Small Business startup advice/mentorship

Submitted by SadPotato2345 t3_11n7sks in newhampshire

Hello! I am a current Utahn who is looking to move to NH in May/June of 2024. I am currently in training to become a piano tuner/technician, and I want to start my business near to my family in the Manchester area. I want to be able to, relatively quickly, serve areas as far south as Boston/Worchester and as far North as Portland, ME. A few questions:

  1. Is there a firm/person who specializes in issues like tax/registration/insurance/compliance across multiple states like this? Any mobile service sole-proprietors that are willing to mentor an aspiring 24 year old, who has no business training?

  2. Am I stupid to want to start in 3, should I pick one and go from there?

  3. Which of the 3 states would be the best to form an LLC? Again, not needing free advice if you can point me towards someone who could provide advice for a reasonable hourly rate...

Thanks in advance!

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Orange-Direct t1_jblwx6x wrote

I would start with mass and nh, since you’re living there. Almost guaranteed that Boston metro has more demand than nh as a whole. There are various firms for legal and insurance that will help you establish yourself across New England as the states are so close together and they can benefit from your business expanding as well. Might be worth it to spend a year apprenticeship with another company to learn the niche areas of the piano tuning industry over here, and maximize your potential when you start your business

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Hot-Specialist-6824 t1_jblxtvx wrote

You should look into the organization called SCORE. It is funded by the Small Business Administration (Federal) and has chapters Nationwide including two or three in New Hampshire, and I'm fairly sure they have Massachusetts chapters as well. It is made up of retired and active business people, lawyers, etc. Locally here to me they have office space in the Federal building in Manchester. They will help you with all aspects of your business. This was started by the SBA because of the failure rate of new businesses. You'll fill out an intake form, meet with someone initially so they can determine your needs and then they will assign you to a mentor or more. It's absolutely free. Edit: SCORE

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SadPotato2345 OP t1_jbly7mg wrote

Replying to Orange-Direct (#2,196,957)

>various firms for legal and insurance that will help you establish yourself across New England as the states are so close together

Do you have success/good things to say about any in particular? I am sure Google can give me a bunch, but love to get good recommendations

I think an apprenticeship sounds great, and absolutely intend on seeking one out as I get a little closer timeline-wise. Thank you so much for your advice!

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richtl t1_jbm48n1 wrote

You might want to start with the NH SBDC. They might or might not be willing to help you before you relocate, but their service is free and they know their stuff.

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TheMobyDicks t1_jbptlw1 wrote

Replying to richtl (#2,197,273)

This is exactly right. SCORE's okay but SBDC is in every state and they collaborate. Also, if you're going to target Manchester to work/live, the person you need to speak to is:

Jodie Nazaka

Director of Economic Development

Contact Information

Manchester Economic Development Office (MEDO)

One City Hall Plaza

Manchester, NH 03101

Phone: (603) 624-6505

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