Businesses in Crestview are brimming with opportunity! Find out about the businesses in Crestview, along with resources and information about being a business owner in town.

Business Opportunities in Crestview, FL

Crestview is called the “Hub City” of Northwest Florida. It’s one of the fastest growing cities in the area with lots of residential and economic development. In fact, since 2007, it’s been the largest city in Okaloosa County. All of these factors combined make Crestview an ideal location for businesses in the Emerald Coast area. Let’s explore the businesses in the area, along with some resources for local business owners, and listings of businesses for sale in Crestview.

Crestview Businesses

Because Crestview is the largest city in the area, it has a wide variety of businesses. While there are tourist-centered businesses like campgrounds and retail locations, many other types of businesses exist in Crestview. The Business Directory lists businesses in categories from A to Z. From the arts, automotive, construction, computers, health care, legal, real estate, restaurants, to wedding vendors. Crestview offers it all.

Resources for Businesses in Crestview

Business owners in Crestview are lucky to have some valuable resources in the local Chamber of Commerce and the City of Crestview. The Crestview Area Chamber not only gives a public directory of businesses, but also works to advertise deals on their website and help promote area businesses to residents. The City of Crestview offers a local planning agency that may be helpful to business owners when it comes to City Planning and Zoning. Businesses owners in Crestview need to be familiar with the City of Crestview’s licenses and business tax information found here. These regulations ensure that only licenses businesses are operating in the area.

Want to Own a Business in Crestview?

Crestview’s booming growth makes it the perfect place to own a business. But instead of working to start one, why not just buy an existing, successful business in Crestview? Many business owners are looking to retire or relocate, so they are ready to sell their businesses.

Emerald Coast Business Brokers can help you find the ideal business that fits your needs and your interests.

They prescreen businesses to make sure all businesses for sale with them are great options to purchase, and then they will work with you throughout the entire process from making an offer to transitioning into ownership. If you’re ready to be your own boss, contribute to the local economy, and enjoy the freedom that business ownership gives, contact the advisors at Emerald Coast Business Brokers. They will work confidentially with you to find you the perfect Crestview businesses to purchase.

Thinking of buying or selling a business? Find out if you need a business broker in this blog

Not sure if you need a business broker?

Whether you’re new to buying or selling a business, or you’re a seasoned pro, hiring a professional business broker to walk along side you through the process is one of the best business decisions you’ll make. Business brokers are trained and experienced in providing the expertise required to execute a successful transaction and outcome. As you know, buying a business is much more complicated than simply buying real estate. While you may be able to navigate a real estate sale without the help of a broker, there are so many details that go into a business sale that it is best to have an expert to guide

The Role of a Business Broker

Business brokers are similar to real estate brokers, but for businesses. They offer listings of businesses for sale, they work to attract and identify buyers that are ideal buyers for your business, and then help you throughout the sale. The advantage to using a business broker is four-fold.

Listing and marketing your business.

They will list your business in a searchable database, making it easy for those looking to buy a business to find what they’re looking for. Business brokers will also work hard at marketing and promoting the business they have for sale, with a focus on finding just the right buyer. They’ll screen potential buyers to identify whether they are a good fit for your business before you speak with them.

Business Listing Confidentiality.

When you list your business with a business broker, you can do that with the confidence that it will stay confidential until you are ready to disclose the sale. Entrepreneurs interested in buying a business can search listings without having to divulge publically that they are interested in buying a business, and if you want to list your business for sale without your customers or employees knowing your plans, a business broker is the way to go. Typically, without listing with a broker, you will need to publically list your business for sale—which could potentially impact current customer and employee trust.

Paperwork Assistance.

If you’ve never been through this process before, you may be surprised by the amount of paperwork required to complete the sale. Sellers will collect current business records to show to prospective buyers, and buyers may need to make business plan documents for lenders. The buyer will want as many documents as possible to evaluate the business during the period of due diligence, so collecting and organizing that data is much easier with the help of a business broker. A business broker will also work to coordinate efforts between other interested parties such as lenders and attorneys.

Liaison Between Buyer and Seller.

Anytime negotiations occur, it is helpful to have someone coordinating the efforts between the two interested parties. Whether it is modifying offers, negotiating terms, or questioning issues within the paperwork, the business broker will work as your buffer. This is especially important when buying and selling a business. The seller will likely have to work with the buyer after the sale for training and other transitional activities, so it’s best to leave the negotiating up to the business broker so the relationship between buyer and seller isn’t damaged by aggressive negotiations.

Choose Your Business Broker Wisely!

Make sure you choose professional business brokers who know the area you are working in. If you are looking for businesses in the North Florida area, the Emerald Coast Business Brokers are the area experts. They offer extensive knowledge about the local market, along with expertise in the buying and selling process. They have a broad variety of business listings and will work to find the ideal business for you. If you have a business to sell, they will help you with your business valuation to make the sale quick and easy. The advisors at Emerald Coast Business Brokers are experienced entrepreneurs that have completed many regional and national acquisitions.

If you want to work confidentially with one of our advisors, contact us to find out more. If you need a business broker, we are ready to help you buy or sell your business.

Get information on Emerald Coast real estate, both residential and commercial in this blog

Residential and Commercial Real Estate on the Emerald Coast

National Geographic has called the Emerald Coast “A Top Place to Visit,” but we also know that it’s a great place to live! If you’ve visited the area, you’ve seen firsthand the beautiful beaches and wonderful towns. If you’re interested in becoming a property owner along the Emerald Coast, there is much opportunity in all of the beautiful coastal towns. The real estate market along the Emerald Coast is booming right now! Whether you’re looking for residential real estate, commercial real estate, or businesses for sale, we have some resources for you.

Emerald Coast Residential Real Estate

When searching for a home, condo, or other residential property on the Emerald Coast, you’ll want a Realtor® who is familiar with the area. The Emerald Coast Association of Realtors® is a group of local realtors who work together to help clients find homes in the Emerald Coast area. You can use their Find a Realtor feature to locate a real estate agent who can help you find the perfect home, condo, or apartment for you and your family. Whether you want to move to Florida full time, or are looking for a second home, these real estate agents know the listings in the area.

Emerald Coast Commercial Real Estate

If you’re interested in property that is suited for commercial purposes, you’ll find it along the Emerald Coast: rental properties, storefronts and more.

Businesses for Sale on the Emerald Coast

And, if you’re interested in more than just residential and commercial properties and you want to move forward with business ownership along the Emerald Coast, the area experts are Emerald Coast Business Brokers. We’ll work to prescreen businesses in order to provide quality businesses for sale. The expert advisors at Emerald Coast Business Brokers will help you from start to finish. Contact us today to discuss your options for buying a business in the Emerald Coast area confidentially.

What’s the real estate market like in the Emerald Coast?

Overall, the US real estate market is recovering, with home values up 1.4% from the third quarter of 2013 to the fourth quarter of 2014. National home values are expected to increase 4.8% over the next year. Florida is showing 5-10% home appreciation over the next twelve months, so now is the time to buy real estate in the Emerald Coast area. Locally, Destin is showing an especially good outlook with 6% home value increase in the next 12 months.

If you’re looking to become a business owner, get a head start by choosing one of the top growing industries.

Best Industries for Small Businesses

When looking to buy a business, many people look for industries they are interested in. While that’s a great approach, we also recommend taking the industry potential into account. It can be tough to gauge future success on past performance, but these industries have had great growth in the last several years, and are poised to continue to grow. If you are interested in acquiring a business in one of these sectors, contact us at Emerald Coast Business Brokers, and we can help you find the ideal business for you.

Fastest Growing Industries for Small Business Owners

Construction

In 2012, Sageworks, a financial information company, analyzed companies with annual sales of $5 million or less, and they found the industries with the most change. Construction-related companies showed great promise for continued growth appearing on the list many times. There were several specific sectors of the construction industry showing fast growth.

• Residential building construction topped the list showing 14.77% growth in 2012 (and don’t ignore the real estate industry selling all those properties).

• Architectural and engineering services were also a top growing industry for small business owners showing 11.4% growth.

• All of those properties require different contractors working on them, resulting in exterior contractors and foundation services growing at a similar rate, along with finishing contractors.

• If it’s a good time to be in construction, it’s even better to be in green construction. Companies that are developing and implementing environmentally friendly construction practices are growing based on demand. Not only are people wanting to help the environment, the government is providing funds to grow these industries as well.

• And don’t forget businesses that service the outside of those buildings. As the buildings are built, they require exterminators, landscapers, and other services resulting in 10.11% growth for that industry.

Technology

It comes as no surprise that tech companies are on the rise. With more specialized technology, companies in technological industries are poised to make record profits in the coming years.

• The biggest growth surge is in building custom software and servers, with 14.29% growth.

• Inc.com reported that the app creation industry is booming as well. Apple has reported over 1 billion downloads, and that’s not stopping anytime soon.

• Technical consulting services are growing, according to Sageworks, with 12.31% growth in 2012.

Companies want to implement technology, but are having to turn to consulting firms for advice and guidance. It’s a great industry for small business owners to create a niche.

• Because of government stimulus plans, health care technology is a growing industry. The government has pledged $19 billion to health information tracking, resulting in health technology companies to have amazing growth.

• Education technology is an industry with high demand and federal funding, a profitable combination. With schools looking to implement new technology, and have the funds to do so, it’s a great time to own a business in this industry.

Food

We are becoming a country of foodies. From the rise of food shows on TV, to the increased availability of specialty items, along with government subsidies for farmers, we are a nation spending money on

• Specialty food stores are on the rise, and they are a very profitable because of great margins and consumer demand.

• Fast casual dining is growing at an unbelievable rate. Owning a food truck or a restaurant is a great idea as people are turning to these types of places for quick, delicious, creative meals.

• Beer, wine, and liquor wholesale showed 18% growth in profits last year, according to Inc.com.

• You may not imagine that the candy industry is growing, but the sweet stuff showed growth in 2012. Candy historically does very well during poor economic times (think of chocolate as a comfort food!), so it grows even when other industries don’t.

• America’s favorite condiment is now hot sauce, making hot sauce production a booming industry projected with 4% growth over the next several years, according to The Huffington Post.

Self-Improvement

Americans are all chasing the ideal of being happy, beautiful, and having it all. Some of the top growing industries for small business owners are in the self-improvement sector.

• Yoga is growing at record paces. Sales of yoga-related products is reported to be $27 million annually, and a reported 15 million people practicing yoga. Yoga studios and apparel stores are great industries to be in.

• Guidance businesses, from life coaching to motivational speakers, are in high demand.

• As the population becomes concerned with health risks about traditional tanning, self-tanning companies are growing at a rapid rate.

Other Growing Small Business Industries

Many other areas are growing based on a number of reasons. It’s a great time to buy a business in one of these industries.

• Because of an aging baby boomer population, home health care is growing at a rapid rate.

• Companies are cutting costs and outsourcing much of their accounting, making accounting services a profitable industry.

• General freight trucking showed a 10.41% change in 2012, making it one of the top 10 growing industries for small business owners.

• With quality jobs being harder to come by, people are looking to learn new skills. This is resulting in great growth at technical and trade schools.

Why not capitalize on these growing industries and own your own small business? We can help you find the ideal business that will align with your interests and one of these growing industries. Buying a business can be complicated, but it’s often a better idea than starting your own business from scratch. We take the stress out and provide expertise throughout the entire process. Contact us to get started buying a business today.

Looking for help getting a small business loan in Florida? Get the most important resources

Small Business Loans in Florida

Do you need a loan to purchase a small business? Or do you need additional funds to grow your existing business? No matter why you need a small business loan, there are resources available in Florida. There are many ways to obtain loans, from private lending institutions to government agencies. Whether you need short term funding or want to buy a business, let’s cover some options for small business loans.

Government Agencies

The US Small Business Administration offers many programs to small business owners—for loans, financing and bonds. They can help you get a third party lender, guarantee a bond, or help you locate venture capital. In 2013, the SBA delivered more than $30 billion in loan guarantees. The Florida SBA not only provides Florida small business loans, but it also works to provide counseling, capital, contracting, disaster assistance, and advocacy. If you are in need of financial assistance for your business, you can find the Florida SBA here.

Private Lenders

Banks may be able to offer you a line of credit or a small business loan—if you do personal banking at a Florida bank, start there; you may be able to get a great interest rate since they are familiar with your financial history. But, of course, it is also a good idea to check rates with competitors. Most banks have a small business specialist, so start there. It’s important to note that getting a loan to start a business from scratch can prove difficult. They are normally more apt to loan money for purchasing a business that has proven successful. Having the expertise of a qualified business broker, like Emerald Coast Business Brokers, on your side can increase your chances of qualifying a small business.

Outside Investors

Outside investors would be anyone with the means and money to invest in your business. An investor differs from a partner because an investor gives you money in the hopes that you will use it to grow your business and repay them a percentage where a partner takes an interest in the day-to-day running of your business. An investor is looking for you to work to repay them, while a partner is willing to work with you. Money from an outside investor is essentially a private loan. Finding outside investors may be difficult, but if you network and talk with your contacts, you may find someone interested in providing investment funds to your small business—this is where a Business Broker can come in handy.

Additional Resources

For more resources for Florida small business loans, check out these helpful links:

Enterprise Florida

Florida Department of Financial Services

At Emerald Coast Business Brokers, we know how to value a business, and we can help you determine how much your business is worth!

How Much is my Business Worth?

Many business owners ask this question. One way to determine how much your business is worth is to look at the basic cash flow of the company.  Here are four easy steps to estimate how much your business is  worth using cash flow:

Step 1: Pull out your paperwork and files and calculate the annual earnings before any taxes or depreciation.

Step 2: Factor in any compensation that you offer your employees ranging from bonuses or amenities for the workplace.

Step 3: Determine how the company has generated profit compared to the cost of running the business, i.e. expenses.

Step 4: Once you determine the percent of earnings for a given year, anticipate the same percentage growth over a span of 5 to 10 years. This is a good indicator of how the business will grow in future years.

Emerald Coast Brokers can help you determine how much your business is worth!

These four steps can give you a ballpark estimate, but there are many factors that go into a full evaluation of your business worth.  This is where EC Brokers can help you determine the full value of your business.  Simply fill out the form on the right and we can help you determine how much your business is worth.

Planning a Destin beach wedding? Check out this post for resources and information.

Planning a Destin Beach Wedding

The beautiful beaches of Destin make a gorgeous backdrop for a wedding. Whether you’re fantasizing of an amazing destination wedding or a small, intimate ceremony, Destin is full of business that want to help you plan your Destin beach wedding. With emerald waters, white-sand beaches and visitor-friendly atmosphere, this coastal city is perfect for your special day. You can have your wedding, reception, and even your honeymoon in Destin!

What type of wedding do you want?

When it comes to weddings in Destin, the options are endless. You can throw a formal affair in a ballroom, have a church ceremony, or enjoy a beachfront service under a canopy. Do you want ten people there or two hundred? A beachside bonfire for your reception or a gourmet seafood meal? No matter your tastes or desires, you can create the perfect day here in Destin.

How much work do you want to do?

If your ideal beach wedding is one where you show up and get married, but are not involved in any of the planning, all-inclusive wedding planners are available that will cover all of the details. Or, if you prefer a little more involvement in the planning, you can find vendors for everything you need, like ceremony venues, reception venues, caterers, bakeries, photographers, DJs, florists and more. Some planners to consider are:

Beyond Details of Destin
Serene Occasions
Ocean Breeze Weddingz
The Destin Wedding Company
Island Sands Beach Weddings
Forever I Do Weddings & Events
Princess Wedding Co.

How do I get a marriage license in Destin?

In Florida, marriage licenses are issued by a county court judge or clerk of the circuit court. You can apply for the license at any county clerk’s office and you can get married in any county regardless of the county you obtained your license. There is no residency or citizenship requirement to apply for a marriage license in Florida.

To get your marriage license, both the prospective bride and groom need to visit the circuit court office in person with picture IDs (driver’s license, state ID card, valid passport), and Social Security numbers; a blood test is no longer required. In most counties you can save time by completing the marriage application online. The cost for a marriage license is $93.50, but that fee can be reduced by up to $32.50 if you complete a licensed Florida pre-marital course. The pre-marital course does not apply to non-Florida residents.

Once issued, your marriage license is valid for 60 days, but, if you have not completed the approved pre-marital course there is a 3-day waiting period before you can get married (again, this does not apply to non-Florida residents). Once the ceremony is performed the license should be returned to the County Marriage License Bureau.

Where can I hold my beachfront wedding in Destin?

While all Destin beaches would make beautiful backdrops for your wedding, some may require permissions or fees for your event. Your wedding planner can help you find the perfect location for your dream wedding!

I want a big wedding. What venues can accommodate that?

There are actually numerous areas around Destin that can handle groups over 50, but be aware that a group that size requires a special permit and a fee to Okaloosa County. If you plan on having over 100 guests, security must be provided.

Where do I start?

If you’ve been to a Destin beach wedding before, talk to your friends for recommendations. There are so many wedding planners and wedding vendors in the area, it can be overwhelming. However, if you’re starting from scratch, check out the listings on Wedding Wire to get connected to a wedding planner.

Many of our business owners are involved in the wedding industry, from hotels to restaurants and even hair salons. Destin has many businesses and professionals who can help make your wedding day perfect.

Congratulations on your engagement and good luck wedding planning!

Find out more about the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors here. Learn how to find a realtor, how to become a part of the association, and more!

Everything You Need to Know about the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors®

In North Florida, there is a great group of real estate professionals who have come together to serve each other and their clients. The Emerald Coast Association of Realtors® (ECAR) is made up of more than 2400 Realtor members in the area. This organization exists to provide leadership opportunities and provide expert services to their customers and clients.

How do I become a member of the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors?

First of all, in order to call yourself a Realtor®, you must belong to the National Association of Realtors®, and in order to belong to the National Association of Realtors®, you must belong to both the Florida Realtors® association and a local association—the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors is Northwest Florida’s local association. The ECAR® is made up of members and affiliate members. To join the Association, you will be required complete the application process, pay a non-refundable application fee of $250.00 and pay the yearly dues (which will be returned in the event of non-election). Read more about becoming an ECAR member.

What can I expect from the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors?

If you look at their calendar, you’ll see that the association stays very busy with committee meetings, trainings, tours of homes and more. Programs include continuing education classes to help licensees keep their licenses with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation current. There are also online classes covering topics about ethics, fair housing, short sale clients, and more.

What benefits exist for members?

Members can not only take advantage of classes, training, and networking opportunities, but they are also introduced to products, services, and discounts. They have benefits to offer members that help you save, help you sell more, and help you learn. I’m looking for a realtor in the Emerald Coast area- how do I find a member of the association? ECAR offers a Find a Realtor function where you can locate a Realtor® in the Emerald Coast. If you don’t know where to start, you can simply select “Show all Realtors” to see those who are members of the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors.

For more information…

For more information about the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, check out their website and Facebook page.

Considering business ownership? The experts at Emerald Coast Business Brokers discuss what to expect when it comes to financing an existing business.

Financing an Existing Business vs. a Start-Up

If you’re interested in business ownership, as you embark on the process of reading and researching, you will likely find a significant number of experts who report that financing an existing business is less of a “gamble” than financing a start-up. That is, if the existing business is successful. Lenders are much more likely to fund an existing business that is profitable, has solid assets, a customer base that produces immediate results (i.e. sales), and potential for future growth.

An experienced Business Broker can help you identify successful businesses that fall into these categories. They can also help you negotiate a price that is mutually beneficial to the buyer and seller, and assist in finding financing for your business.

Where do I start when it Comes to Financing a Business?

Before you get too serious about purchasing a business, it’s important to start by ensuring that you would have financing available for a purchase should you find a business that lenders deem viable. Once you have done that, and your Business Broker has found a business that you are interested in purchasing, the most important step is Due Diligence. From a lender’s perspective, it is necessary that the business be in good-standing, and that it not be overvalued. Due Diligence is careful investigation and analysis of the business, including analyzing financial statements, physical properties, assets, relationships between the business and its customers, vendors, key suppliers, competitors, etc. Through this process you will scrutinize the assets and liabilities of the business. Though lenders will do their own due diligence, this is all information they will use to determine whether they will provide financing. Less risk = more likely to get financing. Go to potential lenders with a robust business plan that shows how you plan to grow the business (your Business Broker can help with this).

What type of assistance is available

• Once you’ve done due diligence and you are ready to move forward with financing the business, the first place to look is your personal bank. Oftentimes a financial institution that is familiar with you will offer friendly terms and a lower interest rate. But don’t stop there. It is also wise to check with competing banks to determine if you can get lower rates or better terms.

• Private lender. Going this route typically leads to a higher interest rate, but the loan process is normally faster and easier. This is sometimes a good option if you need a quick sale.

• Investors. Create a good business plan that outlines how investors can earn their money back, plus some, and you’ll often be able to get investor financing.

• Owner finance. This type of financing may cost more or have a shorter amortization schedule, but it is a good option if you have trouble qualifying for a bank loan. According to BizSale, more than 80 percent of business sales include some sort of seller financing.

What about the US Small Business Administration?

First, let me explain what the US Small Business Administration is. This federal agency was created by Congress in 1953 to help guarantee loans to small and mid-sized businesses. The SBA doesn’t make loans, but it establishes guidelines for loans that it will guarantee. By guaranteeing that the loans lending institutions make to small businesses will be repaid, the federal government reduces some of the risk to financial institutions so that they are more likely to consider lending to small businesses. Entrepreneur Magazine offers a very helpful (but long) comprehensive guide on SBA loans that is worth the read if this is something you are considering.

As you can see, the key to obtaining financing for an existing business is being prepared. Though it can be an overwhelming undertaking, a professional business broker can lead you through the process with ease.

If you are a small business owner in North Florida, don’t miss these 5 valuable resources!

5 Small Business Resources in North Florida

Did you know that over 90 percent of the businesses in the United States are considered small? According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, the state of Florida has over 395,462 small businesses–and that number grows daily. North Florida is no exception; the area is booming with a wide variety of small business owners who are working hard to grow existing businesses and start new ones. While business ownership is a rewarding endeavor, it can also be very challenging. If you’re a new small business owner, or an existing business owner looking to grow your business, there are resources available that are designed to promote your success.

The U.S. Small Business Administration – North Florida District Office

The SBA is a great source of state and local resources for the business owner. The North Florida SBA serves to offer outreach and special initiatives to aid those who own businesses in the area. Through offering financial assistance, free counseling, loan programs, workshops, events, etc., they work to help both new and existing businesses succeed. The North Florida SBA website can help you connect with mentors, provide you with a calendar of events, and give you links to helpful government resources.

America’s Small Business Development Center – Florida

The SBDC was created by Congress in 1980 to provide management assistance. The SBDC at the University of North Florida was actually created in 1976, making it one of the longest running SBDC programs in the country. The SBDC provides programs with advice, training, and information along with workshops covering everything from startup basics, marketing, accounting, financing, and taxes. It’s a great resource for those thinking of buying a business, along with those who already own a business. The University of North Florida Small Business Development Center serves 18 counties and has offices in Jacksonville, Gainesville, and Ocala.

Jacksonville Women’s Business Center

The JWBC’s mission is to “advance the success of women entrepreneurs at every stage of business development.” They offer services and programs that provide education and information to small business owners in the North Florida area to help them be successful. The JWBC serves Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns counties, and is located in Jacksonville.

Florida State University – The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship in North Florida

Offering education and expertise for current and aspiring business owners, the Jim Moran Institute center serves more than 200 community businesses each year. Business owners can receive one-on-one consulting and workshops from the center. One unique service is entrepreneurship training and planning from veterans as well. Be sure and check out the Small Business Executive Program for small business owners and presidents. It’s a six-month program open to 25 non-competing applicants that will help you work on your business.

North Central Florida SCORE

SCORE is a nonprofit that helps small businesses get off the ground and reach their goals. Providing education and mentorship, they deliver their services in the North Florida area predominantly through the North Central Florida Score office, but they also have a branch in Lake City/Suwannee Valley. SCORE offers free and confidential business counseling, workshops (some require a fee), and mentorship about accounting, finances, marketing, and business planning. Their mentors cover many different industries from human resources, sales, manufacturing, food service, and more.

Reach Out to These North Florida Small Business Resources

Operating a business can be challenging; managing employees, working toward goals, marketing the business, and keeping proper books is time consuming. Small business owners have to do it all. We hope these resources help in your day-to-day business operations.

If you’re in the market to buy or sell a business in the Emerald Coast area, a qualified professional from Emerald Coast Business Brokers is prepared to help. Contact us today.