As startups continue to dominate the news cycle and profitability in the sector grows, so does the ecosystem of products and companies surrounding and serving these entrepreneurs.
However, even with all the hype, that does not mean that running a startup is an easy task. If your startup is going to succeed, you will likely need support of many kinds. This support will come from many places, and not just be financial.
Running a startup is complicated. It’s fast-paced and it takes grit and a strategic mindset. Don’t set yourself up for failure by refusing to seek the resources your startup needs to flourish!
It’s important to know what’s out there for startups regardless of founder’s specific goals. Whether you want to be the next unicorn company or are focused on filling a critical gap in your community, these resources can help you get there.
We put together this list of resources designed to help bootstrapped startups get started and accelerate their growth. Whether you want tax help, to promote your venture, or an avenue to sell it, here are just a few of the things out there which can help.
So, let’s get started!
MainStreet
Not every founder knows this, but there are actually tax credits to be gained from the IRS as a startup.
“MainStreet helps software, hardware, and venture-backed startups claim tax credits most accountants never claim.”
Of course, if you’re savvy when it comes to navigating the various in’s and out’s of startup tax code, you may be able to pull this off yourself.
But what makes MainStreet unique is their ability to connect to your Payroll to get your tax credits to you in cash. “No more waiting for Tax Day,” their website states.
Each month, they review your business profits and new applicable tax codes to see the payout your business qualifies for.
Getting this money back each month can be beneficial to aiding in growth and affording the many business expenses that arise when getting a startup off the ground.
Microacquire
While not every startup’s end goal is to get acquired, sometimes that is the ultimate game plan. Also, unless an entrepreneur was very well-connected from the jump, in the past it was virtually impossible to guarantee this outcome.
These days, however, entrepreneurs have more options than ever before. They can do a lot even if they don’t have coveted Silicon Valley connections.
There are a lot of resources out there. Microacquire is one of them.
Microacquire makes it easy to buy and sell startups.
Startups looking to sell can instantaneously list their startup for free. The platform itself connects buyers and sellers. It’s designed to start meaningful conversations with key metrics on display, so both parties can make an informed decision quickly.
You can also hire an advisor via the platform to help oversee your startup’s acquisition as well.
This founder-friendly solution is a powerful tool for startups. It empowers users to get in front of an engaged audience quickly to get acquired for their maximum asking price.
Bootstrappers
As anyone who’s ever tried to pitch a news outlet will tell you, getting your story picked up on the newswire can be tricky.
The same goes for a newly launched business or digital product looking to get the word out.
Bootstrappers news stories cater specifically to bootstrapped startups and companies.
You won’t find as many sensationalized “raised millions for x” stories here.
Instead, tales of fortuitous life-changing everyday encounters for founders and bootstrapped entrepreneurial journeys abound.
You can even submit your own story about your bootstrapped company to get featured.
This is for startups looking to generate online buzz and get the word out about their product/ service. It is an online publication that can be invaluable. It is especially useful when the coverage is shared with one’s network, potential investors, and customers.
You work hard, don’t keep all of your effort a secret! Find ways to make your startup known so you can connect with critical resources. These can include both investors and potential team members.
Gust Launch
This online platform helps startups incorporate easily. This is an essential step in the founder’s journey, not to mention a prerequisite for app launch.
Gust Launch provides access to legal documents designed by startup-focused lawyers. Using the online platform, startups can incorporate in as little as two minutes.
Beyond getting started, the company also supports startups as they seek to accelerate their growth. It provides legal agreements, documents relating to fundraising, hiring, accounting, and access to lawyers along the way.
Startups can select the support plan that works best for them fiscally and functionally, with packages starting at $300 per year — should you decide to utilize their services beyond incorporation.
Remember, a successful startup requires so much more than just a founder and an idea. There is also A LOT of paperwork.
CrunchBase
While CrunchBase offers a myriad of services supporting early and growth-stage startups, at a minimum the site offers a platform to list your startup as a registered business entity.
For potential investors or even business associates looking to vet your venture, this can go a long way towards legitimizing the business’ online presence.
Plus, some tech conventions require a CrunchBase profile to enter competitions as a means of gauging the overall company stage and financial status of your venture.
Be sure to start a profile for your startup here ASAP.
Your online presence is critical for your business. So, make sure you build an online presence which legitimizes all of the hard work that you do every day.
Braintrust
This decentralized tech job platform is pretty neat, as it is controlled mainly by the tech talent themselves.
“At Braintrust, our decentralized talent network is built on the belief that everyone should be treated fairly. Fees should be transparent. Incentives should be aligned. And the huge percentages taken by middlemen should be a thing of the past. This new model is uniquely enabled by a blockchain technology and the BTRST token.”
Targeting freelancers and the companies who hire them, Braintrust eliminated talent fees and membership costs, also allowing companies to post jobs for free.
While traditional job agencies mark up talent, Braintrust charges a flat 10%, allowing the hiring budget to go further.
The platform goes further than just granting access to a pool of candidates by also providing expert matchmaking services.
It essentially connects businesses with the right talent, and talent with the right businesses.
Many startups turn to freelance tech talent to staff their team, and this online resource is a great way to attract top freelance tech talent in a way that works best for them.
Final Thoughts on Accessible Online Resources to Fuel Your Startup
“You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you.”
Be open to exploring what’s out there for your startup as you bootstrap!
Beyond SaaS products and services designed to help you grow your business, there are also non-profit business associations, startup-focused events, and government programs out there to consider.
Competition is high, but so is the number of resources available to startups out there looking to leave their mark.
From investors to legal and tax advisors to team members and other services, there is a whole host of people and organizations in the startup ecosystem outside of just entrepreneurs. You don’t have to go it alone, and you shouldn’t try to in the first place!
There is a reason you often hear to this sector referred to as the startup ecosystem. It is truly an ecosystem of mutually beneficial partnerships often between the government, businesses, and a range of other organizations.
Hopefully, this list has provided you with some ideas and encouraged you to seek out whatever resources your venture may require. You can do it!
What do you think? Comment below.
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