume.