Cannabis influencing 101: Some quick tips for anyone entering the scene
Before you start any business, you must have an idea of the industry landscape: What are the risks? Who are your competitors? What is the earning potential?
Given the cannabis industry's short history, no one truly knows how the industry will unravel. One of the most important things you can figure out, however, is cannabis demand in your area where you plan to start the business and how you can set yourself apart from others in the same place offering the same service.
Here are some tips for those entering the cannabis market.
Business Plan
When you are starting a cannabis business, your business plan has to be more detailed compared to any other kind of business plan, as you must carefully follow the laws of your state as you detail who you are, who your suppliers are going to be, and where you will open your cannabis business. Everything should be done according to the local laws.
To ensure success, make sure your business plan covers:
- Business costs
- How and when you plan to turn a profit
- Who your suppliers are
- Who your competitors are
- How you will attract customers
- Lastly, hire legal counsel to help you keep everything in order.
Register Your Business Entity and Name
As cannabis is still federally illegal, many big businesses generally stay away from this industry, making it a significant sector for local businesses to enter. No matter how small-scale your cannabis business is, you still need to select a business entity. It can be a corporation or a limited liability company, but the entity you choose affects the level of risk you are exposed to and the amount of taxes you will pay. It’s also helpful to choose a unique name for your cannabis business, and for that, you need to conduct a search to make sure that name is available. To register your business name, you have to pay a small fee that will reserve that name for you for a set period of time.
Don't Forget To Register Your Business and Obtain a License
Every state has its own laws around the cannabis business; therefore, different licenses and permits will be required depending upon your location. Do your homework and contact a legal professional to help you sort out everything during the registration process.
Pay Your Taxes
Every business has to pay the income tax when tax season rolls around. Every state has its own tax rules around the cannabis business; however, you must apply for a business tax ID number irrespective of the state. This business ID number will be required to pay taxes, open a business bank account, and apply for funding as well as credit cards.
Get Funding
Business start-ups require a lot of money, and if you realize that you can't cover the expenses on your own, look for funding. This is another extremely important reason as to why you need a good business plan—any lender or investor you go to looking for money will want to see how you plan to run the business and generate profit. As local cannabis businesses are federally illegal, be prepared that your funding and financing options will be limited compared to any other small business.