Calling all Fair Trade Entrepreneurs

Especially Willy Lee!
I'm interested in creating a coffee roastery that specializes in fair trade coffee. I don't know boo about starting a company.

Suggestions? Please post or email your thoughts!

Thanks!

First, you have to decide on the type of business structure you want. There are two points to consider -- liability protection and taxation scheme.

The best taxation scheme is a partnership structure because it is very flexible: you can divert cash flows within the structure to various people etc... so long as the allocations have substantial economic effect. A corporate tax structure has two levels of taxation; one at the corporate level and one at the individual level. A partnership structure has 1 level of taxation, which is obviously advantageous for the taxpayer.

The main thing with structure is to insulate yourself from liability. Therefore, avoid the sole proprietorship at all costs. A sole proprietor places his personal assets at risk.

Fair trade implies foreign trade, which means you may be dealing with NAFTA or other trade issues. NAFTA is really cool and very pro-business.

CatholicEug-

Can't contact you due to low post#, feel free to contact me through my web site www.goshencoffee.com.

Not trying to plug my business- sorry!