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That helps alot

Travis,
all these things will be different depending on where you are, how big your company will be, number of employees, etc...

Make a spreadsheet and start collecting the numbers.
Start with the number of employees (probably 2)
If your not going to work from home, start shopping for warehouse space (something small to start with)
Equipment costs
Chemicals
etc...

The only way you will know what your needs are is to figure them up (research) and write them down. This isn't a franchise deal where you are given a turn-key package. You're going to have to spend some time on this.

Most investors want to see some numbers.. Not the expense numbers like how much it will cost you (there money), but the ROI numbers. (How soon they can start making some money on you) You might be better off piecing your business together, getting some work under your belt and showing some income. Investors like to see the number of jobs you have done, the work you have lined up and what potential market there is in your area. These are all things a smart investor will want to know and SEE.

-- Edited by OSM-Jo on Saturday 9th of October 2010 02:18:05 PM

Thanks Chris I'm out on the field helping my uncle do some work and left my cell at home but I'll call you later when I get it Thanks

Not sure why you would need an investor but whatever the reason may be I would recommend you save up your money and invest your own money into your business. I do not see a reason to have an investor or backer if you do not have any experience in the industry and I'm sure they would feel the same. Get your hands dirty by operating for a little while, get use to the business then put a business investment plan together. Good luck

-- Edited by WDE on Saturday 9th of October 2010 04:00:13 PM

Travis, the money you stated you had to start with is more than enough.  You shouldn't need an investor.

-- Edited by Craig Finney on Saturday 9th of October 2010 07:21:15 PM

Yeah I do plan on doing charity work for free to build reputation and get my name and experience out there but then again how can you build a professional company on 5 grand you can't I wanna be the best bro I wanna be the company that when someone says there roof needs clean my company name is right behind it ... I have my plans and Ideas And there is a reason I need a investor/or bank loan what ever you wanna call it. There is alot more to business than just a rig a trailer and a truck IF YOU WANNA MAKE IT LIKE CHRIS =] =]

Travis wrote:

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Yeah I do plan on doing charity work for free to build reputation and get my name and experience out there but then again how can you build a professional company on 5 grand you can't I wanna be the best bro I wanna be the company that when someone says there roof needs clean my company name is right behind it ... I have my plans and Ideas And there is a reason I need a investor/or bank loan what ever you wanna call it. There is alot more to business than just a rig a trailer and a truck IF YOU WANNA MAKE IT LIKE CHRIS =] =]

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 Travis I meant you should offer to work for someone here for a few days.

 

Travis, take it from a newbie that's just getting started. Five grand is plenty to get started with.

You need to reread the advice given above and listen!!! Do you realize that the people giving you advice have already been in your shoes and are trying to guide you in the right direction?

I highly suggest that you start your business small and gather your own knowledge pertaining to supplies, costs, insurance, chemicals, etc, etc. After gaining some experience in the field, you'll be able to figure the costs that are specific to your business and area. Every company is different and you won't be able to just copy expenses from another business.

You only need to buy a minimal amount of equipment to start your business. What happens if you get an investor involved, spend a ton of money that doesn't belong to you, and then it just doesn't work out? You may find out it's harder work than you originally thought. You may find out you don't have what it takes to make consistent sales. You may find out that it's just not for you. You may find out that your market is not responding to your advertising materials. What are you going to do? You have a $30,000 loan to pay off! Then, what happens? If you have only your own capital invested, you can walk away.

Rushing into a business loan with zero experience and not even knowing how to gather information for a business plan sounds like a recipe for disaster. Travis, I don't even know why I'm taking the time to write this. I know you won't consider one word of it. I honestly don't think you're ready to be in business for yourself.

If you plan to make any kind of sale, you need to learn to listen. If you don't listen to your prospect, you will never make a sale. Talk less, listen more!

Travis, I am glad you have big goals, I just hope you have the work ethic to go after them. This board already makes it flat out simple to learn how to clean roofs, best technique, solution, etc. You've got to do some of the hard work on your own, man! I am also similar to you and want to grow faster than I am probably ready for. Take it from me, I went at this full time for a few months and drowned due to inexperience.

Take your time, start smaller and grow into your business.