Need advice and info re business start-up (small business, financing, workers)

[EliJ]

I am going into business with my father. We are starting a furniture design showroom and factory for high-end contemporary furniture. I recently relocated to the Raleigh, North Carolina area.

I have put together a preliminary business proposal but am not sure where to go from here. We need to find a partner who will either provide financing or handle the factory end of the business.

Any guidance is appreciated. Thanks.

[saturnfan]

There are many displaced furniture workers, but you will need to operate in the niche market of high end furniture.

No way you can compete on price with the Asian garbage now flooding the furniture market.

[ny,ny]

Originally Posted by EliJ

I am going into business with my father. We are starting a furniture design showroom and factory for high-end contemporary furniture. I recently relocated to the Raleigh, North Carolina area.

I have put together a preliminary business proposal but am not sure where to go from here. We need to find a partner who will either provide financing or handle the factory end of the business.

Any guidance is appreciated. Thanks.

When you say "show room" are you referring to a 200 Lexington Ave (designer show room ie.), or a retail outlet?

What's your target market?

When you say "factory", what product are you interested in manufacturing ie. soft goods, case goods etc.?

Are you looking to build contract goods to spec?

Though High Point is merely a shell of it's former glory IHFRA still maintains offices there. If you join the association you can gain access to their data base and messaging service.
www.ihfra.org/MemberBenefits.asp

I wish you much success in you venture!

[sunsprit]

Try the government based small business assistance programs. SBA, maybe