Throughout my adult life, I have owned or co-owned several businesses. “Follow the Rules” is big on my Life List, so starting a business has always begun with a phone call to City Hall to find out what needed to happen to make sure I was running my business in compliance with the local guidelines – they are different from state to state, county to county and even city to city. Our move to Little Rock Air Force Base threw me a little, because I didn’t know what the “rules” were for on-base businesses. So, I started at the Welcome Center. Then went to City Hall. Then back (“Oh, you’re a photographer? There’s a special rule for that”). Then to the water dept. Then the Welcome Center. Then back to City Hall. Finally, after many weeks of pulling my hair, and just as I was ready to throw my hands up, I received my City of Jacksonville business license. I felt awesome – like I’d conquered the world. Because the process is so convoluted, I can see how it might discourage others from pursuing the license, so I created this infographic explaining the required steps. I love being able to tell my clients that I am a legitimate, legal, taxpaying business, and I think they appreciate that. I hope this graphic will help other entrepreneurs on base as they build their businesses.
Did you find this useful? Leave a comment and please share! (My share buttons are in the testing phase, so let me know if you have problems.)