We just capped off the Small Business Week last May 12-16, 2014, where entrepreneurs showcased their humble businesses. It is also the chance to amplify the advocacy of SBA whose goal is to invite more people to start their own business.

Small businesses are crucial to the country’s economy. Indeed, more than half of Americans either own or work for small businesses. Does this event spark your idea of having your own and being your own boss? You’re lucky. Because with the advent of technology, it has become a lot easier to own a business today, than it is a few decades ago. Did you know that you can now buy business online? Just go through business listing sites, and you’ll find hundreds of businesses for sale.

Now, once you have decided which business to buy, the next thing you have to do is to find a location. Here, we’ll discuss some simple things to help you choose the right location for your small business.

Know Your Needs 
Most of the time, budding entrepreneurs look for a location that would give them the most exposure for their small business. However, that is not the only thing that one should consider. There are also other factors which demands attention.

Reputation of the Location: Is your prospect location in line with the image of your business? It’s important that the ambiance of the location consistent with how you want your business to be deemed as.

Competition: Is the market saturated already with the business that has the same nature as yours? Or do the businesses complement that of your own?

Zoning Law: This is where you can determine whether you can conduct business in your prospect location.

Does it fit your Budget 
The upfront cost of the monthly rent for the location should not only the thing that bothers you; there is also some financial considerations that you should be aware of:

Renovation Cost: When you visit your prospect location, do you think that it is business ready? Can you run your business in it with minimal to no renovation and upgrades?

Taxes: Different cities require different taxes, so you should check out the state where your business would be in. Know the income and sales tax under your state.

Is the Location Business Friendly 
When doing business in a particular location, it is important to check its laws and regulations. To know whether you are going overboard or if you are still complying with the state’s limitations for businesses. It is also ideal if you hire a counselor in order to maximize the resources available for small businesses like you.

Running your own business is not easy, especially if you’ll start from scratch. But if you’ll do your research and will be wise to your every decision, it’s not impossible that your small business will succeed.