The Entrepreneur's Start-Up Guide
Four steps to help you set up your own business

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Other comments on this article.

I own a internet advertising agency, we are launching a new celebrity gossip, fashion and event website called LowKeySpot.com. We have been very successful in marketing our site, we use radio, banner ads and events to get the word out. Starting your own business is a task, being organized and planning ahead are keys to success.

-William Thomas

Yvonne, I live in OKC also, and I am wanting to start my own Daycare/Learning Center in the Northeast of OKC, because our children are not getting prepared to start school. I have asked the Urban League and they only do loans and the lady that I talked to did not encourage me to even look for grants and I know that I could get a grant once I get started. So I feel the same way.

It's so sad that you want to make a difference in the world, but to find the right people and information is sooo hard. But I have emailed one of

-Kateria Hill

Yvonne,

I just got done taking a grant writing class. Part of the class was to research the different types of grant that are available. I would suggest you do some research on the internet and look into foundations. You would be surprised at the grants that are available. It may take some time but in the end it will be worth it. Good luck. I hope this information was helpful.


-Cec

I fulfill a need for small & start up businesses that need good administrative support but cannot afford to hire one. I offer this support from my own office on an hourly/retainer basis. I work with sub contractors, small non profits, and independent entreprenuers. I am dependable & efficient and I provide my services in a secure, timely manner.

www.creativevirtualassistant.net

-Sheryl

Successful entrepreneurs have 7 traits that will help them succeed in starting their own businesses. Successful entrepreneurs gain the respect of their peers, believe and trust in themselves, follow a plan, think creatively, leverage their exceptional skills, envision their success and never give up. Having faith, trust and confidence are all of the qualities needed to become a successful entrepreneur. Affirming your success, Robert Moment

-Robert Moment

First of all, stop thinking of yourself as a minority. Minority mindsets produce minor results. Refute that label put on people of colour by the mainstream...

Think BIG, and all your dreams will come true!

Peace.

-Psalm139

Hi, My Name is Yvonne

I am a Master Instructor of Cosmetology my dream is to start my own Affordable Day Spa. I live in Oklahoma City,OK. SBA,Chamber of Commerce,Urban League,NAACP and Langston OKC. Campus are just a few of the places I have ask for information on starting up a business and if there are truely Grants out there for Single Minority Woman. They all said NO!! I'm confused where is the help for the BMW's of Oklahoma(BLACK MINORITY WOMAN). Then again it is one of those scenarios Not what you But who Know!!!!!!

-Yvonne Baker

Part 2 - students before they enroll is an eye-opener for today's youth. Every time I discuss my college days and/or career to young adults, it is amazing how receptive they become. It honestly brings both parties, true joy! Quite frankly, it is something that is not frequently discussed especially in low-income neighborhood/schools! If you would like for me to guest speak at your High School, College-Fair Workshop, Church, etc please contact me at DLFELIPE@YAHOO.COM

-Dinah L. Felipe (NYC)

Diva is her game?.Fierce is her last name. As a Self-Proclaim ?Educational Consultant?, I advise students (Juniors & Seniors in High School) about their journey towards entering the world of College-Life! The topics that I discuss with the high schootudents are critical for a student's professional & personal growth. It is extremely important for students to know the effects of college on an INDIVIDUAL LEVEL (campus-life, greek-life, work-study, etc?) especially students from the inner-city. Discussng College-Life to s

-Dinah L. Felipe

The last part of my comments is I suggest

promoting a new business with a limited advertising budget by emailing press

releases to tv producers, editors of magazines

and newspapers. They're always looking for

interesting story ideas. Thankfully, it worked

for sundaycosmetics.com. It's a humbling

process.

-Beverly Davis

Last year, I gladly left a dead-end, negative work environment. In October 2007, I launched sundaycosmetics.com through which I market stylish nail polishes with names that inspire, empower and uplift. As a result of a simple press release, it has been featured on Better Mornings (CBS46)and will be in the People Talk section of the May/June issue of Gospel Today Magazine. I'm working with two other local tv producers for more feature stories. I suggest promoting a

new business with a limited advertising budget

by emai

-Beverly Davis

I ama single mom of 2 boys and i am try my hardest o find start-up funds to start my business. I am trying to get atleast some funding from state or local government .MYCREDIT ISNT GREAT EITHER.Is thre any other way to get help to acheive my dreams?

-LW, Suth Carolina

I someone who has been blessed with many talents. I write children stories and I design clothes, shoes, bags and etc. I have designed books of clothes and shoes, outfits and other wear that I know should be on the mark. I wrote children stories that I know many of them can be made into movies once someone reads them. But for the longest of times, I haven't had any idea of how to get my designs on the market. I just need that one break of someone in the business to look at my designs or read my children stories. I know they w

-Cheryl Ross

A few months ago I was let go from my job, as a result of cutbacks. But before that, I was praying for a break thru with starting my own business. So, I took that as a sign from GOD to step out on faith. Since then i've been trying to establish my company...whew! This process is by far the most challenging experience i've had...but it's well worth it!

Thanks for all the articles on women making moves, they truly inspire me. Please stop by and view my site @ www.arihairandbody.com. At ARI Hair & Body we create natural hair

-Kartisha Lindsey, GA

Thank you so much for sharing your testimony. I am so looking forward to doing what I want to do FULL-TIME. I want to be a photographer/videographer. I do side jobs for local wddings and have done work for Bobby Brown and a few others. I would love to GET OUT THERE now and just do it freely and make money enjoying what I love to do.

-Juanita McCravy,SC

Hi,

I have a Tshirt business- Shirts-N-Stuff. You can visit my website @

www.shirtsnstuff.citymax.com to view my lone of Tshirts with a little something for everyone from infants to adults.

Thanks!

Crystal Mitchell

-Anonymous