Turn your business dream into a reality with help from Adobe

COVID-19 has reshaped the business landscape around the world. While many businesses have closed, overall economic indicators are starting to look brighter as businesses adapt their products, operations, and customer experiences to this “new normal.” It may seem surprising, but some experts argue that the current landscape is favorable for entrepreneurs: Consumers are actively looking for new products and services that either help them meet COVID-19-specific needs or replace providers that closed during the pandemic. Labor is also more abundant than it has been in years, and e-commerce is more accessible than ever.

If you’ve dreamed of starting a business at home, Adobe can help you make it a reality.

Define your business and goals

Of course, not all types of businesses are well-positioned to take advantage of the new opportunities brought by COVID-19. If you’re thinking about starting a business at home right now, you should carefully consider your own skills, experience, and knowledge, as well as the product or service you want to provide. You should also understand COVID-19’s effect on the industry you’re trying to enter.

COVID-19 has impacted the retail, food service, fashion, and hospitality industries more than other sectors. That could be a reason to steer clear of those industries, but it could also be an opportunity for entrepreneurs with a vision for how to bring them into the post-pandemic world. In addition to understanding your industry’s prospects during COVID-19, you should define the role you want your new business to play in your life. Will this be a passion project, a side hustle to earn a little extra, or your main focus? Understanding the long-term goals and desires for your business will help you avoid making any decisions and investments you later regret.

How to start a business from home

Starting a business is never easy, but with the right idea, the right tools, and the dedication to see it through, you can build your own business during COVID-19. And Adobe can help you get your business rolling with the tips below and a free seven-day trial of Adobe Acrobat.

• Create a business plan: It’s critical to understand how you will build and sustain your business before you start it. A good business plan describes every aspect of your company, from budgets and funding to product and marketing to structure and governance. This is your three- to five-year roadmap for success, so you should spend a good amount of time fleshing it out. The Small Business Association (SBA) has lots of resources to help you develop your business plan. You can also use Acrobat tools like Word to PDF and Combine Files to streamline the process.
• Build your workspace: Think about the space and materials your business needs to succeed. Does it require just a small room and a computer or a larger space for workbenches or production areas? Does it require any shipping and fulfillment technology, supplies, or equipment? The cost of all these items should be factored into your business plan.
• Register your business: In order to make your business official, you’ll need to complete the necessary paperwork to register the business for taxes, as well as acquire any industry-specific licenses or permits. The SBA has a list of detailed steps you should take. Speed up this work by using Acrobat to fill and sign all those forms electronically.
• Prepare for online operations: Whatever industry your new business is in, the reality of COVID-19 means you must prepare to market, sell, and build your brand and products online. Luckily, there are many intuitive and powerful platforms out there that allow even non-programmers to design beautiful, professional websites. Social media is also an affordable and effective way to market your brand. You can build your online presence quickly and easily by using Adobe Spark to create impactful web pages, social media posts, and short videos in minutes.

If you’re ready to take the leap and start your own small business, Acrobat and Adobe Spark are here to help. Why not get started today?