Building a small business is hard work. But if you’re successful, the payoff can be tremendous. And you get to enjoy the satisfaction of being your own boss, making your own decisions and doing work that you love. But it’s important to take your time before you make any “action” steps. Whether you’re thinking of buying an existing business or starting a new venture, there are certain things you need to consider before taking the plunge.
First and foremost, it’s important to find a business that’s worth buying. That means a company that’s already showing signs of profitability and isn’t hiding any skeletons in the closet. This requires careful research and a thorough due diligence process that includes interviewing management, employees and customers.
Generally, a company is considered a small business if it has less than 500 employees and makes less than $1 million in annual revenue. However, the definition varies by industry. Moreover, the size of a company can be determined by how it’s legally structured. Sole proprietorships, partnerships and LLCs are often considered small while corporations are typically viewed as larger businesses.