A hobby is an activity that is done regularly in one’s leisure time for pleasure. The Dallas Public Library Catalog has resources available to develop and refine your favorite past time from cross stitch to gardening to sculpture. But, if you are interested in taking that next step from a hobby to a business the joint program between the Dallas Public Library and the Office of Economic Development called the Dallas B.R.A.I.N. can connect you to the support your hobby needs to move from a leisure activity to a part or full-time profession.
The industry of your hobby will largely determine the steps you need to take to transition to a business. For instance, only certain types of food can be prepared and sold from your registered home kitchen in Texas. The Cottage Food Law as it is often termed describes what can and cannot be produced and how it can be sold as well as limits to the annual gross income for food produced under this type of operation. The Texas Department of State Health Services has information on this industry as well as other food-related businesses.
In addition, the Governor’s Small Business Handbook lays out a basic step-by-step process for starting a small business here in Texas:
1. Business Structure and Name
2. Tax Responsibilities
3. Business Licenses and Permits
4. Business Employer Requirements
The handbook includes definitions of the most commonly used business terminology information on filing for permits, financing and who to contact for the each of the above mentioned steps. Don’t forget to check out the blog on starting a business from home to understand some of the specific requirements for home-based businesses in Dallas.
Having a hobby has numerous benefits that can lead to a more fulfilling life. Turning your passion into a business can generate extra income, but don’t let the legalities of starting a business deter you from entrepreneurship. Come to the Dallas B.R.A.I.N. Business Foundation Series to learn how to evaluate your business idea as well as get started on how to prepare market research, understand business planning, assess market strategies and connect our partner network here at the home of the Dallas B.R.A.I.N. at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library.
