• First and foremost you need to set aside a suitable space. Somewhere you can set up everything you need that is away from your family so you can comfortably work without disturbing them and without them disturbing you. This could be a spare room, part of your basement, or even the corner of a room that is not regularly used during the hours you will be working.
• Check for any licenses required in your area. Many Cities now require home-based businesses to be licensed. Strata corporations might require you to get permission. It is important to get any license or permissions before you go ahead and start up. This is particularly important if you are going to have deliveries coming to your home, or if it will entail a constant stream of visitors.
• Registering a business name with your local Company Registrar – this is particularly important for tax purposes down the road.
• The basics, depending on the business, but usually would include:
1. Phone Service/Cell Phone/Magic Jack or Skype for long distance
2. Desk and Chair
3. A dedicated computer with internet access
4. Supplies, this will of course depend on your type of business, but most will need letterhead,envelopes, and business cards
5. Any tools of the trade your particular business might require.
6. A filing cabinet and shelving to keep any paperwork and supplies organized.
7. We suggest a separate mailing address, like a UPS Box, so you have an official address that is not necessarily your home. This protects your security, but also allows for large amounts of mail or courier and other deliveries to be received even if you are not home. This also works well if you should open a business elsewhere down the road as there will be no need of an address change.
8. Setting up a separate bank account specifically for receiving and paying separately from any personal accounts.
9. As your business grows consider setting up your business as a corporation.
10. A business email address, there is nothing worse than receiving business email from a hotmail or gmail address. A business email lends professionalism to your business.
11. Comfort Items – fans, heat and cooling appliances depending on the time of year and what is already available in your home. There is nothing worse that trying to work in an environment that is too hot or too cold.
My name is Avril Betts, I am originally from England and now a Canadian Citizen, I have over 25 years experience in all aspects of Travel and Tourism, including running an online agency for over 13 years. I holds a CHA (Certified Hotel Administrator) an internationally recognized accreditation and in 1996 hosted the president’s wives luncheon for the G7 conference.
I have co-chaired Atlantic Canada Showcase an International Travel Trade Show, managed 450 volunteers for the Tall Ships Visit in July 2000, and was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year by the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia. In 1988 I founded the Country Inn Association in Nova Scotia still going strong today. I have been involved in numerous Travel and Tourism volunteer activities throughout Atlantic Canada and across Canada.
As an experienced speaker I have spoken and presented seminars to large and small audiences for many years on subjects ranging from Marketing and Sales and Life Skills to Tourism, Travel and Real Estate, and operating an online Travel business.
As a recognized tourism expert I am accustomed to working with tourists and passing on my knowledge of the various destinations to help them make the most of their vacations.
Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or travel inquiries.