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I run a flower business from my home. The wholesaler with whom I’ve been dealing will no longer sell flowers to me because of a complaint from a local retail florist. As a home-based business owner what are my alternatives in this situation?
A wholesaler is a private business that may choose to whom it sells its goods, as long as that choice is not based on such factors as race, religion, gender or age. In some industries there may be additional ethical or legal guidelines upon which discrimination cannot occur. If you think a law has been violated in this situation, you could contact an attorney to represent your interests.
It is not uncommon for a wholesaler to give exclusive rights to a retailer for a particular region. Are there other wholesalers from which you can buy?
The Missouri Small Business Development Center offices throughout the state have business specialists who can help you locate other distributors of wholesale flowers. Service Center Locations and Staff Web page provides contact information.
Chris Bouchard
Associate State Director
Missouri Small Business Development Centers
How
do I find funding to start a hair salon business in my home?
To
start a home-based business, such as a hair salon, would-be business owners should
consult basic information on starting a business. Much information on starting
a business, including information on financing issues, can be found on the Missouri
Business Development Program Web site.
How to Start and Manage
a Home-Based Business PDF specifically addresses the topic.
Also, Missouri residents interested in establishing a business should consult Starting a Business on the Missouri secretary of state's Web site for specific information on the legal aspects of starting a business in Missouri .
Phil Leslie
Communication Specialist
Missouri Small Business Development Centers
What
information do you have on starting a nonprofit business?
The
first thing to consider when starting a nonprofit business is qualifying for
nonprofit status. To be considered a nonprofit, such a business must be organized
as a 501(c)(3) corporation and carry out charitable, educational, religious,
literary or scientific purposes. For more information regarding this issue consult
Should
I Seek Non-Profit Status for My Business? on the Missouri
Business Development Program Web site.
You also should access the not for profit corporations section on the Missouri secretary of state's Web site regarding legal issues and forms related to becoming a nonprofit corporation.
Phil Leslie
Communication Specialist
Missouri Small Business Development Centers
I run a very small home maintenance business and would like to form a limited liability company. How can I register as an LLC without paying expensive attorney fees?
To
form an LLC in Missouri you must file articles of organization with the Secretary
of State's office (Corporations Division; 1-866-223-6535).
Such articles are filed by completing form LLC-1 and
paying the $105 filing fee. The one-page form requires such information as the
firm's name, its purpose, the name and address of its registered agent in Missouri,
its management form, dissolution parameters, and the names and addresses of each
organizer.
Phil Leslie
Communication Specialist
Missouri Small Business Development Centers
Does CD31, Missouri Small Business Start-Up Kit CD contain information on how to start a small home business when you live outside city limits?
The fundamentals of starting a business are no different if you live in a city or outside the city limits. Most cities require a business license and many counties do not. However, the requirements of the state do not change whether your location is inside the city limits or outside and these requirements are explained in the CD.
It is recommended to contact your county clerk's office to see if they have any requirements or restrictions.
Chris Bouchard
Associate State Director
Missouri Small Business Development Centers
Updated 8/13/08