Start or Scale a Business
Improve finance, marketing, operations and innovation strategies.
Make smarter decisions, build income, streamline processes, organize a team & scale with ZERU.
Guide your discovery, and validate breakthrough business ideas step-by-step with an Entrepreneur in Residence.
How might we move next?
Phase 1 - Seeder
I want to turn my vision into a tangible business plan. I need guidance through ideation, defining my value proposition and building foundation for new opportnunities.
Phase 2 - Builder
I want to gain the tools and freedom to make informed decisions. I need to use AI-powered insights and strategic planning, to streamline my processes, increase revenue and have more time for what matters.
Phase 3 - Scaler
I want to discover the deeper purpose behind my business. I need to align my growth strategy with values, creating a brand that inspires and leads with intention.
How to start or scale a business?
10 Steps to Start a Business, 3 Steps to Run it, 1st Step is Beleiving in Yourself.
Market Research
Step 1 - Market research will tell you if there’s an opportunity to turn your idea into a successful business. It’s a way to gather information about potential customers and businesses already operating in your area. Use that information to find a competitive advantage for your business.
Market research will help you learn how much your product will be desired, market size, competitors and how much customers are willing to pay for your product or service.
Business Plans
Step 2 - Write your business plan that talks about the problem you are solving, your mission, vision and revenue generating business model. Your business plan is the foundation of your business. It’s a roadmap for how to structure, run, and grow your new business. You’ll use it to convince people that working with you , or investing in your small business, is a smart choice.
- Create a business plan
- Build atleast 3 business models
- Develope a MVP
ZERU capture your ideas, put them on paper, and help with developing a minimum viable product (MVP).
Fund your business
Step 3 - Your business plan will help you figure out how much money you’ll need to start your business. Most new entrepreneurs don’t have thaat amount on hand, work together with your team to either raise or borrow the capital. There are more ways than ever to find the capital to start or even grow your small business.
- Smart Budgeting: Plan your startup costs and set a sustainable budget
- Funding Pathways: Explore loans, grants, or investors to raise the capital you need
- Cash Flow & Profit: Manage cash flow and maximize profitability for steady growth.
ZERU help secure and manage the resources needed to succeed.
#Location #Location #location
Step 4 - Pick your business location Your business location is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Whether you’re setting up a brick-and-mortar business or launching an online store, the choices you make could affect your taxes, legal requirements, and revenue.
- Revenue Potential: Identify locations that maximize customer access and drive sales.
- Tax and Legal Considerations: Understand how different locations impact taxes, permits, and zoning requirements.
- Growth and Accessibility: Ensure your location supports scalability, logistics, and customer convenience.
- ZERU guides you to a location that enhances your business success and sustainability.
Legal Structure of your business
Step 5 - Choosing a business structure for your business will impact your business registration requirements, how much you pay in taxes, and your personal liability.
- Legal Compliance: Understand registration requirements for each structure.
- Tax Efficiency: Choose a structure that optimizes your tax responsibilities.
- Liability Protection: Protect personal assets based on your chosen structure.
ZERU ensures your structure aligns with your business goals for security and growth.
What's the name of your business?
Step 6 - Choose your business name wisely. It’s not easy to pick the perfect name. Work with your team to brainstorm ideas that reflects your brand and captures your spirit. ZERU will help to make sure your business name isn’t already being used by someone else. Remember, your website domain name is also very important to help customers find you.
Protect Your Brand!
Step 7 - Register your business once you’ve picked the perfect business name. Protect your small business brand and idea by making it legal. Form a limited liability business to protect yourself. If you choose to do business under a name different than your own, you’ll need to register with the federal government, and your state government.
Setup your Tax ID and Process
Step 8 - Get federal and state tax IDs. You will use your employer identification number (EIN) for important steps to start and grow your small business, like opening a bank account and paying taxes. Your EIN number is like a social security number for your business. Most states require you to get a State tax ID as well.
Licenses, Permits, & Certifications
Step 9 - Get help understanding and apply for licenses, permits and certifications to keep your business running smoothly by staying legally compliant. Certifications, licenses, and permits will vary by industry, state, location, and other factors.
Open a Business Bank Account
Step 10 - Finding the right small business bank is an important part of your financial strategy. A small business checking account is used to seperate your personal income from the business. It can help you handle legal, tax, and day-to-day issues. It’s easy to set one up if you have the right registrations and paperwork ready.
Congratulations! It's time to optimize your business
You are on your way towards financial independence
Your great ideas don't have to go to waste because of anxiety and fear. Many people give up their small business ideas and financial independence due to fear. Fortunatly, You beleived in yourself and this is only the beginning.
As a member, you'll have access to community experiences, mixers, workshops, self-help resources, webinars, video, apps, and research. You will have access to a network to buildout your idea.
Networking Matters
COMMUNITY BUILDING
Meet you partner, team member, investor and alies at our community mixers.
Enjoy Live DJ, Food and Drinks. Share your business cards and pitch what you do at work or your business to us.
During our mixers you can explore topics such as:
- Critical thinking and Creative use of AI
- Business Planning
- Organize a Team
- Succession Plans
- Money Smarts
- Digital Business
- Innovate Product Idea
At Zeru, we focus on building families who will transition to build successful products, businesses and communities. We know you want to cultivate the best version of yourself and your family to live a meaningful life. You want to grow your capacities for love and compassion, creativity and curiosity, work and resilience, and integrity and wisdom. Our workshop will help you do that. DOWNLOAD BROCHURE
Fund a Founder
Discover a community-first approach to business growth with ZERU’s Gift of Entrepreneurship membership. Designed with young entrepreneurs in mind, our program provides not just tools but experiences that enrich your path to success. From exclusive discounts on business services to free coffee at local cafés, each benefit is crafted to support your growth in meaningful ways.
Why Register?
For $7, your ZERU Notebook is more than just a notebook—it’s your key to a network of entrepreneurial support and rewards. With the purchase of a ZERU Notebook, you’ll gain access to our Gift of Entrepreneurship program, a loyalty system that rewards you for investing in your future.
Gain the knowledge and skills you need to grow, with access to events hosted by industry experts and mentors.
Need help setting up a website, registering your business, or developing your brand? As a member, enjoy exclusive discounts on essential services tailored to young entrepreneurs.
Enjoy free coffee at local coffee shops and independent bookstores, where you can find inspiration and support nearby businesses that enrich the community.
Use your digital gift card to make discounted purchases at ZERU and participating partners. Load it with funds ($25 minimum) to redeem rewards, access perks, and simplify your journey.

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