Starting a small business - Best forums for info?

[Iheartfall]

Due to things not in my control I'll have lots of free time starting in December. Luckily, I have emergency savings to last me a long long while. I've decided to start a home cleaning and possibly commercial cleaning service. Is anyone here an employee or owner of this type of business? Any advice? I'm happy to respond to private messages! The more I read the more unsure I am at how long each house will take to clean and how to figure pricing .

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would also suggest going to www.irs.gov and order the following publications which will probably help a lot.

334 - Tax Guide for Small Business (For Individuals Who Use Schedule C or C-EZ)
463 - Travel, Entertainment, Gift, and Car Expenses
535 - Business Expenses
551 - Basis of Assets
552 - Recordkeeping for Individuals
560 - Retirement Plans for Small Business (SEP, SIMPLE and Qualified Plans)
583 - Starting a Business and Keeping Records
587 - Business Use of Your Home
946 - How to Depreciate Property

And also, if the time can be spared and at and minimal cost take a first semester Principles of Accounting course at a local Community College. Not necessarily to keep the books, but to get an understanding of what the business is doing.

Note that most small business fail within the first few years not because the owner did not know his subject but because they did not understand the accounting.

Mike (CPA Retired)