here are my thoughts:

1) you are doing great getting the support of others. Congrats!

2) you are dong right by creating a business plan; however, the plan is NEVER done -- well as long as your company is running. Your plan should provide you with a set of priorities to use each day, goals to go after, strategies to use (and change as needed), and help you create a project management system (even if that system is on paper in a binder). If you don't have that sort of plan, go to www.TheResourceQueen.com/samples.html and learn more about the planning resources that are out there to assist you. I use the one-page plan myself. It's on my desk, it's used daily.


3) worrying about clients is a usual part of business, don't fret about it. Turn the worry into consistant action.

4) a simple low cost (not free) one is fine for the business type you're providing. Include the cities and county and state you work in in your keywords. Capture your visitors addresses (ezine, ecourse, blog). (my recommendations are at my resource queen site) Why? you will be surprised a the number of people who will use the web to find you.

5) many people "try out" their business for a few months before getting their S Corp or LLC set up and licenses (including a license from the health department since you are making treats? and possibly one other department) from the state.

However, since you're selling a product, trying on is not a choice.

Your business plan should have in it all the start up costs; including licenses and insurance. Why?
Because it could cost you and your family more than money should something happen.
Let's say something happens to someone's animal and they get sick or worse. Let's say that on that day they had your treats that day.
If you haven't protected yourself with a S Corp, C Corp or LLC (your lawyer or accountant) can help you choose one) you will be sued. Even if it wasn't your treats, you could loose everything and if you're living at home, that's worse, too! And even if it wasn't your fault, you could end up shelling out legal fees and some % of the blame. So get protected.


6) and if you don't have a business license and someone from the city or town or country finds your business cards or flyers, and checks the records, you will get penalties. (yes, in some places, many places, people from the municipalities collect cards, check the computer and if you are not paying a license fee, you get penalties or worse.)

For license info:
a) your states website for business start up.
b) your library for a book specifically to start up a business in your state.
c) SCORE or SBA for start up info
d) your states DOR for sale tax info.
e) IRS site for an EIN number (you'll need this if you are an LLC, S or C Corp or have employees, banks want it (for example) and it's free.
f) your city/town and county to see what rules/fees/licenses they have for businesses.

Every state is different. In NC, I only needed a county licences. In WA, I need a state licsence, city licsence for any city I sell in and I pay taxes to the county, too.


7) I would think that on the treats you have to charge sales tax?? on your products. Go to your states website, learn what you need, go to the library and get that part of the business going. And see if your state provides a sales tax class (usually free).

8) don't make more kinds of treats now. Three is enough for people new to your product to handle. Then as you get recommendations, put it on your "to think of list". OR use the other 2 types in a way to increase your sales. For example: once you have your clients introduce a "new" flavor (one that you already had, but didn't advertise)


Just a few things to think about as you bring your new food to market.