by Neha Jain for Canadian Badlands Tourism Futures
In the famous “Peanuts” comic strip of Charles Schultz, it didn’t take much for character Lucy to start up her “psychiatric” booth. Although fictional, this famous comic is a great example that together creativity and ingenuity can put money on the table. If you’re beating this unsteady economy by starting up a tourism-based business, then here’s how to do it for less than $1000.
Invest in requirements
About $100 gets you a business license, which is compulsory. Next investment: setting up a commercial bank account. Most banks will offer accounts tailored to small business for about $15. You’re sitting at about $885 remaining at this point.
Get creative
Now you need to develop a visual for the public to easily identify you. Take about $200 and hire a freelance designer, possibly a student. Your brand begins with a memorable and simple business name, a catchy slogan and an attractive logo, designed together to create your business identity. Once you have your brand identified, you can then spend about $50 for 250 good quality, colored business cards. You have about $635 left.
Cover communication
These days, you can develop a website yourself, thanks to many web-hosting services offering “do-it-yourself” webpage design. Registration and first month’s maintenance will cost about $20. The biggest advantage of a website is it makes your company available 24/7. First, purchase a domain name, which will cost an additional $15. Make sure to keep it short, preferably encompassing your company name. Second, purchase a Smart Phone for about $135. This will create a competitive advantage by responding immediately to any customer inquiries by phone or email, no matter where you are. You will however, need more than a Smart Phone to be able to converse with your clients. Take about $85 and set up a business telephone, internet and voicemail bundle. You’ve covered communication, and you’re at a balance of $380.
Consider image
Last but not least, take about $200 and look after you. It may sound material, but having a professional, approachable self-image is extremely important in the business world. Once your image is refreshed, spend about $100 to register for networking functions. Find out which events your prospects attend, and be there. Rehearse your 30-second elevator story, listen more than you talk, and don’t forget the breath mints!
Looks like you have about $80 left. Take $50 of that and get some basic office supplies; pens, note pads, paper, etc. You even have enough left over to buy your first client [and yourself] a nice cup of java. If you have more time than money, spend your disposable funds on things that will get your business up and running, help you maintain a professional image, and generate connections instantly.
Contact Jenn Bader at Tourism Futures 403-528-2824 or info@tourismfutures.ca and inquire about the many ways we can assist with your tourism business start-up.
Tourism Futures is a Canadian Badlands Ltd. Tourism Development Centre initiative operated by Community Futures Entre-Corp Business Development with funding from the Rural Alberta Development Fund.