Anchorage Daily News

University of Alaska researchers surveyed 196 current and former rural business owners around Alaska to find out more about the barriers to business and whether they had any advice for people trying to start a small business in rural Alaska.

Here is some of the advice business owners provided:

• Take a hard look to see if there's enough demand for what you plan to sell. Either offer a needed service or offer a growth opportunity in an existing industry.

• Draw up a business plan that includes expenses, estimated cash flow, management and training of employees, and marketing for your product.

• Get expert advice if possible and research grant programs.

• Be careful about the amount of debt you take on and determine whether you will be able to make payments if business slows down.

• Get experience in managing a business or at least some training to help understand contracts, cash flow, growth management and other aspects of a running business.

• Don't expand too fast. You could get in over your head.

• Make your business a family affair if possible, to provide for a more stable employee base.

• Get community support, hire local people and foster relationships with other local businesses.

• Plan ahead for difficulties with transportation, weather, communication and other problems posed by running a business in a small, remote location.

• Work hard, love what you do and always provide good customer service.

Find Elizabeth Bluemink online at adn.com/contact/ebluemink or call 257-4317.

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