What would you do?

[piperspal]

mbmouse, does your area have any networking groups? There are 3 that I know of here in my area; they are kind of like an "insiders' chamber of commerce". I have been approached by all 3 asking if I would like to join. They all meet once a week, usually for breakfast, & they bounce business ideas off of one another.

Each organization tries to have preferably 1, but no more than 3 of the same businesses. For example, one org. has 2 realtors, a jeweler, a dog groomer, a courier service, a florist (me), a licensed massage therapist, an antiques dealer, and so on. Prob. about 20-25 members +; some have a store front, some do not, some are looking. We try to refer business to each other & we keep our eyes & ears open for any new venture that might do well in a particular geographical area.

One other idea might be for you to attend a class on starting your own business. They are usually offered by community colleges, non-credit night classes, and local municipal departments (ie small biz development centers). You'd want to speak with the instructor first about your intentions, but I think you'd be surprised at the number of people out there who are exactly what you are searching for: they want to start something on their own but are still unsure what niche to pursue.

Also, do a web search on franchise ownership. I realize you are NOT talking about a franchise here, but the wording/description of some of the ads may inspire you in creating your own ad. A lot of small biz owners looked at franchises, but didn't have the nec. capital. I really think that's the kind of person(s) you need; esp. when you throw in a great lease deal. Best of luck to you!!!

[Stephan_K]

Originally Posted by mbmouse

Any ideas of the next step?

Talk with a business broker. If you get with a good one, they will round up many possible investors ready and waiting to sit down with you over this.

That would be the first place I would start.