A Cleaning Business Could Be Your Ticket to Self-Employment

Cleaning businesses are some of the fasting growing small companies for many people who want to be self-employed. Setting your own hours and being your own boss might appeal to you if you aren't afraid of some physical labor. In addition to other positives, putting a sparkle into your work can make you feel like you really make a difference in someone's life.

Who Needs Clean?

Everybody gets dirty. One reason a cleaning business could be the right type of small business for you is that you can find work in almost any city. Private homes need to be cleaned. When people can afford to have someone clean up after them, that's when they need your services. Apartment complexes and other rentals need to be cleaned when tenants move out. Construction companies need a cleaning crew to come in when new construction is completed.

How to Break Into a Cleaning Business

People spend so many hours at their own jobs that cleaning is the last thing on their minds when they get home. Even for those who work at home, when they have a free moment, they welcome some time away from their abode.

You might want to print up some business cards and pass them out to coworkers or post flyers at nearby grocery stores. Wherever you go, leave your contact info. While you build your clientele, you can schedule in a new customer or two each week around the job you want to phase out.

What Do You Need to Put Into a Cleaning Business?

So now you want to know how much elbow grease you'll need to put into this type of business. A cleaning business can be started with little to no start up costs. You can start out being your only employee and, as your business improves, you can hire more help.

You can start up with literally a vacuum and a bucket of cleaning supplies. But many customers will have everything you need on hand. If you decide to branch out into carpet cleaning or restoration for fire or floods, you can invest in needed equipment as your business begins to show a profit.

Legalities of Having a Cleaning Business

Cities have different laws about small businesses, so check with your city's business license office to find out what type of license you need for a cleaning business. You will need to decide if you want to be a sole proprietorship (work alone) or have employees. You will also want to talk to your insurance person for business coverage.

If you have employees you will need to arrange for an accountant to do payroll and taxes. If you're a wiz with numbers, you might be able to handle the books yourself. The Social Security Office may be able to supply some information to you as a small business owner that will outline your obligations as far as how to set up those deductions. The IRS can be accessed online for forms and other information on federal and state deductions.

How Much Money is in it for You?

The money you make depends on a number of things. How large of a business do you want to eventually have? What are your financial goals? You might decide to charge customers by the hour if you clean private homes. Apartment complexes often pay a set fee per apartment. Construction clean-up is usually bid by the square foot. It's your business, so ultimately the way and the amount you charge is up to you.

Where to Look for Help with Start-Up Costs

Many communities have Small Business Administration (SBA) offices that offer classes for aspiring business owners. They assist fledgling business owners in writing business plans, searching for lenders, and working out marketing strategies.

Working with banks can be daunting, but with help, you can learn the basics to applying for loans or other financial help. Many communities also offer microcredit or microloan to new business owners who may not qualify credit-wise for conventional loans. This is usually a small fund to which the business owner and the organization both contribute. Your local SBA office will probably have contact information that they will be happy to pass along to you.

Even the most savvy of entrepreneurs can use some tips. Contact your community college, or city or county offices to find out what information could be available to you. Small businesses bring revenue to a city, so it is in the best interest of your local government if they can help you get up and running.

Now get out there and clean up!