One mantra often repeated about small businesses is “location, location, location.” One simple word said in repetition to drive home a vital idea: where you locate your business can have a huge impact on how that business performs. In a previous post on this blog, we examined some general considerations you should make when looking at specific properties. This week we are going to look at what factors can determine the best location for your business.
Before you hop in the car and start tooling around town looking at properties, you should consider the specific needs of your business and what sort of location can best serve those needs. For example, you should know and understand how zoning laws can dictate where you will be able to set up shop.
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes further recommendations regarding what to consider when choosing the location that is best suited for your business:
- Availability of local labor. Is there a pool of potential workers near the location?
- Supplier access. Are suppliers in close enough proximity that you will be able to get what you need when you need it?
- The proximity of competitors. Are the other businesses in the area going after the same customers? Are there businesses nearby that compliment your business?
- The crime rate situation. Is this an area where your employees are going to worry about their personal safety?
- The image reflected by the location. If you know how you want people to perceive your business, does the location compliment that perception?
These are just the preliminary considerations you will need to carefully go over as you proceed to build your business. Hopefully, you will be able to find the right location and sign a lease on the property.
Unfortunately, landlord-tenant disputes can occur even in places that once seemed perfect. If you have done everything right in getting your business up and running, but are having issues with a property owner who is not honoring their end of a lease agreement, a Florida real estate attorney can possibly help mediate or litigate the situation to a satisfactory conclusion.
