Dreaming of Starting a Business in Stutsman County But Paralyzed By the "What If’s"?

When people start encouraging you to start your own business, does it start sounding like a Hallmark Movie?

Are you hearing things like, “just go for it,” “if you build it, they will come,” or “do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life?”

There’s nothing wrong with that advice. But here’s the thing: those encouraging words don’t really answer the terrifying question of how you’re actually going to pull it off.

That’s ok.

Because if you want to start a business in Stutsman County, you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. 

It Starts With a Conversation, Not a 50-Page Business Plan

You may dream of opening a kayak rental, pet grooming, bakery, coffee shop, bicycle repair, tasting room, microbrewery, curated boutique, nail salon, or food truck.

Or maybe it’s a small machine repair shop, drone mapping, ag-precision consulting, commercial cleaning service, custom metal fabrication, or welding.

But you may be thinking, “Yeah, I’d love to open my own business, but am I really going to quit my job and actually do it? Besides, I have no idea where to even start.”

That’s where we can help. Supporting folks who want to start their own business is a top priority for the Jamestown/Stutsman County Development Corporation (JSDC). And that support starts with a conversation, not a 50-page business plan. 

It’s a Step by Step Process, Not Everything All At Once

Instead of overwhelming you with a ton of information all at once, we’ve found it’s better to break it down into phases. Here’s how it usually plays out:

Phase 1: The “Napkin Sketch” Meeting

You bring us a rough idea, a passion, and a list of questions. Things like:  

• Where am I going to find the money to start a business?
• How am I going to pay the bills?
• Will I even get customers?
• All the paperwork, red tape, and tax regulations are way over my head

We provide an open ear, look at the actual mechanics of your idea and help connect you with the right resources and the right people.

Phase 2: Pulling the Market Data

Instead of having you gamble on the whole “build it and they will come” thing, the JSDC team helps pull together the actual data: demographics, traffic counts, and industry stats.

From there, we can connect you with Paul over at the North Dakota Small Business Development Center.

Both organizations provide FREE, confidential counseling to help you build a realistic cash-flow model and a real business plan.

Phase 3: Building a Financial Safety Net

There’s a misconception that you have to finance your business idea with your own money.

If you don’t have enough to get started, you’re welcome to reach out to JSDC to learn more about which banks partner with them for a Flex PACE Interest Buydown, which slices the bank’s interest rate. Or, you may qualify for our Revolving Loan Fund, which serves as gap financing to cover initial equipment or inventory costs.

Phase 4: Solving Those “What If” Logistics

Before the doors ever open, we’ll have a conversation with you that covers the operational hurdles that often crush new businesses.

For example: if you need a physical location for your business, we’ll help you connect with local realtors to scout for sites downtown or within one of our industrial parks.

If you’re worried about finding help, our Workforce Pathways Program can subsidize the cost of hiring your very first student intern. 

Ready to Start the Conversation?

Remember, you don’t need to quit your job tomorrow. If you’re dreaming of opening your own business, take the first step: get in touch with us. 
Tell us more about your idea, your vision, and all of your concerns. Let us guide you through each of them, pointing you in the right direction, and connecting you with the right programs and people. 

Then, you can decide if it’s time to “just go for it!”