Finding the Right Space for Your Business: What Comes Next?
Choosing a business location is about more than finding available space. Shauna El-Amin shares practical advice on understanding what your business actually needs, testing your concept before making a major commitment, and connecting with local resources that can help you take the next step.
Meet Shauna El-Amin
Shauna El-Amin has served as Executive Director of the Downtown Beloit Association for 14 years, following five years in economic development with the City of Beloit. Her work focuses on supporting small businesses, from entrepreneurs developing an initial concept to established businesses looking for their next location or opportunity to grow.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- Small business development,
- Downtown revitalization
- Commercial space
- Retail and restaurant entrepreneurship
- Business resources
- Community events and networking
CONTACT SHAUNA
From Business Idea to First Location: What Comes Next?
The right next step depends on how far along the business idea is. Someone with industry experience may have a clearer path forward, while an entrepreneur with an early-stage concept may benefit from business planning, feedback and startup programming first.
Janesville Innovation Center, Downtown Beloit Association and other Rock County business resources can help entrepreneurs identify the support that best fits their needs.
Key Advice
Understand what your business needs from a location
Consider whether you need a visible storefront, office space, manufacturing space or room to grow.
Match the resource to your stage of business
Early-stage entrepreneurs may benefit from programs that help refine the concept and develop a stronger business plan.
Look for opportunities to test your concept
Farmers markets, community events, pop-ups and partnerships with existing businesses can give entrepreneurs ways to introduce their product before committing to a permanent location.
Take advantage of the regional business network
Local organizations often work together and can connect entrepreneurs with the program, space or resource that best fits their needs, including JIC for businesses seeking flexible office or manufacturing space.
Use local workshops and networking opportunities
Business organizations can provide access to speakers, one-on-one guidance and opportunities to connect with other local business owners.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a location before understanding what the business actually needs
- Assuming every business requires a traditional storefront
- Moving forward before the business idea is fully developed
- Overlooking startup programs and local business resources
- Missing opportunities to test a concept through markets, events or pop-ups
Your Next Steps
- Assess where you are in the process. Determine whether you are still developing the idea, preparing to launch or ready to find space.
- Define what your business needs from a location. Consider visibility, customers, operations and room to grow.
- Connect with local resources. JIC and other regional organizations can help connect you with programs, space and business support that fit your needs.
- Build local connections. Attend workshops, networking events and business programs that can introduce you to other entrepreneurs and local resources.
Resources That Can Help
Janesville Innovation Center Business Resources
Entrepreneur support, mentorship and connections to regional business resources.
Janesville Innovation Center Available Space
Flexible office and manufacturing space for entrepreneurs and growing businesses.
Downtown Beloit Association
Business resources, available property information, community events and support for businesses interested in Downtown Beloit.
Business Readiness Program
A resource Shauna recommends for entrepreneurs who are still refining an idea and preparing to launch.
Jumpstart South Central Wisconsin
Entrepreneurship training and business development support for entrepreneurs across the region.
Greater Beloit Economic Development Corporation
Another regional resource for businesses seeking guidance and economic development connections.
Planning a larger development or redevelopment project? Businesses can also ask the City of Janesville about programs such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF), downtown revolving loan programs and other development assistance that may apply.
From Shauna
Shauna’s advice to entrepreneurs is to understand where they are in the business process and seek out the resources that fit that stage. Whether you’re refining an early idea, testing a concept, looking for your first space or preparing to grow, organizations like JIC, Downtown Beloit and other regional partners can help point you toward useful programs, connections and opportunities.
Build Your Business with the Right Support
Entrepreneurs benefit from having the right resources and connections as they make decisions about their business. Janesville Innovation Center can help connect business owners with flexible space, startup resources and regional partners based on where they are in the development process.
Explore Entrepreneur Resources | View Available Space | Contact JIC