No. 11 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2019 l
l Guide to starting a
business in Nashville from the ground up
l Chattanooga is a hotbed of new businesses
To all our Hispanos Emprendedores, first thank you for the immense support you have given us in the past two and a half years that we have been working to bring a quality product, and where the true face of the Hispanic worker is reflected. Now our mission goes further; consequently, we have decided that 2020 will be the year of Academia Hispanos Emprendedores, where we will be teaching companies and participants about business; from how to manage it effectively, to how to do digital marketing. The public library has opened its doors to be the official headquarters and several companies are interested in participating. We hope we can continue to build partnerships, continue informing, and now, begin training all our Hispanos Emprendedores. Remember that if you want to be part of our projects you can write to: info@hispanosemprendedores.com
Ă?NDICE
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What kind of business can I open in Pigeon Forge?
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Guide to starting a business in Nashville from the ground up
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The Secrets of Hispanic Beauty
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Five keys to dressing well for a job interview
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How to choose mentors for your business
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Chattanooga is a hotbed of new businesses
The great metropolises of Tennessee are not the only ones that offer entrepreneurial opportunities; there are also small cities that have a lot of potential. At Hispanos Emprendedores we want to show you by responding to the question regarding what type of business can I start in Pigeon Forge. ONE OF THE BEST CITIES TO INVEST IN TENNESSEE The locally prevailing economic climate, together with the constant support of the Chamber of Commerce and other associations, promotes the opening of new businesses in Pigeon Forge. According to NerdWallet, this city is among the best top 10 to start a business in Tennessee. While activities related to health and automotive industries prevail in other cities, tourism, entertainment, and hospitality dominate here. It is a fact that you must consider if you want to start a business in Pigeon Forge. Other business alternatives include hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, amusement parks, transportation services and many more. But behind this sector there
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is much more; for example, an amusement park needs technical and maintenance services, and a luxury camp requires specialized suppliers. There are opportunities everywhere and Pigeon Forge is known for always having something new to offer visitors. If you have a good eye for businesses, you will find a place in this city. INFORMATION REGARDING PIGEON FORGE Pigeon Forge is a small city, with about 6,000 inhabitants. It is in Sevier County, near the east coast of Tennessee, about five miles from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Among the state’s largest cities, Knoxville is the closest, at 33 miles. Chattanooga and Nashville are two and three hours away, respectively.
It is easy to access the city by road or by plane. In recent years, new air routes have opened from other states towards Knoxville and Sevierville, which has also impacted the number of visitors to the city. From Pigeon Forge, you can organize visits to the Smoky Mountains. In addition, there are attractions such as Dollywood, and the museum dedicated to Elvis Presley. What type of business can I start in Pigeon Forge? Clothing and souvenir stores, amusement parks, theaters, restaurants, and hotels are among the most predominant businesses in the city. If you have decided to start a business, evaluate your choices and decide on something you are passionate about. The following are
some ideas for starting a business in Pigeon Forge: Travel and Tourism Agencies The proximity of the city to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great advantage. The number of attractions also pulls in many visitors. Help visitors organize their trips from scratch by offering information and support to choose accommodations, transportation, itineraries, and other services. You can specialize in a specific area such as organizing hiking routes, gastronomic tourism, etc. Luxury Camps In recent years, luxury or glam camps have become a trend and Tennessee is no stranger to it. It is about offering the experience of camping outdoors, while the guest enjoys all the comforts of a luxury hotel. It is a different way to enjoy nature and has already earned a place in the State. Figure out how to differentiate yourself and what you can offer your clients that others are not doing. Restaurants Visitors need a good place to eat. You have the option of buying a franchise in Pigeon Forge, but also of opening a restaurant with an original concept. The location will be key to its success. Find a place near the main attractions and the busiest places.
In Tennessee, barbecue cooking is preferred by most. This shouldn’t prevent you from taking risks with other styles and including your Hispanic heritage in your menu. Souvenir shops Some people like to purchase a souvenir from every place they visit. That is why having a souvenir shop in a city where tourism prevails is a good choice. However, it is not the only option if you like retail. Consider that there are also people who make lastminute purchases during their trips and, for example, may need camping equipment, utensils, and trekking shoes, etc. Hotels and lodging Entrepreneurship in the hotel sector is a challenge, particularly from an economic standpoint. However, there is a wide range of options. That is if you have rooms available you can rent them, open a bed and breakfast, among others. With enough resources, you can open a hotel. One of the advantages this type of business brings to any city is the creation of new jobs. It also allows other entrepreneurs an opportunity to provide their services: maintenance, catering, laundry, catering and much more. If at any time you have wondered what kind of business you can open in Pigeon Forge, here are several options. Which of these catches your attention the most?
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Known as Music City, the city has been recognized several times as one of the best in Tennessee, and the country, for entrepreneurs. But taking the first steps without having an idea of what you are going to encounter, or the paperwork involved is a risk that is better avoided. Read this guide in Hispanos Emprendedores to start a business in Nashville and learn about the process. A BOOMING CITY During the past decade, Nashville has experienced considerable business growth making it stand out as one of the best cities, according to a study on the business page of INC.com. It stood out among the first 4 of the 50 cities that the organization compared. It was also ranked third with the best rate of entrepreneurship and business creation. The main attraction of the city is the music scene, which for years has attracted artists and entrepreneurs in this industry. However, it is not the only sector that predominates; health also occupies an important place, attracting entrepreneurs to start or expand their business. The numbers confirm the importance of the health industry: • Nashville is home to 6 of the 10 largest hospital chains in the country. • This area is home to more than 800 health care companies. 5
In which industry should you start up a business in Nashville? The best answer is the one you are most passionate about. Although music and health are the largest industries, it does not mean that you must fit into any of these research the various networking areas. events in the city to connect with other entrepreneurs. If you are passionate about what you do and are willing to work hard Guide to Starting a Business from to get your venture off the ground, the Ground Up in Nashville you have a chance of success in The city of Nashville and Nashville. Davidson County are open to new entrepreneurs. We want to take this Here you will find talent; with more opportunity to clear up any doubts, than twenty university campuses so you don’t have any problems you will have professionals trained starting or moving your business. in different areas to help you with your project. To do so, we answer some frequently asked questions that will help you As in other places, there are get to know the region in which you also challenges you will have to want to start your business. overcome if you are going to start a business in Nashville. The main Do I need a business license? one is access to funding, but with a Depending on the type of business strong network of contacts, you will you are going to start, you may get the resources you need. If you need a business license in Nashville. don’t already have someone to lean So first you need to define what on, the Chamber of Commerce is your venture is about. a good place to start. You can also
What taxes must I pay in Nashville? When starting a business in Nashville, you should check what your tax commitments are. Here are the main ones: - You must apply for a sales tax number if the business is going to resell any products. - State taxes on franchises and excise taxes are required for certain businesses. - If you are going to hire employees you must pay unemployment insurance tax. Should I apply for a use and occupation permit? There are some types of businesses that are exempt from this license. To find out exactly what they are, check with the county’s Business Tax Service. How do I apply for a business license? You can apply for the business license with the county by mail or in person. If you come to the office you must present a valid photo ID, which can be a driver’s license, and pay the appropriate fee. These requirements must accompany the application.
If you are applying for a business license for a general partnership or a husband and wife partnership, the application must have specific information about both partners. This includes social security numbers, signatures, and a copy of a government-issued identification.
Before starting operations, you should consult with the Zoning Division and verify that the business can operate in the zone you have chosen. To operate in residential and commercial areas, you need use and occupancy permit.
If you work from home, you must Is it mandatory to register my meet certain requirements, such as not posting signs. And if you have business name in Nashville? In Tennessee it is not required to vehicles, they must not exceed an register the name of the business; axle load of 1.5 tons. however, it is recommended that you do so for two reasons. First, This guide to starting a business from to avoid confusion with other the ground up in Nashville will help If you apply by mail you must send businesses that could later create answer your questions. Don’t forget your payment by check or money a legal conflict. Second, you avoid to ask about other issues, such as order, no cash is allowed. having another company register what insurance you need to prevent risks. the same name. Updated fee schedules are available from the county clerk’s office and When you choose your business local authorities. name, make sure it is unique and identifies what you do. Check if the FOR MORE INFORMATION AND ADVICE on how to start your own business, What requirements must I submit name is taken on the Secretary of write to us in the contact tab at if I am applying for a partnership State’s website. license? WWW.HISPANOSEMPRENDEDORES.COM
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David Bracamonte dbracamonte@hispanosemprendedores.com If there’s one thing that stands out among Hispanic women, beyond their intelligence and ability to strive for their goals, they desire to always look beautiful. Anaelis Santiago is dedicated to helping make that happen, and she confesses that “I love making people beautiful.� With her venture, called Fabulous Beauty, she has managed to fulfill many of her dreams, and every day she is seeing the fruit of her hard work. Although her business was not aimed at serving only Hispanics, time and successful outcomes have made her grow and position herself in the city. Veteran of Beauty Anaelis was born in Puerto Rico and came to Clarksville like most people, because of the military; in this case, she was on duty and when she left, she remained attached to this city. During her time of service, she studied and prepared herself in the medical field, but professional education 9
in aesthetics came after her time in Living in Tennessee the army. While living in Clarksville for 17 A graduate of Queen City College in years, she has seen the growth Clarksville, Anaelis worked her way of the Hispanic community up until she obtained her present- increasing in recent years, and day beauty salon. “After beauty her clientele has seen this as school, I worked in a salon for 5 well. At some point they have years and after it closed, I opened visited salons where they may my own business, a beauty salon not have gotten the results they focusing primarily on skin and wanted, but because they did hair,” and she has also taught at the not speak English so fluently did institute where she graduated. not complain much. But, now in her salon, they get professional Together with her current husband, service, and they are able to say they decided to give a special what they want in Spanish and touch to their salon. “At that time, receive it at affordable price. the Sex and The City series was very popular, so we decided to As a mother of five, the take our inspiration from it to style advantages she saw in favor of our salon.” living in Tennessee were the cost of living, the pace of life, the educational system and Business Preparation the quiet atmosphere. It is still a quiet area compared to other Anaelis decided to prepare places. herself before taking the path of entrepreneurship, so she took Advice advantage of the courses offered From one entrepreneur to by the Clarksville Chamber of another, the advice Anaelis Commerce. “I learned a lot with gives is very timely, “it’s good the Chamber’s program, I used it to have the experience of what and it has worked well for me. That you want to do and give good program can teach you to look customer service. Besides for good prices on rentals, plus it being prepared, knowing the guides you to places where you costs well, and always having could ask for loans,” without a doubt your paperwork in order.” a necessary guide for anyone who wants to start a business. This is how Anaelis Santiago has managed to run her A distinguishing feature she business in Clarksville wanted to promote in her and is part of Hispanos business from the beginning was, Emprendedores. “affordable prices. Keeping costs low was a strategy I used to gain more customers, Exit 1 was the APPOINTMENTS: place to go for fashionable clothes, PHONE 931-206-7504 but it was super expensive,” that strategy made her salon more appealing.
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At Hispanos Emprendedores we want our readers to succeed in everything they do. Even if you haven’t yet managed to promote your own business or idea and are looking for a job that will help you do this, here are some ideas for you to dress appropriately when you attend a job interview. 11
1.- DO A PRELIMINARY STUDY: If you are applying for a job, you must do some research about the company, and depending on the branch you are in, find out what their employees wear.
some advice: leave them at home. When attending a job interview it is advisable to wear a shirt, we repeat, of a neutral color. Depending on the work environment, jeans may be acceptable, if they are in 2.- WEAR NEUTRAL COLORS: excellent condition. For women, We are Hispanic and for many it is better to avoid cleavage, of us that means that we also miniskirts and spaghetti straps. love bright colors, but this is not always the appropriate for all 4.- DON’T OVERDO IT WITH occasions. For a job interview, ACCESSORIES: Less is more. neutral colors should be your Wearing too many accessories first choice; black, gray, white is never recommended when and dark blue would be a good looking for a job. Showing off choice. all your jewelry would make the client think that you don’t need 3.- AVOID CASUALNESS: For the work and that you are doing men who love flannel we have fine.
5.- CARRY A BRIEFCASE OR PORTFOLIO: Try to carry your best bag or portfolio, where the resume fits without having to fold it. If it matches the color of your clothes and texture, much better.
Relying on an advisor to shape your business is a great help in getting the momentum you need. Today at Hispanos Emprendedores, we teach you how to choose mentors for your business. Follow these tips to find the experts you need.
must pinpoint what you want them for. Every entrepreneur’s needs are different. In addition, it will also depend on the stage your business is in. Although, it is recommended that you contact a mentor from the beginning, this will help you to focus on your project.
Define what you need help with, what you want to learn, and what expectations and goals you want THE to achieve.
STEPS TO FINDING MENTORS YOU NEED Facing business experts can be intimidating at first. However, these people are there to help and offer their knowledge to those in need. Many of them volunteer and understand how difficult it can be to start your own business.
START LOOKING A good mentor can be found within your family, among your colleagues or in organizations such as universities or chambers of commerce. Don’t limit yourself when you start looking. Get away from your desk and find out about the various programs for entrepreneurs. In Tennessee, many organizations offer to mentor, starting with chambers of commerce to national institutions with local offices.
Quite a few of them have also traveled that road. Others are experts in specific areas such as accounting, legal issues, taxes, hiring employees, access to financing and more. Which of these Evaluate the characteristics do you need? of each, and the type of training they offer, to begin It’s precisely in that question that meeting with your potential you’ll find the first step toward mentors. choosing the ideal counselor. MEET WITH THE CANDIDATES DEFINE WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING The next step is to arrange FOR a meeting with the Before going out to look for a candidate you have mentor, in any organization, you chosen. In this first 13
meeting, you should make it clear what it is you are looking for and what you need help with. Discuss why you have chosen them and listen to what their working terms will be. When you are clear about everything, ask them to be your mentor and start working together. SET A WORK SCHEDULE Once you find your mentor and both of you are clear about the terms of the relationship, set up a meeting schedule. You should decide which days you will meet depending on your mutual availability. You will also have to decide what topics you are going to discuss at each meeting. You must be responsible and commit to every meeting. Show your commitment to this area and you will receive the same response from your mentor. Where to choose mentors for your business Now we’ll tell you about some programs and organizations in
Tennessee where you can turn to find the best mentor for your business. With the right mentoring you can be among the most successful Latino businesses.
Launch TN Launch Tennessee also has a free mentoring program for the public. They help prepare the marketing strategy and to acquire capital.
SCORE This organization has volunteer mentors who share their expertise to help small businesses grow. The organization is associated with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the mentoring service is free. You can contact them online or go to your local office. It also offers facilities to connect with the mentors by email or video chat.
The program prepares you to be able to present your project to potential investors, partners, even customers. It is one of the most comprehensive in the state. Go to the local chamber of commerce Joining your local chamber of commerce has many advantages. One of them is that they provide training and offer to mentor business owners and new entrepreneurs. These organizations can help you expand your network. In addition, they have experts in all the areas you need to learn about.
Co.lab In every city in Tennessee, you will find organizations dedicated to helping businesses. In Chattanooga, The Company Lab (Co.Lab) stands out as a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting new Each chamber of commerce has its business. own programs. Visit your local office and find out what they have to offer. They have specialists in finance, They also have comprehensive accounting, legal services, information regarding the city’s marketing, etc. They will guide you economy that you can use to in case you need to redefine your develop your business. business model, prepare you to enter the market and much more. Now you know how to choose mentors for your business. With this Tennessee Small Business foundation, you can start looking for Development Center (TSBDC) mentors to help you grow. The TSBDC is an organization with more than 30 years of experience helping entrepreneurs to carry out their projects. Count on its free mentoring service; they will listen to you and give you advice to solve any problems you may have. In all, there are fifteen TSBDC offices throughout the state, which you can also access online. 14
programs that provide support during the start-up phase. You will also find mentors and access to the capital you need as a business. Organizations look after new businesses so that they can grow and encourage the spirit of innovation.
According to the web study, opening a new business in Chattanooga, which includes a 1,000 square foot commercial office and five full-time employees, costs $241,901.
It’s the cheapest city to start a business in the United States For the fifth consecutive year, Chattanooga has positioned itself as the city where it costs the least to start a business. This was can find venture confirmed by the financial website and acceleration SmartAsset in a study.
America’s fastest Internet There is a reason why Chattanooga is compared to Silicon Valley, and the reason is that the southern city is a magnet for tech companies. Although there’s still a big gap between the two, many come here to take advantage of the resources it offers.
It’s the cheapest city to start a business, has the fastest Internet in the country and people willing to take risks. For these reasons, Chattanooga is a hotbed for new businesses. In Hispanos Emprendedores we give you details of why you should consider it when investing. Solid Business Ecosystem CChattanooga is a medium-sized city in Tennessee; it is just 2 hours from Nashville and Atlanta, two major population centers. A few years ago, this southern city began to attract talent and businesses from other states. There are many reasons why they bring their projects and launch their businesses in Chattanooga. By coming here, they are welcomed into a strong economic ecosystem, where they have enough support to take their first steps safely. Here you incubators 15
To arrive at this conclusion, we analyzed: real estate costs, filing fees, utilities, and employee Why Chattanooga is a hotbed of expenses. new businesses If you have a business idea, It is not the only city in Tennessee Chattanooga is the right place listed, Knoxville and Memphis are to try it out. Its location and the also in the top ten. resources offered have made many risk launching or expanding their The cost of the payroll is low, as business here. are the rents. This makes starting a business in the city much less Here’s why you should consider expensive than in other places, such starting a business in Chattanooga. as, Silicon Valley.
In that sense, the main one is the fastest Internet in the whole country. This is possible thanks to The Gig project, which installed a fiber-optic network that provides the highest download speed in the entire United States, at 1 gigabit per second. This is 200 times faster than the national average
In Chattanooga, there is always someone who is willing to lend a hand and celebrate success with you. In this city, you can try out new concepts and see if your idea works, not only because of the support you will receive but also because of how economical it is.
For example, Lamp Post Group is an incubator that works with transport and logistics companies, and The Edney Innovation Center is a 10-story building that serves as a meeting place for entrepreneurs. There you can meet other entrepreneurs and build your network.
Thanks to this the city attracts large If you have a product to sell there technology companies and others are places like the Chattanooga Market where you can reserve a that are starting up. site and offer it to the public. The Experts agree that this is one of the advantage is that you don’t have to greatest competitive advantages. spend on renting a place until you However, it still faces challenges in can see that people like what you offer. And at the same time, you will attracting more talent. be attracting future loyal customers. Positive attitude towards Programs and events that promote entrepreneurship Those who have taken the risk of entrepreneurship entrepreneurship in Chattanooga There are many organizations in the have encountered people with an city that are dedicated to helping innovative spirit and a willingness new businesses. One of the most to take risks. The support of important is The Company Lab or the community at large for Co.lab, but there are many others like the Chamber of Commerce entrepreneurs is evident. itself or the various public and They demonstrate their positive private venture incubators. attitude in many ways. They share ideas with entrepreneurs, provide Thanks to this, it is possible to find financing, consume products and numerous programs to which you can turn if you need any kind of services from local entrepreneurs. support.
For these reasons, Chattanooga is a hotbed of new business. If you have not yet decided where to start, this city is a great alternative. Do you need to boost your business? Contact us and we will help you.
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