We all know how tough business is right now, this does not help our community!
QuoteMetro Jacksonville ranked 58th in the small-business vitality standings of 100 major metropolitan areas, as rated by The Business Journals, the online arm of the Jacksonville Business Journal’s parent company, American City Business Journals Inc.
That’s a sharp downturn from a year ago, when Jacksonville was 13th, and from 2009, when the city ranked 25th. (Click here to see the full national standings.)
The rankings are based on a six-part formula that rewards markets that have prosperous economies, are expanding rapidly, and are densely packed with small businesses. (The study defines a small business as any private-sector employer with 99 or fewer employees.)
2011 rank 58
2010 rank 13
2009 rank 25
Metropolitan area Jacksonville
Small-business vitality score 0.863
Small businesses (2008) 34,497
Small businesses per 1,000 residents (2008) 26.20
Change in private-sector employment (2005-10) -6.43%
Change in population (2004-09) 8.62%
Population (2009) 1,328,144
The city has gotten too big for it's britches and now we're paying for it..unsupported development by rich boys playing with our hometown. Until low income and middle income people start their own businesses and starting them without loans. Most small business fail due to debt. Start small and grow proportionately. It takes patience and perseverance.
There are lots of us current residents who are looking to start an independent business and wouldn't even consider doing it in Jacksonville. Too many factors working against you that aren't an issue in other, more vibrant areas. There's a mindset among would-be entrepeneurs this year about Jacksonville that wasn't there in more optimistic years past.
Quote from: Bativac on April 13, 2011, 09:58:32 AM
There are lots of us current residents who are looking to start an independent business and wouldn't even consider doing it in Jacksonville. Too many factors working against you that aren't an issue in other, more vibrant areas. There's a mindset among would-be entrepeneurs this year about Jacksonville that wasn't there in more optimistic years past.
Can you be more specific about the factors working against small business in Jax?
I hate to say it, but you have to be incredibly resourceful these days to run a small business. Our little firm has had the benefit of an awesome owner, and she's got us in the SBRN, SSBC, chamber, and a couple other local organizations. As much of a liberal as I am in that I disagree with having to use connections to gain business, I have to admit we've benefited from the connections. We are actually busy as hell right now due to the new clients.
Will it be sustainable growth? I don't know, that part of business isn't my forte. But I do know by way of anecdotal evidence that we're in a much better position than some of our competitors.
Jacksonville is a weird market. Good ol' boys rule the day, and you unfortunately are left to either conform or resist and hope that the network of well to dos values the product or service you provide.
I've never worked for someone in my adult years..being self employeed has it's ups and downs and i'm not sure if i would be a very good employee for someone else..i've always worked hard and do more than one thing to earn my living as many us do.
Most of us will survive this downturn in the economy and it'll be because of tenacity and persiverance and doing things you might not thought you'd do. Jacksonville has the population for a thriving city but for some reason the conservative minded right wing big boys of jacksonville want to have thier fingers on everthing and the powers that be make it very easy for them..all it take are names and a little this and that...i've seen buildings get permits in this city that never should have but because of ties and families...alls well.
Quote from: Garden guy on April 13, 2011, 10:47:34 AM
I've never worked for someone in my adult years..being self employeed has it's ups and downs and i'm not sure if i would be a very good employee for someone else..i've always worked hard and do more than one thing to earn my living as many us do.
We're all self employed these days, no matter how many sources the paycheck comes from.
Quote from: urbanlibertarian on April 13, 2011, 10:09:23 AM
Quote from: Bativac on April 13, 2011, 09:58:32 AM
There are lots of us current residents who are looking to start an independent business and wouldn't even consider doing it in Jacksonville. Too many factors working against you that aren't an issue in other, more vibrant areas. There's a mindset among would-be entrepeneurs this year about Jacksonville that wasn't there in more optimistic years past.
Can you be more specific about the factors working against small business in Jax?
Sure. Note that I'm speaking for myself, my wife, and a handful of friends.
1) The attitude of locals seems geared towards chains from out of town that are already well established elsewhere.
2) Commercial landlords seem to think their property is worth a heck of a lot more than it really is, based on the Jacksonville market.
3) For a little while there, it looked like downtown was on the upswing - now it's definitely headed in the other direction.
4) The city's sign ordinances don't help matters. How'm I supposed to let people on the street know my business is there?
5) General quality of life - yeah, it's fairly cheap to live here, but for young adults looking for an interesting and vibrant urban environment, Jax just doesn't cut it. The entrepreneurial young person wants to be someplace with more going on.
Just my view. I'm sure there are other factors keeping would-be entrepreneurs from starting up locally. I'd love to hear contrasting points from anybody who thinks it'd be a good idea to start a business here.
And Garden Guy - my dad has also been self employed most of his adult life, as an artist. But much of his work is from Ponte Vedra, St Johns County, and other non-metro Jacksonville areas. He's thought several times of opening a gallery in town and ultimately decided against it. He's told me time and again that one of his biggest mistakes was not leaving town.
Quote from: Bativac on April 13, 2011, 11:13:55 AM
Quote from: urbanlibertarian on April 13, 2011, 10:09:23 AM
Quote from: Bativac on April 13, 2011, 09:58:32 AM
There are lots of us current residents who are looking to start an independent business and wouldn't even consider doing it in Jacksonville. Too many factors working against you that aren't an issue in other, more vibrant areas. There's a mindset among would-be entrepeneurs this year about Jacksonville that wasn't there in more optimistic years past.
Can you be more specific about the factors working against small business in Jax?
Sure. Note that I'm speaking for myself, my wife, and a handful of friends.
1) The attitude of locals seems geared towards chains from out of town that are already well established elsewhere.
2) Commercial landlords seem to think their property is worth a heck of a lot more than it really is, based on the Jacksonville market.
3) For a little while there, it looked like downtown was on the upswing - now it's definitely headed in the other direction.
4) The city's sign ordinances don't help matters. How'm I supposed to let people on the street know my business is there?
5) General quality of life - yeah, it's fairly cheap to live here, but for young adults looking for an interesting and vibrant urban environment, Jax just doesn't cut it. The entrepreneurial young person wants to be someplace with more going on.
Just my view. I'm sure there are other factors keeping would-be entrepreneurs from starting up locally. I'd love to hear contrasting points from anybody who thinks it'd be a good idea to start a business here.
And Garden Guy - my dad has also been self employed most of his adult life, as an artist. But much of his work is from Ponte Vedra, St Johns County, and other non-metro Jacksonville areas. He's thought several times of opening a gallery in town and ultimately decided against it. He's told me time and again that one of his biggest mistakes was not leaving town.
Thanks, Bativac. I don't see what COJ can do about nos. 1 and 2. Nos. 3 and 4 are real hot topics on this site and in the local elections. I would favor repeal of the sign ordinance, relaxation of zoning restrictions and permitting/approvals and replacing of parking meters with time limits. No. 5 won't improve much until economic growth takes off again.
Quote from: danem on April 13, 2011, 11:08:45 AM
We're all self employed these days, no matter how many sources the paycheck comes from.
Not one to argue but how do you firgure?
On the same topic but another note... I've considered opening a small business for a couple years now but Jacksonville just doesn't feel like the right place.
Two comments to Bativac:
Unaware of your business plan, but it takes a strong following, even in a good market, to push a product that people can even get in the chain stores. The only thing that you can provide is impeccable customer service. They will eat you up in price, availability, location, etc... As I said, not sure what widget you're looking to sell or what idea you have, but it's damn near impossible to compete agains the giants without some magic beans.
Secondly, I think the days of a storefront are getting numbered for many businesses due to the availability of several ways of getting your product / idea in front of people without them having to come to you. That's overhead that I feel could be put to better use than having a front. Once again, not knowing what it is, have you thought of co-opping with a similar business? A symbiotic relationship with an established place that could pimp your wares. If yours takes off, then it benefits their business as well.
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on April 13, 2011, 01:50:08 PM
Two comments to Bativac:
Secondly, I think the days of a storefront are getting numbered for many businesses due to the availability of several ways of getting your product / idea in front of people without them having to come to you. That's overhead that I feel could be put to better use than having a front. Once again, not knowing what it is, have you thought of co-opping with a similar business? A symbiotic relationship with an established place that could pimp your wares. If yours takes off, then it benefits their business as well.
I agree with this 100%. In fact, it's funny you mention co-opping with another business because that's actually been my next step as toward obtaining my own business. I've found an already up and running business where the owner has similar interests. We have spoken a bit about the possibilities but it's something we have both agreed to proceed with caution on, and only because of the ever declining need for store front retail in the 21st century.
Quote from: 904Scars on April 13, 2011, 01:34:16 PM
Quote from: danem on April 13, 2011, 11:08:45 AM
We're all self employed these days, no matter how many sources the paycheck comes from.
Not one to argue but how do you firgure?
On the same topic but another note... I've considered opening a small business for a couple years now but Jacksonville just doesn't feel like the right place.
Basically the old days of being dependent on one employer for most of your life for your salary, benefits, and even retirement are mostly over. For most, that one employer can now drop you without warning for any reason, and even if that doesn't happen, chances are you will seek other employers when personal and professional growth becomes stagnant. OR...you start doing your own thing.
I'm curious, What kind of business were you thinking of?
Quote from: danem on April 13, 2011, 04:16:39 PM
Quote from: 904Scars on April 13, 2011, 01:34:16 PM
Quote from: danem on April 13, 2011, 11:08:45 AM
We're all self employed these days, no matter how many sources the paycheck comes from.
Not one to argue but how do you firgure?
On the same topic but another note... I've considered opening a small business for a couple years now but Jacksonville just doesn't feel like the right place.
Basically the old days of being dependent on one employer for most of your life for your salary, benefits, and even retirement are mostly over. For most, that one employer can now drop you without warning for any reason, and even if that doesn't happen, chances are you will seek other employers when personal and professional growth becomes stagnant. OR...you start doing your own thing.
I'm curious, What kind of business were you thinking of?
I agree that the "old days" of employment have come and gone for most however that still doesn't make one self-employed. I get where you are coming from but with my current job, I'm constantly pushing to sell more and more each month and for what? Not my paycheck that's for sure. Regardless of my monthly outcome I get paid no more than the month before, I recieve no bonus, the big boys do however. I'm not complaining, I'm just stating that the better my company does each month the better they look and the more they are rewarded, not me. You own you're own business, yes of course there is more risk but when YOU do better one month it's YOU that sees the benefit.
To answer your question though, I've been looking into motorcycle parts/accessories retail with the possibility of a small repair shop doing basic maintenance and repairs. The problem is there are so many shops already open in Jacksonville, so I would have to reach out to a section of the city that has few and far between shops (considered the "Urban Core"). Regardless online sales continue to grow while retail store front continues to decline. If I were to open a shop I would have a very small store front and concentrate most of my sales online.
Quote from: 904Scars on April 13, 2011, 04:36:50 PM
To answer your question though, I've been looking into motorcycle parts/accessories retail with the possibility of a small repair shop doing basic maintenance and repairs. The problem is there are so many shops already open in Jacksonville, so I would have to reach out to a section of the city that has few and far between shops (considered the "Urban Core"). Regardless online sales continue to grow while retail store front continues to decline. If I were to open a shop I would have a very small store front and concentrate most of my sales online.
That's interesting, I'm actually helping out with a motorcycle-related business which is south of here. They found a need within that particular niche and developed a product line that filled it. So far they've sold at motorcycle shows as well as bike week.
I think the challenges with businesses here is differentiation and marketing. It's true for every type of restaurant or shop there may be a dozen others who are similiar. I'd love to see a study of the actual success stories and examine what they do that's so different.
QuoteIf I were to open a shop I would have a very small store front and concentrate most of my sales online.
I believe that a retail shop for product is a mistake. Focus on the service, lease some space to start with to test and see if you can make it work and see how it goes. Conserve as much cash in the beginning, and work like heck to sell the service. The best and most successful are not the biggest, but those who offer personal service. Get some business cards with your personal cell phone to call you, the personal side will win you more opportunities and lifelong customers.
My auto mechanic does this and he thrives with so much business he has had to expand twice. He does not keep any parts in stock since there are many parts warehouses that can deliver items same or next day. You have found a great business that would seem to only grow as gas gets up to 5 bucks a gallon. The motorcycle people say more and more people are buying the bikes and scooters to save for running up to the pharmacy or grocery store. Great business, I wish you all the best!
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 13, 2011, 05:08:02 PM
QuoteIf I were to open a shop I would have a very small store front and concentrate most of my sales online.
I believe that a retail shop for product is a mistake. Focus on the service, lease some space to start with to test and see if you can make it work and see how it goes. Conserve as much cash in the beginning, and work like heck to sell the service. The best and most successful are not the biggest, but those who offer personal service. Get some business cards with your personal cell phone to call you, the personal side will win you more opportunities and lifelong customers.
My auto mechanic does this and he thrives with so much business he has had to expand twice. He does not keep any parts in stock since there are many parts warehouses that can deliver items same or next day. You have found a great business that would seem to only grow as gas gets up to 5 bucks a gallon. The motorcycle people say more and more people are buying the bikes and scooters to save for running up to the pharmacy or grocery store. Great business, I wish you all the best!
Thats truth, Mtrain.......
The keys are what you said
1) find a niche, a service, you alone can provide
2) work locally
3) start slowly (this is the hardest point when mouths have to be fed, but persistence is the key
4) Have a business card, cell phone #, and consider a website, Gmail blogspot costs me nothing
Be openmined.... My niche is fine art screen printing. My closed mindedness thought it was obselete,
but i discovered my niche was so in demand ive done work strictly with local artists. Like you said, i havent made much money, but its working great! And in meeting the greatest people.
Feel free to check my blogspot where my portfolio is displayed
http://georgecornwellserigraphs.blogspot.com/
Yes things are bad, but using patience, things are good. And they are good in Jacksonville!
Mtrain, I agree with you about store front and that's why IF I decided to go through with plans I would be joining up with someone who already has store front they'd be willing to share. The person I speak of, I will leave unnamed however he has enough room in his current shop for me to have my own SMALL store front, mainly to allow customers a chance to come in see a few products in person, try on helmets, put their hands on handlebars etc. but mainly for special orders and to grow a customer base. He also has room in the back (if zoning would permit) to make a decent sized shop to wrench on bikes. This is only something we've discussed and in all reality I'm in no rush, as rushing things in the small business world is the worst thing you can do.
QuoteMtrain, I agree with you about store front and that's why IF I decided to go through with plans I would be joining up with someone who already has store front they'd be willing to share. The person I speak of, I will leave unnamed however he has enough room in his current shop for me to have my own SMALL store front, mainly to allow customers a chance to come in see a few products in person, try on helmets, put their hands on handlebars etc. but mainly for special orders and to grow a customer base. He also has room in the back (if zoning would permit) to make a decent sized shop to wrench on bikes. This is only something we've discussed and in all reality I'm in no rush, as rushing things in the small business world is the worst thing you can do.
When and If you decide to go to the next level, look at the US Small Business Administration for a low interest loan, they have a great 504 program that allows you to put down 10%, US SBA puts down 40% and a local bank (of your choice) puts down 50%. Our company did this recently and it worked out very well. We were able to purchase a 2.2 million dollar building and have cash to use for build-out and enhancements.
Again, I wish you the best and look forward to reading about your success in the Times Union and Business Journal!
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 14, 2011, 08:24:23 AM
]
When and If you decide to go to the next level, look at the US Small Business Administration for a low interest loan, they have a great 504 program that allows you to put down 10%, US SBA puts down 40% and a local bank (of your choice) puts down 50%. Our company did this recently and it worked out very well. We were able to purchase a 2.2 million dollar building and have cash to use for build-out and enhancements.
Again, I wish you the best and look forward to reading about your success in the Times Union and Business Journal!
These are very advantageous terms for a new small business. will (did) they survive the house 2011 budget?
SBA is from the federal government. ;) And they re here to help!
Quote from: Bativac on April 13, 2011, 11:13:55 AM
Quote from: urbanlibertarian on April 13, 2011, 10:09:23 AM
Quote from: Bativac on April 13, 2011, 09:58:32 AM
There are lots of us current residents who are looking to start an independent business and wouldn't even consider doing it in Jacksonville. Too many factors working against you that aren't an issue in other, more vibrant areas. There's a mindset among would-be entrepeneurs this year about Jacksonville that wasn't there in more optimistic years past.
Can you be more specific about the factors working against small business in Jax?
Sure. Note that I'm speaking for myself, my wife, and a handful of friends.
1) The attitude of locals seems geared towards chains from out of town that are already well established elsewhere.
2) Commercial landlords seem to think their property is worth a heck of a lot more than it really is, based on the Jacksonville market.
3) For a little while there, it looked like downtown was on the upswing - now it's definitely headed in the other direction.
4) The city's sign ordinances don't help matters. How'm I supposed to let people on the street know my business is there?
5) General quality of life - yeah, it's fairly cheap to live here, but for young adults looking for an interesting and vibrant urban environment, Jax just doesn't cut it. The entrepreneurial young person wants to be someplace with more going on.
Just my view. I'm sure there are other factors keeping would-be entrepreneurs from starting up locally. I'd love to hear contrasting points from anybody who thinks it'd be a good idea to start a business here.
And Garden Guy - my dad has also been self employed most of his adult life, as an artist. But much of his work is from Ponte Vedra, St Johns County, and other non-metro Jacksonville areas. He's thought several times of opening a gallery in town and ultimately decided against it. He's told me time and again that one of his biggest mistakes was not leaving town.
I also think the infrastructure might not help. Personally, and unfortunately I admit, I'll tend to hit national chains when I'm in the car. Who wants to pull into an unknown establishment, then park, possibly decide to leave, go back into traffic, and "browse" the street for something else? Give me a walkable street, a TOD, let me window shop, walk 15 steps to look at a menu or the wares, and then locally owned, establishment names I haven't heard of, pull me in (in fact, I'll seek out locally owned establishments...I know I don't do that in a spread out, car oriented environment).
Quote from: Jdog on April 14, 2011, 11:10:04 AM
I also think the infrastructure might not help. Personally, and unfortunately I admit, I'll tend to hit national chains when I'm in the car. Who wants to pull into an unknown establishment, then park, possibly decide to leave, go back into traffic, and "browse" the street for something else? Give me a walkable street, a TOD, let me window shop, walk 15 steps to look at a menu or the wares, and then locally owned, establishment names I haven't heard of, pull me in (in fact, I'll seek out locally owned establishments...I know I don't do that in a spread out, car oriented environment).
You said what I was trying to come up with words for. For some reason if I'm walking around some area with shops and restaurants all close together, I want to check out
all of them. If I'm in my car going 45mph with five cars tailgating me and I want lunch, I'm looking for the signs with the redhead or the golden arches...and usually they're the only ones with big enough signs.
Quote from: danem on April 13, 2011, 04:16:39 PM
Quote from: 904Scars on April 13, 2011, 01:34:16 PM
Quote from: danem on April 13, 2011, 11:08:45 AM
We're all self employed these days, no matter how many sources the paycheck comes from.
Not one to argue but how do you firgure?
On the same topic but another note... I've considered opening a small business for a couple years now but Jacksonville just doesn't feel like the right place.
Basically the old days of being dependent on one employer for most of your life for your salary, benefits, and even retirement are mostly over. For most, that one employer can now drop you without warning for any reason, and even if that doesn't happen, chances are you will seek other employers when personal and professional growth becomes stagnant. OR...you start doing your own thing.
I'm curious, What kind of business were you thinking of?
Too true. Working for someone is just that: working for someone. Doing what they tell you when they tell you, and getting laid off if they decide they don't need you anymore.
I know you weren't asking me, but as far as the type of business, I'm working with a poet friend and other artists to self publish childrens books, comics, that type of stuff. We always have great success outside of town and zero luck selling stuff to anyone in Jax. We've done ArtWalk numerous times, other local festivals and reading events, and it's always other metro areas (DC and NYC for example) where we have good experiences.
Probably a different situation for restaurants or mechanics or something that locals need or want (car repairs and food)...
Thanks mtraininjax I really appreciate that! I'll let all of you know when I make it big. Haha
Good luck to you !!
Quote from: Bativac on April 14, 2011, 01:16:21 PM
I know you weren't asking me, but as far as the type of business, I'm working with a poet friend and other artists to self publish childrens books, comics, that type of stuff. We always have great success outside of town and zero luck selling stuff to anyone in Jax. We've done ArtWalk numerous times, other local festivals and reading events, and it's always other metro areas (DC and NYC for example) where we have good experiences.
I would assume you've tried, but didn't mention putting out a table at some of the local comic book stores or Chamblins or a Books-a-Million? Maybe doing some read-a-longs during some of the children's summer camps that are hosted by different groups? Directing the theme of a book or two to a specific group and then magnanimously offer to read that book to their group? Just some spitballin'
Quote from: 904Scars on April 14, 2011, 03:10:56 PM
Thanks mtraininjax I really appreciate that! I'll let all of you know when I make it big. Haha
mtrains advice on a 504 SBA loan is very good. I tried it myself, but was a bit overwhelmed with the documentation. 904Scars, consider having a lawyer advise you along the way of your small business. The amount of info the right lawyer has can take alot of effort off your shoulders.
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on April 14, 2011, 10:16:34 PM
Quote from: Bativac on April 14, 2011, 01:16:21 PM
I know you weren't asking me, but as far as the type of business, I'm working with a poet friend and other artists to self publish childrens books, comics, that type of stuff. We always have great success outside of town and zero luck selling stuff to anyone in Jax. We've done ArtWalk numerous times, other local festivals and reading events, and it's always other metro areas (DC and NYC for example) where we have good experiences.
I would assume you've tried, but didn't mention putting out a table at some of the local comic book stores or Chamblins or a Books-a-Million? Maybe doing some read-a-longs during some of the children's summer camps that are hosted by different groups? Directing the theme of a book or two to a specific group and then magnanimously offer to read that book to their group? Just some spitballin'
Yeah, we tried that stuff. Did some readings at schools and the Head Start programs. Sold a handful of books. It's just hard to build momentum here in Jacksonville.
Now if we were starting a weekly Monster Truck Show or perhaps Lynyrd Skynyrd cover shows, we might be onto something.......
Quote from: Garden guy on April 13, 2011, 09:01:52 AM
The city has gotten too big for it's britches and now we're paying for it..unsupported development by rich boys playing with our hometown. Until low income and middle income people start their own businesses and starting them without loans. Most small business fail due to debt. Start small and grow proportionately. It takes patience and perseverance.
Quote from: Bativac on April 13, 2011, 09:58:32 AM
There are lots of us current residents who are looking to start an independent business and wouldn't even consider doing it in Jacksonville. Too many factors working against you that aren't an issue in other, more vibrant areas. There's a mindset among would-be entrepeneurs this year about Jacksonville that wasn't there in more optimistic years past.
Yep. And the insanely overinflated rents from landlords who think their places are worth more than they really are aren't helping either (just ask Stephen from Jaded in Springfield). I've got ideas too & the money/equipment to make it happen, but I need realistic rents or else its just not going to work & I'd be out of business in a matter of months (how many times have you saw this here? Lots). Small businesses that are just starting out on a shoestring budget can't happen here. They end up with way too much overhead from these rents & the business just can't stay viable because of it. And a lot of these storefronts are in horrible shape, and they STILL want high rents. Its insane.
This is really where the city needs to step in. I don't know what they can do exactly, but I do know that stuff will never recover as long as landlords are able to jack up their rents to whatever crazy unrealistic prices they want in the core. Playing up to small businesses is really a key element in the growth of some of these areas. And thats just not happening. But the city obviously doesn't give a shit either, so I don't think it'll get better anytime soon. Hence why small businesses are sorta SOL in Jax.
QuoteSmall businesses that are just starting out on a shoestring budget can't happen here. They end up with way too much overhead from these rents & the business just can't stay viable because of it. And a lot of these storefronts are in horrible shape, and they STILL want high rents. Its insane.
Who said you need a storefront to run a business?
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 23, 2011, 09:12:47 AM
QuoteSmall businesses that are just starting out on a shoestring budget can't happen here. They end up with way too much overhead from these rents & the business just can't stay viable because of it. And a lot of these storefronts are in horrible shape, and they STILL want high rents. Its insane.
Who said you need a storefront to run a business?
The kind of business I want demands it & so do many others. You can't sell the type of food industry items & services I want online or from a catalog.
And I can't make it into a mobile concessions business either. I mean, I technically could & have thought of this & could make it work in other cities, but as you all know, Jax isn't exactly welcoming to those either. Sooo. ???
Like I said, this isn't a small business friendly town. At least if you aren't loaded & willing to piss away money left & right & not turn any kind of profit for years. I'm not doing that because its bad business IMO.
QuoteThe kind of business I want demands it & so do many others. You can't sell the type of food industry items & services I want online or from a catalog.
And I can't make it into a mobile concessions business either. I mean, I technically could & have thought of this & could make it work in other cities, but as you all know, Jax isn't exactly welcoming to those either. Sooo.
Like I said, this isn't a small business friendly town. At least if you aren't loaded & willing to piss away money left & right & not turn any kind of profit for years. I'm not doing that because its bad business IMO.
I think your wrong, in fact, I know you are wrong. There is a guy selling spices and gourmet items in Avondale, been open for a few months now, and he did the city BS, filed the permits to adjust the store (I know because Code Enforcement followed his progress). He is doing well and the place is full of people as Avondale thrives in the evenings. I don't remember the store name, but this guy is not loaded, he found a niche and decided to go for it and seems to be doing well. With Mojo 4 opening up this week, Avondale is sure to continue rocking.
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 23, 2011, 09:27:56 AM
QuoteThe kind of business I want demands it & so do many others. You can't sell the type of food industry items & services I want online or from a catalog.
And I can't make it into a mobile concessions business either. I mean, I technically could & have thought of this & could make it work in other cities, but as you all know, Jax isn't exactly welcoming to those either. Sooo.
Like I said, this isn't a small business friendly town. At least if you aren't loaded & willing to piss away money left & right & not turn any kind of profit for years. I'm not doing that because its bad business IMO.
I think your wrong, in fact, I know you are wrong. There is a guy selling spices and gourmet items in Avondale, been open for a few months now, and he did the city BS, filed the permits to adjust the store (I know because Code Enforcement followed his progress). He is doing well and the place is full of people as Avondale thrives in the evenings. I don't remember the store name, but this guy is not loaded, he found a niche and decided to go for it and seems to be doing well. With Mojo 4 opening up this week, Avondale is sure to continue rocking.
Well, thats Avondale (which I can't afford anyway, most people couldn't). Now take a stroll up Main street & tell me how that's going.
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 23, 2011, 09:12:47 AM
QuoteSmall businesses that are just starting out on a shoestring budget can't happen here. They end up with way too much overhead from these rents & the business just can't stay viable because of it. And a lot of these storefronts are in horrible shape, and they STILL want high rents. Its insane.
Who said you need a storefront to run a business?
i dont... i think one needs to think of a way to avoid such a traditional standard in starting their business.
QuoteWell, thats Avondale (which I can't afford anyway, most people couldn't). Now take a stroll up Main street & tell me how that's going.
If that guy can succeed in Avondale, who says you are doomed for failure anywhere else? If you already have the mindset you will fail, you most certainly will.
Main Street had 12 blocks completely re-done in Springfield. It will attract people once again, its a great area for start-ups. Plus, to me, if Jerry Moran can succeed where he is in downtown, away from every major hotel, anyone can succeed. He goes to the hotels and shuttles people back to his restaurant and has been in downtown for 10+ years. Love him or hate him, he has what it takes to survive with his restaurant.