Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hello,

I'm new to StartUp Nation and this is my first post, I hope I'm on the right page for this. I am flirting with the idea of opening a Banquet/Reception Hall in my area. I have NOT performed any in-depth due dilligence as of yet because I am having trouble finding start-up/operations information for this type of business online. I have, or have access to, experience in the following areas: restaurant/fast-food, catering, and entertainment. I currently hold a supervisory position in the automotive industry.

Is there anyone out there who might be willing to lend me the benefit of their experience? I am looking for anything from where to find information all the way to being mentored by someone with mangerial/ownership experience in this field. Any and all constructive answers would be most appreciated. Thank you.

I'm sure there are people here at SUN community who can help.  But, here are some suggestions until they come forward.  You might try the local chamber of commerce for advice.  These organizations usually have a lot of information on starting up a business.  You can also go the Small Business Administration for information.  And, I don’t know about your area, but Vegas has several educational faculties that help entrepreneurs get started.

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The older we get, the more excuses we make for not chasing after our dreams. But truth is, goals are attainable at any age.

I've had poor experiences with SCORE in the past. On paper they seem like a tremendous entity but, in practice, I've never gotten satisfaction.

Your other suggestion, the Chamber of Commerce, is something I've not thought of. Sounds like it would be to their benefit to steer me on the right direction and they would most definitely have at least SOME of the info I am looking for. Sounds like a winner! Thank you.

Another place to start, check out courses offered at the local/regional Women's Business Center - in Boston it's under the Center for Women and Enterprise. Everyone is welcome. Peopl like me volunteer there as mentors.

Also, for Massachusetts we have the State Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance (SOMWBA). If your state has a similar department, they have materials, resources and referrals.