The location of your business can be a critical factor in its success or failure. This section gives you tips on selecting a location, offers information about special locations and incentive programs that may affect your decision, and covers issues that you should consider before signing a lease. Choosing a Location The following are some of the factors you need to think about in deciding where to locate your business. The relevance and importance of each will differ depending on the nature of your business, so it's a good idea to discuss your plans with a business counselor before making an investment.
Access to transportation. What types of transportation will your employees, customers, or suppliers be using and how convenient is it?
Pedestrian traffic. Do you need steady traffic to bring in customers?
Parking and loading facilities. Will you need parking/loading for customers, deliveries, or shipments?
Safety. Is the area safe and are the premises secure during and after regular business hours?
Proximity of similar and/or competing businesses. Will competition help or hurt you?
Availability of business-related services. Will you need printers, mail services, banks, etc. nearby?
Tax advantages and other benefits. There are often some benefits available for locating in certain areas of a city or state.
Appropriate Zoning. Does the existing zoning permit your type of business? (For example, a manufacturing business cannot operate in a residential zone; a daycare center cannot operate in a manufacturing zone.)
