If you're looking to start a business in the state of Colorado, then there are a few things you should know first. Here's a short list with five tips on how to begin your adventure in the Centennial State.
One of the first things you should do is to find an office space. You don't need a large space to start a business. In fact, even a tiny desk can be a source of productivity. To get started, you can either look for an affordable business center or work from home. There are several advantages to operating from home. For example, you can work when and where you want, set your own hours, and make extra cash. However, you should understand that there are certain disadvantages that come with working remotely. For instance, you will not be able to interact with customers face-to-face, which can hurt your business' social image. In some cases, you have to pay for local delivery or pick up of your packages. So, before making any rash decisions, take some time to find out how to start a business in Colorado the right way.
Among the many advantages that Colorado has to offer, one of the most innovative is its approach to business taxation. To encourage businesses to set up shop in the state, the government offers numerous tax incentives. For example, the Colorado Enterprise Zone program provides qualified businesses with a 25% sales tax discount for 12 months. This is in addition to the standard 3% sales tax that every business has to pay.
In the Denver metropolitan area, the business tax rate is 5.63%. For residential property, the rate is 4.35%. If you're a business owner who lives in the Denver metro area and makes more than $50,000 per year, you can take advantage of the lower rate through an S-corp tax structure. You can also qualify for the Intangible Business Tax Credit. This credit provides for a full or partial refund of business taxes paid on purchased equipment and furniture in the state. You are responsible for filing the correct paperwork with the state to qualify for these tax incentives. However, with the right planning and the help of a CPA, you can easily navigate the tax requirements of Colorado and put the state's fiscal policies to work for you.
While it's still early days in the e-commerce revolution, the potential for online shopping in Colorado is immense. The state is home to a number of well-known companies, such as Starbucks, Nordstrom, and Apple Inc. The first two are popular brands that operate stores mostly online. The last one is one of the largest companies in the world, and most of its products are bought online.
Starbucks opened its first store in the state over 20 years ago, and it's since grown to over 2800 stores in North America and Europe. The retail giant even has a roastery in Greenwood Village where you can get a cup of coffee and purchase merchandise to take home. While most of what the company sells is coffee, it also has everything from umbrellas to tablet cases, all available for online purchase. If you run a business that benefits from online shopping, Colorado is a must-visit state. Even if you don't sell your products online, you can still take advantage of the state's well-stocked online marketplaces to find the supplies you need for your business.
In today's world, a business' reach can extend well beyond the four walls of the building. With social media, your business can have a presence in every corner of the globe. In the case of the Starbucks roastery in Colorado, the company maintains a presence on both Instagram and Twitter. On the former, you can find photos of their products and services, as well as glimpses of the roastery's interior. On the latter, you can find updates on the coffee giant's projects, as well as product information and discounts.
If you have a social media account, you should certainly maintain a presence on the platforms that matter to your target audience. In the case of the coffee giant, the audience is made up mostly of people living in, or who are visiting, the state of Colorado. By posting content that relates to the Colorado community, the company can tap into a large, engaged audience, which could lead to increased sales.
There are many types of route-based businesses that you can start or buy, for example, you have transportation businesses, delivery services, serviced-based routes, and even waste management businesses, If you are looking to work 4 days a week and make a decent weekly income I suggest you check out bizroutes.com to find some established routes for sale in Colorado.
One of the most important things you can do for your business is to not forget the little things. The little things can make a big difference, especially when taken collectively. If you want to run a successful and profitable business in the state of Colorado, or anywhere for that matter, you need to pay close attention to the little things. These things may include making sure your website is up to date and has all the necessary details, getting the right tires for your car, registering your business with the state, learning how to manage your time, creating a positive work environment, and much more.
While it's important to focus on the big picture, you also have to be mindful of the details. If you want to start a profitable business in the state of Colorado, or anywhere, for that matter, you need to be careful with your daily operations. These things will make a difference, and together they can help you reach your fullest potential. Never forget the little things because if you do, it could spell the end of your business. Just keep your eye on the ball and continue making the right moves.
Many businesses fail because they make the mistake of focusing solely on the bottom line, while overlooking more critical aspects of their operations. The above tips will help you get started in the right way in Colorado so you can avoid these pitfalls and reach your fullest potential.
