Starting a non-medical home care business is a great way to be your own boss and help others in your community.
Here are the 8 steps you can take to get started on building your very own non-medical home care business.
8 Steps to Launching a New Non-Medical Home Care Business
1. Name Your Non-Medical Home Care Business
Give your non-medical home care business an identity so people will think of it as a well-known and respected brand. You can take the name of your non-medical home care business from your industry, focus on a geographical location, or use your own name among other options.
The main goal for naming your non-medical home care business is to make it sound appealing and trustworthy so that potential clients will be motivated to use your services.
2. Choose a Legal Form for Your Business
By incorporating your non-medical home care business, you will limit your liability. You can incorporate as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a C Corporation (C-Corp), or an S Corporation (S-Corp). Or you can operate as a sole proprietorship.
The business structure you choose for your non-medical home care business will determine the amount of taxes you pay and which state or federal tax forms you need to file.
Read our article comparing the most common non-medical home care business structures.
3. Write a Non-Medical Home Care Business Plan
All non-medical home care business owners should develop a business plan.
A business plan is a document that outlines the goals, strategies, and operations of a business. It can be used to secure funding from investors or lenders, as well as to guide the day-to-day operations of the business. The business plan should include information on the company’s products or services, market analysis, financial projections, and management team among other things.
Read our article about how to write a non-medical home care business plan.
4. Apply for the Necessary Permits and Licenses
There may be required licenses and permits you need to obtain before launching your non-medical home care business.
For example, if you’re going to be providing care in the home, you’ll likely need a business license from your state’s department of health.
You must also register your non-medical home care business as a legal entity with the state where you plan to do business. You can simply file an online form through your Secretary of State website.
Registering with the federal government is also essential so you can properly pay taxes for your business. You will also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which you can apply for at the IRS website, if you plan to hire employees.
Read our article about obtaining the proper non-medical home care business licenses.
5. Determine Your Budget & Apply for Funding as Needed
In developing your non-medical home care business plan, you will figure out how much funding you need to start and grow your business.
If you have your own funds to invest in your non-medical home care business, you may consider taking advantage of that. In addition to your personal funds, other forms of potential funding for your non-medical home care business include traditional bank loans, SBA loans, credit cards, angel investors and family and friends.
Read our article about the costs associated with starting a non-medical home care business to help you determine if funding is needed.
Read our article about how to fund your non-medical home care business.
6. Get the Technology & Software Needed to Run Your Business Efficiently
When you start your non-medical home care business, it’s essential to have the right technology in place to maximize efficiency. You definitely need a computer with Internet access, and accounting software for tracking expenses and revenues.
You may also want to invest in a customer relationship management (CRM) system to manage client information, as well as marketing automation software to generate leads and grow your business.
Other essential non-medical home care business startup technology includes:
-An appointment scheduling system
-A payment processing system
-A project management tool
7. Market Your Non-Medical Home Care Business to Potential Clients
Before you start selling your services, you have to let the world know you exist. The first step is to create a website so people can learn more about your services and how they benefit them.
After you launch your website, start promoting it through social media channels like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Also consider networking with other people in the non-medical home care industry through social media and blogs so they can help share your business.
You also need to start gathering the materials needed to execute on your promotions strategy, which is your strategy for attracting new customers. Non-medical home care businesses should consider the following promotional strategies for which you should start getting prepared:
-Develop a sales pitch
-Create an email list
-Attend non-medical home care trade shows and events
-Develop partnerships with other businesses
-Get involved in the community
Read our article about how to market your non-medical home care business for more tips.
8. Get New Clients & Grow Your Business
When you promote your services, you’ll start to get interest from potential clients.
Make sure you’re ready to serve these clients. Also, be sure to establish systems to ensure consistency and reduce costs. And be sure to find and train the right people to help you grow your non-medical home care business.
Read our article about how to effectively grow your non-medical home care business to learn more.
Starting a Non-Medical Home Care Business FAQs
Why Start a Non-Medical Home Care Business?
There are many reasons to start a non-medical home care business. First, the industry is growing rapidly due to aging Baby Boomers and advances in home health care technology. This provides entrepreneurs with a great opportunity to enter the market and be successful.
Second, starting a non-medical home care business is a way to make a difference in the lives of your clients. You’ll be helping seniors and other individuals live independently in their homes by providing them with essential care services.
Third, starting a non-medical home care business is a great way to be your own boss and achieve financial independence.
What are Some Tips for Starting a Non-Medical Home Care Business?
Here are some tips for starting a non-medical home care business:
- Research the market.
- Develop a business plan.
- Choose the right location.
- Train your staff.
- Invest in the right technology.
- Promote your business.
- Get involved in the community.
- Establish partnerships with other businesses.
- Focus on quality.
- Get new clients and grow your business.
Where Can I Find a Simple Checklist for Starting a Non-Medical Home Care Business?
A simple checklist to use when starting a non-medical home care business is as follows:
- Name Your Non-Medical Home Care Business: This should be done with care, as your brand is important for attracting the right customers. A simple, memorable name will go a long way.
- Choose a Legal Form for Your Business: Whether you choose to become a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation or another option will depend on your business. Ensure that you are aware of all the implications of each type.
- Write a Non-Medical Home Care Business Plan: Your business plan will also help you determine what your start-up costs will be and will provide a roadmap with which you can launch and grow.
- Apply for the Necessary Permits and Licenses: In most locations you will be required to apply for a business license and/or permits before you can begin operations.
- Determine Your Budget & Apply for Funding as Needed: You will need to know how much money you have to spend on all of your business-related expenses before opening any doors. If needed, apply for a small business loan or other funding options.
- Get the Technology & Software Needed to Run Your Business Efficiently: You need to have the right tools in place to succeed. Implement software that will help you manage your time, contacts, and business operations in general.
- Market Your Non-Medical Home Care Business to Potential Clients: A solid marketing plan will be crucial to your success. It should focus on attracting the right customers so that you can provide them with the services they truly need.
- Get Clients & Grow Your Business: Once you have a solid marketing plan, it's time to actively pursue and secure those who could benefit the most from your services.
Summary
Starting a non-medical home care business becomes easier if you follow the tips outlined in this article. Remember to research the market, develop a business plan, and invest in the necessary technology and software. Most importantly, focus on offering high-quality service and attracting new clients.