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Starting your own business can be quite an undertaking. On the other hand, you have all the freedom to pursue your passion, be your own boss and let your creativity run wild. But how do you start? This article tells you what steps to take. Want to start your own business from home? Even then, this article is going to help you further.

Starting your own business? Follow the steps below in the order indicated

1.Do market research
Successfully starting your own business is not done without thorough market research. That sounds obvious, but in case of the Netherlands, 76 thousand businesses stopped in the first half of 2022. This is the highest number since 2007, the year CBS started measuring (de Jager, 2022). Analyse the industry you are interested in and identify what are relevant opportunities. Look at the needs of your target audience and how you can respond to them with razor-sharp precision. Likewise, determine how your company can stand out from competitors. These valuable insights are going to help you shape your business strategy.

2.Write a business plan
A business plan is an essential document that forms the basis of your business. It describes your objectives, target audience, products or services and marketing strategy. A well-thought-out business plan not only helps you organise thoughts, but it is also an important tool when attracting investors or applying for a loan.

3.Choose the right legal form
When starting your own business, you need to decide which legal form suits you best. The most common legal forms are sole proprietorship, general partnership, private limited company and public limited company. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of liability, taxes and administrative obligations. It is advisable to seek legal advice to make the right choice. Assisted by our legal partner Legal8, we can help you with this.

4.Register your company
Once you have chosen your legal form, you need to register your company with the Chamber of Commerce (CoC). Then you need a registration address. This gives you a unique Chamber of Commerce number and you are officially registered as an entrepreneur. Starting your own business from home?
Even then, we advise you to use a business registration address, as this is the only way to keep your business and private life truly separate.

5.Be flexible and learn from experience
Starting your own business comes with ups and downs. It is important to be flexible and open to new ideas and opportunities. Learn from your experiences, both successes and failures, and adjust your strategy if necessary. Follow key developments in your industry closely and adapt your business to changing market conditions. Most of all, keep DOING 😉

Starting your own business is an adventure that requires planning, perseverance and determination from you. By doing market research, drawing up a business plan, choosing the right legal form, registering your business and being flexible, you will realise a good basis for success. Entrepreneurship is a continuous learning process and it is important to keep reflecting for growth.

Follow your passion!
Be sure to let us know when we can do something for you.

Source: de Jager, N. (2022, 11 August). CBS-cijfers: opvallend veel bedrijven opgeheven, aantal faillissementen blijft historisch laag. www.volkskrant.nl. Consulted on 23 May 2023, from https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/cbs-cijfers-opvallend-veel-bedrijven-opgeheven-aantal-faillissementen-blijft-historisch-laag~bf8f8a07/?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F