A: “The single piece of advice is location, location, location. Make sure you have easy access to subways and parking.” —Lynn Berger, career counselor and coach
A: “1) Get a great bookkeeper. 2) Have an attorney review all legal agreements like leases, vendor contracts, etc.” —Jeanne Brutman, LUTCF, CFBS, CFS, CLTC, CLU, financial advocate and strategist
A: “Getting folks to see your dream. No one will see it as clearly as you do, so get used to repeating yourself over and over and over. If you have the passion and believe what you are selling, people will begin to get on board. Try to work with folks that get what you're trying to provide. Make sure you have a clear picture of your business in your thoughts, because people will try to alter your dream to what they think it should be.” —Wali Collins, CEO, Y’Nevano
A: “I would recommend that anyone starting a business in The Bronx check with the city, county and state to explore the various types of financial and technical assistance these agencies are offering to support entrepreneurs. Depending on the type of business being started, all three entities may offer financial or other types of assistance to support businesses that are starting in or relocating to The Bronx.” —Ron Flavin, principal, Ron Flavin, Inc.
A: “To keep physical space costs low, try to find incubator space at one of the four locations in the Bronx offering such facilities. Keep costs down further by having a phantom phone land line going directly to your cell phone. Be careful in your choice of hires, as letting employees go can result in high premiums for state unemployment insurance. Try to hook up with Bronx Community College and get a work-study affiliation that permits you to test potential hires. Encourage employees to have their own health insurance and do not offer to first-year employees.” —Donald P. Mazzella, COO and editorial director, Information Strategies, Inc.
A: “Understand in advance your capacity for patience and loneliness. Building a company does not always look or feel like a Fast Company story.” —Annie Searle, principal, Annie Searle & Associates LLC
Q&A:
BUSINESS ROUNDUP
Q: What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to entrepreneurs who wants to start a new business in The Bronx?
A: “What I can suggest and encourage is to take risks. Nothing has ever occurred without the courage to take the leap and try something that ‘feel’ right to you. It’s also important to trust your gut.” —Serena Wadhwa, Psy.D., LCPC, CADC, assistant professor/program coordinator, therapist