With today's economic standing and costs relating to childcare and travel, more Canadians are looking for employment opportunities from home. Having a home-based business lets the family be together more now that you can set your own hours, cutting daily living costs you would have if you were working outside the home.

Making the decision to start your business at home could be great opportunity. Choose something in an area that you have a large interest in or one for which there is a need. Any experience or talent you have in a particular area makes choosing a home based business easier and you will likely have a higher success rate. You should also consider the expenses involved so you don't end up with financial difficulties from the beginning of this opportunity.

Do your research. A home business involves getting as much information as possible on your potential clientele. Doing this now results in a more positive outcome later. This research should include competition and the public need for what you are planning to provide in the way of product or service.

Create a complete business plan, which includes financial planning, before you begin with any other start up plans. This helps to create a picture of where you intend to target your business and handle all the financial aspects. You don't want to get half way through your grand opening to find no need for what you have to offer. Missing a step in your financial plan could result in unnecessary debt.

Obtain information regarding all necessary licenses, permits and registrations for your business. Don't forget to include information verifying your area's zoning laws. Depending on what you are marketing, there may be restrictions in place for this service or product in your immediate area.

Unless you are talented and knowledgeable in the area of promotion and networking, have business cards, stationery, brochures and other print material prepared by professionals.

You want your business to have a professional look to it, a look consistent with all material presented to the public. This includes any flyers or business cards. A poorly done pamphlet or business card could result in a negative view of your business and its ability to be as professional as possible.

Networking and advertising can help contact the clientele you desire. This is easily accomplished with T.V. and radio stations, newspapers and newsletters. Ensure you have your web URL in plain view on printed material, and repeated twice in television and radio spots. Canadian Advertising Rates and Data (CARD) can provide you with lists to Canadian publications, T.V. and radio stations, and their advertising rates.

Promote yourself whenever you can. Stores, community centers and other companies may allow you to leave a flyer or business card for their staff or on their customer bulletin boards.

Contact your broker about extra insurance for your business. However, shop around to ensure you get all the coverage you need at the best price. Another safety precaution is to make backups of digital media on CDs or DVDs to be stored in a safe place. This way you are covered in case of fire or theft.

Be cautious about your business and management bookkeeping. Improper management is one of the most popular reasons businesses don't succeed. If necessary seek quality advice or hire someone for this task. We recommend that you have at least basic managerial skills before you launch your business.

Join trade associations, business community associations, (i.e., chambers of commerce), business networks or clubs to help establish contacts and possible assistance in areas you need help with.

Research the federal and provincial taxation requirements with Canada Revenue Agency and the Provincial Retail Sales Tax Office where applicable. Learn ahead of time what deductions you can file for in relation to automobile expenses and home office expenses for self-employed persons. You may be entitled to certain beneficial deductions on your utility bills as well.

posted by Chris Simpson