Starting Your Business: Steps for New Entrepreneurs in Palm Beach County

Starting Your Business: Steps for New Entrepreneurs in Palm Beach County
Written by Kellen Coleman

Starting a business is an exciting, life-changing journey, but it requires dedication, discipline, and smart decisions. Fortunately, Palm Beach County and South Florida offer a wealth of resources to help entrepreneurs—especially minority business owners—turn their dreams into reality. Nationwide programs also provide support, so you’re never alone in this process.

However, entrepreneurship also demands personal sacrifice. While there are grants, loans, and mentorship programs to help, the effort you put into saving and investing in your own business is equally important. Let’s explore the steps to launching your business, focusing on opportunities in Palm Beach County and beyond.

 
Step 1: Develop Your Business Idea
Every great business starts with an idea. What problem will your business solve? What unique value can you bring to the market?

Example: Nani’s Puff Puff in Palm Beach County was built on the idea of sharing Cameroonian recipes through a pop-up business model, showcasing the power of starting small with a clear concept.

 
Step 2: Write a Business Plan
A business plan is your roadmap to success. It includes your goals, target audience, financial projections, and the strategies you’ll use to achieve them.

Resource: E2COHORT offers local mentorship and workshops to guide entrepreneurs through crafting business plans.

Nationwide Support:

SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives): Offers free business plan templates and mentoring.
SBA (Small Business Administration): Provides comprehensive guides and tools to help you get started.
 
Step 3: Secure Funding
Funding is crucial for getting your business off the ground. Palm Beach County and South Florida provide excellent resources for minority entrepreneurs:

Palm Beach County Black Business Investment Corporation (BBIC): Offers loans and technical assistance.
PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Center) and Apex Accelerators: Help minority-owned businesses secure government contracts.
Urban League of Palm Beach County: Provides training and support.
Nationwide Options:

SBA Microloans: Small loans to help startups cover initial costs.
SCORE Resources: Connects entrepreneurs with funding opportunities.
Personal Funding Tip: While securing external funding, remember that investors value seeing how much you’ve saved and sacrificed to invest in your business. Ask yourself:

Could I skip my daily Starbucks run and make coffee at home instead?
Is going out to the club or taking that vacation something I can delay until my business is off the ground?
What unnecessary expenses—lashes, cigarettes, vapes—can I cut to build my financial foundation?
By showing you’ve taken real steps to minimize personal expenses, you demonstrate commitment and financial discipline, which investors love to see.

 
Step 4: Register Your Business
Choose your business structure (LLC, sole proprietorship, corporation, etc.) and register your business with the state of Florida.

Resource: The Palm Beach County Office of Equal Business Opportunity (OEBO) can guide you through certifications and licensing processes, especially if you’re a minority or woman-owned business.

 
Step 5: Build Your Network
Entrepreneurship thrives on connections. Build relationships, attend local events, and seek mentorship.

Local Resources:

Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce: A hub for networking and resources.
Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County: Supports economic growth within the Black community.
Nationwide Options: SCORE and SBA events connect you to experienced mentors and fellow entrepreneurs.

 
Step 6: Market Your Business
Marketing is essential for growth. Leverage social media, local events, and word-of-mouth to spread the word about your business.

Example: Entrepreneurs like Rolando Chang Barrero used local connections and digital platforms to grow their businesses in Palm Beach County successfully.

 
Step 7: Continue Learning and Growing
Entrepreneurship is a lifelong learning process. Use local and national resources to enhance your skills and adapt to market changes.

Local Resources:

Palm Beach SBDC (Small Business Development Center): Offers training programs.
Urban League of Palm Beach County: Provides support for minority entrepreneurs.
 
Final Thoughts
Starting a business is more than just a financial investment; it’s about discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance. You don’t have to navigate it alone—Palm Beach County and nationwide organizations like SBA and SCORE are here to help you succeed.

But remember: Investors and supporters want to see that you’ve put your own skin in the game. Whether it’s skipping Starbucks, saying no to unnecessary expenses, or holding off on vacations, these sacrifices can make a real difference.

You don’t have to do life alone, but you do need to take the initiative to find the right resources and people to help. Remember, life is like a seed—you must plant it, water it, and nurture it for it to grow.

Kellen Coleman is a business consultant, entrepreneur, and public relations expert dedicated to helping businesses succeed through strategy and collaboration.