Category: Starting a Successful Small Business >> Administring Your Small Business

How To Close A Small Business


To officially close your small business, you need to handle several tasks. The majority of these tasks are set by the local and federal government.


Informing Employees


You need to tell your employees well in advance about the closure of the company. Entrepreneurs do this early on as a mark of respect for the individuals who have given services to company for a long period of time. When employees know about the closure of company, some may decide to leave immediately while others will assist you in the closure process.

Notifying Clients


As an entrepreneur, it is your responsibility to notify all your clients about the closure of the company. When you do this, it gives your clients the opportunity to place final orders before production comes to an end. If possible, tell your clients final date to place orders and only accept orders when you can complete them. Some entrepreneurs provide their clients a list of potential vendors for similar services.

Sale of Office Equipment


Before closing your small business, you need to sell the office equipment that you do not require anymore. To accomplish this task, you need to do an inventory of assets and raw materials. Often, a company that is closing down minimizes operations as final orders are completed.

Close All Company Accounts


It is the responsibility of entrepreneurs to get rid of all company accounts with suppliers. However, make sure that you have enough raw materials on hand to complete final customer orders.

Pay All Your Financial Dues


Before closing your small business, make sure that you pay all your financial dues. By following this route, your market reputation is going to improve and when you start a new business you will get full support from your previous vendors.

Helping Employees


With all your contacts, you can help your employees in finding new jobs. Give all your employees a recommendation letter with details of what they did for your company.

Preparing Financial Documents


As an entrepreneur, you need to prepare all financial documents that depict your company’s operation. It includes the balance sheet, decisions made by the board of directors and tax forms needed by federal tax agencies. To officially shut down your small business, you need to submit these forms.

Notifying the State


You need to notify the state regarding the official shutdown of your business. Apart from submitting tax forms, you need to tell state about the final date of operation.