Business Resources

The Bristol Chamber, believing that the growth of our local economy correlates with developing a strong workforce, is the hub for all business related endeavors in Bristol. Regardless of the size of your business, whether it’s new or already established, we offer many resources to help you grow and flourish.

CITY & STATE SPECIFIC RESOURCES

STARTING A BUSINESS IN TENNESSEE

BUSINESS LICENSE

STARTING A BUSINESS IN VIRGINIA

BUSINESS LICENSE

Resources

Small Business Start-up Checklist

Use this checklist as a starting point when launching your business. Not every item will apply, and some businesses may require additional steps.

Planning & Preparation

Draft a business plan (market research, competitors, customers, financial projections)
Assess your personal strengths, goals, and financial resources
Estimate start-up costs and explore funding options

Legal & Registration

Choose a business structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation)
Register your business name and secure a domain name
Consult an attorney and accountant
Obtain required licenses, permits, and tax IDs (federal/state)
Consider trademark, copyright, or patent protection if applicable

Location & Operations

Select and secure a business location (lease or home office)
Set up phone service, utilities, and high-speed internet
Open a business bank account and choose a banker
Obtain necessary insurance (liability, workers’ compensation, etc.)
Purchase equipment, furniture, and supplies
Line up vendors or suppliers

Marketing & Branding

Build a professional website and email system
Design and print business cards and branded materials

Planning a Partnership Agreement

Use this checklist to outline key elements of a clear and effective partnership agreement.

Basic Structure

Partnership name, purpose, and office location
Duration (set term or ongoing until dissolved)

Contributions & Finances

Initial capital contributions and rules for additional contributions
Partner profit/loss sharing and capital accounts
Salaries, draws, and interest (if applicable)
Accounting method and fiscal year
Banking arrangements and signing authority

Roles & Responsibilities

Duties, time commitment, and decision-making authority
Managing partner designation and dispute resolution process
Limits on outside or competing business activities

Operations & Governance

Access to financial records
Key contracts impacting the business
Admission of new or junior partners (including limited partners, if applicable)

Exit & Continuity Planning

Buyout terms for retirement, withdrawal, disability, or death
Valuation method (including goodwill)
Non-compete terms for departing partners
Rules for expulsion and handling related losses
Continuation of business name and operations after a partner exits

How to Write a Small Business Marketing Plan

Introduction

A well-crafted marketing plan is essential for small businesses looking to grow, attract customers, and stay competitive. This guide walks you through the key steps to create a simple, effective marketing plan tailored to your business.

Define Your Business Goals

Start by identifying what you want to achieve. Your goals should be specific and measurable.

Examples:

Increase sales by 20% in 6 months
Gain 100 new customers this quarter
Improve brand awareness locally

Identify Your Target Audience

Understand who your ideal customers are.

Consider:

Age, gender, income level
Location (local, regional, online)
Interests and behaviors
Problems your business solves

Tip: Create a simple customer profile (also called a “buyer persona”).

Analyze Your Competition

Look at other businesses offering similar products or services.

Ask yourself:

What are they doing well?
Where are they lacking?
How can you stand out?

This helps you identify your unique value.

Define Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP)

Your UVP explains why customers should choose you over competitors.

Example: "We provide fast, affordable, and friendly service right here in Bristol."

Keep it clear and customer-focused.

Choose Your Marketing Channels

Select the platforms and methods you’ll use to reach your audience.

Common options:

Social media (Facebook, Instagram)
Email marketing
Local advertising (radio, newspapers)
Community events and sponsorships
Search engines (Google)

Focus on 2–3 channels where your audience spends the most time.

Set Your Budget

Determine how much you can afford to spend on marketing.

Include:

Advertising costs
Design and printing
Software or tools
Time investment

Start small and scale as you see results.

Create a Content Plan

Plan what you will say and share with your audience.

Examples:

Weekly social media posts
Monthly email newsletters
Seasonal promotions

Consistency is key to building trust and visibility.

Set a Timeline

Outline when each marketing activity will happen.

Example:

Week 1: Launch social media campaign
Week 2: Send email promotion
Month 1: Attend local event

A simple calendar can help keep you organized.

Measure Your Results

Track your progress to see what’s working.

Key metrics:

Website traffic
Social media engagement
Sales and revenue
Customer inquiries

Adjust your plan based on results.

Review and Improve

Marketing is ongoing. Regularly review your plan and make improvements.

Ask:

What worked well?
What didn’t?
What should we change?

Final Thoughts

A marketing plan doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. By following these steps, small businesses can build a strong foundation for growth and success.

For additional support, resources, and networking opportunities, connect with the Bristol Chamber.

This guide is intended as a starting point for small business owners.

Sample Organization Structure

Writing Your Business plan

10 Steps to Writing Your Business Plan

A strong business plan helps guide your decisions, attract funding, and set your business up for success. Follow these 10 key steps:

1. Write Your Executive Summary

Provide a brief overview of your business, including your mission, product or service, and goals.

2. Describe Your Business

Explain what your business does, who it serves, and what makes it unique.

3. Define Your Products or Services

Detail what you’re offering and how it benefits your customers.

4. Identify Your Target Market

Describe your ideal customers, including demographics, needs, and buying behaviors.

5. Analyze Your Competition

Research competitors and identify your advantages and opportunities in the market.

6. Outline Your Marketing Plan

Explain how you will attract and retain customers (social media, advertising, promotions, etc.).

7. Plan Your Operations

Describe how your business will run day-to-day, including location, staff, and processes.

8. Create Your Management Structure

Outline your team, roles, and organizational structure.

9. Develop Financial Projections

Include estimates for revenue, expenses, and profitability. Add startup costs and funding needs.

10. Set Goals and Milestones

Define short- and long-term goals and how you will measure success.

Final Tip

Keep your plan clear, realistic, and adaptable. Update it regularly as your business grows and changes.

Business Plan Template

Small Business Business Plan Template

Use this template as a starting point to organize your ideas and build a clear roadmap for your business.

1. Executive Summary

Business Name:
Location:
Owner(s):
Business Structure: (Sole Proprietorship, LLC, Corporation, etc.)

Mission Statement:
(Briefly describe the purpose of your business.)

Business Overview:
(What do you do? What problem do you solve?)

Goals:
(Short-term and long-term objectives.)

2. Business Description

What industry are you in?
What makes your business unique?
What stage is your business in? (Startup, expansion, etc.)
What need does your business fill in the community?

3. Products or Services

Describe:

What you sell
Pricing structure
Benefits to customers
Future products or services you plan to offer

4. Market Analysis

Target Market:

Who is your ideal customer?
Age, income, location, buying habits

Market Need:

Why is there demand for your product or service?

Competition:

Who are your main competitors?
What are their strengths and weaknesses?
What is your competitive advantage?

5. Marketing & Sales Strategy

How will you attract customers?
(Social media, advertising, networking, referrals, etc.)
How will you retain customers?
What is your sales process?

6. Operations Plan

Business location
Equipment and technology needed
Suppliers and vendors
Hours of operation
Day-to-day workflow

7. Management & Organization

Ownership structure
Key team members and roles
Advisors (attorney, accountant, banker, etc.)
Organizational chart (if applicable)

8. Financial Plan

Startup Costs:
(List expected expenses to launch.)

Funding Sources:
(Personal savings, loans, investors, grants, etc.)

Revenue Projections:
(Projected income for 1–3 years.)

Expense Projections:
(Fixed and variable costs.)

Break-Even Analysis:
(When will your business become profitable?)

9. Milestones & Timeline

Business registration
Location secured
Marketing launch
First sale
Growth targets

10. Supporting Documents (Appendix)

Attach if applicable:

Resumes
Permits and licenses
Lease agreements
Contracts
Financial spreadsheets

Final Tip

Keep your business plan clear, realistic, and flexible. Update it as your business grows and your market evolves.

FAQ

Small Business Readiness & Startup FAQ

Use these questions as a self-assessment before and during your startup journey.

Before You Start

About You

Are you prepared to commit the time and energy required to run a business?
Do you have experience in this industry or managing others?
Do you have business or management training?
Have you previously owned or operated a business?

About the Money

Do you know your startup costs and break-even point?
How much personal capital can you invest?
Will you need financing or a partner?
Have you projected your expected annual income?
Can you reinvest profits to grow the business?

About a Partner

Do you understand the pros and cons of partnerships vs. going solo?
Have you worked successfully with a partner before?
Are roles and expectations clearly defined?

About Your Customers (Retail Focus)

Is there strong demand for your product or service locally?
Who are your ideal customers?
Are there enough target customers in your area?
What will customers do if your business does not exist?

Getting Started

Location & Building

Have you evaluated multiple locations?
Is there room for growth?
Is the lease and zoning approved by an attorney?
Is the location convenient and accessible?

Equipment & Supplies

Have you priced equipment and supply costs?
Should you lease or buy?
Can you save with quality used equipment?

Inventory & Merchandise (Retail Focus)

What products will you sell?
Which products will generate most of your revenue?
Have you secured reliable suppliers?
Have you compared pricing and credit terms?

Recordkeeping & Compliance

Do you have a bookkeeping system in place?
How will you manage payroll and taxes?
Do you understand required financial statements?
Do you have an accountant?
Have you secured necessary licenses and permits?

Insurance & Protection

Have you protected your business against theft and liability?
Have you reviewed insurance options with an agent?

Buying an Existing Business

Do you know why the owner is selling?
Have you compared buying vs. starting new?
Are equipment and facilities in good condition?
Have you spoken with suppliers and industry peers?

Making It Successful

Marketing & Advertising

Do you have a marketing plan?
Do you understand your advertising options?
Have you studied competitors’ strategies?

Pricing

Do you know your costs and profit margins?
Have you reviewed competitor pricing?
Is your pricing strategy sustainable and profitable?

Sales & Inventory

How will you track inventory and reorder?
Do you have a strategy for understanding customer demand?
Will you use staff-assisted sales or self-service?

Employees

Do you know who you need to hire?
Have you planned wages and training?

Customer Credit

Will you offer credit?
Do you understand invoicing and credit-card processing options?

Final Considerations

Does your family support your decision?
Have you consulted a lawyer, accountant, and banker?
Have you researched your market and competitors thoroughly?
Do you have a clear work plan for yourself and your team?

Questions to Ask Before Buying a Business or Franchise

Use these questions when evaluating a business or franchise opportunity. They can help you make an informed decision and avoid costly mistakes.

Business Performance & Experience

How long have you been in this business?
Are you satisfied with your earnings?
Are your actual earnings close to what was originally projected?
Do you work in the business full-time?
Is your business growing?
What is your estimated annual growth rate?
Do you own (or want to own) additional locations?

Location & Operations

Does this location meet customer needs?
Who selected the site?
How difficult is it to find, train, and retain employees?

Franchise Support (if applicable)

How would you rate the franchise management?
How effective was the initial training?
Is ongoing training provided?
How responsive is the support team when you need help?
How effective are the marketing and advertising programs?

Financial Insights

Ask for estimated monthly expenses:

Rent: $__________
Utilities: $__________
Advertising & Promotions: $__________
Inventory / Cost of Goods: $__________
Labor / Payroll: $__________
Insurance: $__________
Other Expenses: $__________
Total Monthly Costs: $__________

Profit Expectations

What are realistic earnings expectations for:
- Year 1?
- Year 2?
- Year 3?

Satisfaction & Risks

If you could do it again, would you choose this business?
Would you invest in additional locations?
Are you aware of other owners who are unhappy? Why?
What do you like most about the business?
What do you like least?

Final Tip

Speak with multiple current and former owners whenever possible. Their real-world experience can provide valuable insight beyond sales materials.

Business Resources

CITY & STATE SPECIFIC RESOURCES

Resources

Writing Your Business plan

Small Business Business Plan Template

FAQ

Before You Start

Getting Started

Making It Successful

Final Considerations

Get In Touch!

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