How would you go about opening a business?

I want to open a Christian bookstore/cafe. I found the retail space, but have no clue where to start. I have NO experience with bookstores. Do you know where I can get info on how to run one? Any advice?How would you go about opening a business?
We started a small business and had not a clue what to do, where to begin, or where to ask for help. Our business is re-wholesale trees, plants, shrubs and ornamental grasses. Last year, we visited some businesses we wanted to purchase our product from and while there we observed, and asked LOTS of questions. I would recommend this approach for any one who needs advice and direction -- everyone we talked with was very helpful and honest. Presently, we are in business and when we run into a problem that we are not familiar with, we go back to those same people and they help us.How would you go about opening a business?
Starting a new business is always hard. My advise Would be first come up with a round figure of how much you think it will cost to operate I like to tell people who are starting out it is much like owning a second house or for that matter a house, you have to think about your mortgage or in this case monthly lease cost, what it is going to cost you for all your utilities, construction cost for getting the place up to city building %26amp; zoning codes. Making sure the lease you sign covers everything, know what your responsibilities are as a tenant. Now the fun Part here is a quick list to start looking into kind of a starting point.

-Business Ins.

-Accountant

-Lawyer

-distributor

-bank not just any bank but one that will work with you or better yet a Credit union works just as good and also offer free classes.

-contractors (electrical, heating, framing and drywall)

-Since it's a cafe also you need to look into your city /county food and health licensing and take classes (Mandatory).

-State I.D # Federal EIN # ( accountant can help if you have the money to pay them every time or you can just call you local Secretary of State for Info to get you started.



My suggestion is to go to SCORE.com it's free and get a online mentor who has experience in the business you are looking to start.

Don't be afraid to ask for help! they are there to guide you.



Look into SBA.org they also give you free on line classes to get you going no cost.



Find a mentor who you may know and ask them questions most people wont tell you because you are potential competition.



Your local library. Ask the reference people to help you they will pull out all the stuff you need and may offer free classes but this source is so invaluable because they are so helpful they sometimes get into what your doing and go the extra mile.



Most of all have fun and DON'T LOSE YOUR PASSION this will test your character to the fullest don't quit. This is the first test.



OR better yet start out small. A little area like a vending area. For example I go to a library that has a small little snack bar type of place it is owned by a older couple not the library and they offer fancy coffee, treats, etc.How would you go about opening a business?
I smell a winner brewing...Christian businesses or a great way to share your time, talent and treasure and Faith with others.



Lots of people start with no experience, that just means that you don't have any bad business habits.



The key is to use good business habits from day one.There are plenty of resource for sales/marketing, startup guides and tips and techniques on starting christian businesses.



If you want to find successful ideas used by other Christian bookstores/cafes you'll find them at:



http://brotobro.blogspot.com/2009/01/unique-ideas-for-christians-starting.html