The Entrepreneur

5 in Share 0 Smell this: Archer Air Superiority's | Photography by Ben Alsop Entrepreneurs:  John Bleeden, Todd Durston and Berk Wasserman, founders of  Archer Air Superiority , a line of air fresheners aimed at male consumers. “Aha” moment:  In 2011 the three colleagues at a Chicago ad agency decided to fill a hole they saw in the housekeeping market. “We’re really tuned in to trends, given our backgrounds,” Bleeden says. “We wondered why men weren’t represented. Each of us contributes to the shopping and cleaning duties at home, and we don’t want fragrances that smell like cinnamon-apple pie or spring meadows. We realized we’re the guys we should be targeting.” Man caves:  Archer Air’s first collection of three sprays strives to replicate the smell of “manly places.” Hunting Lodge combines scents of stone, gunpowder and “damp timber”; Distillery is inspired by bourbon, with notes of charred oak; and European Sports Car has hints of leather a...

If any company can prove that banking on a niche product can return a goldmine, it’s Warby Parker. But rather than designer eyewear for a fraction of the price,  Warby Parker  co-founder Jeff Raider last month set his sights on something even more niche: men’s grooming.   With the launch of his ecommerce-shaving-accoutrements store  Harry’s , Raider is planning on redefining the grooming market, much like he and his co-founders did with eyewear. As with any highly-specific product or service, Raider had to find a way to angle his startup to standout. What could he change about the men’s grooming industry that could make a difference in the eyes of customers? As it turns out, the way men interact with razors is as old as… well, facial hair. So, Raider focused on offering a unique user experience at an affordable price — think $2 blades, $10 handles and $8 shaving cream. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that he added a socially conscious component — donating a ...

Business grants are available for some types of businesses, but they aren't as prevalent as late-night TV would have you believe. Most government grants are earmarked for research and technological businesses, nonprofits or minority business owners. If you have a for-profit business idea, you may have a hard time finding grants to start your business. However, if you do fit into one of the aforementioned categories, you may be able to start a business using grants. Sponsored Link Apply Now for a Grant Hundreds of Grant Applications. Apply Today. Deadlines Approaching. AmericasGotFunding.com/NewGrants Step 1 Research available grants for businesses. Look for grants that may be available for your type of business. If you are a woman or racial minority, you may be able to find grants designed for you. The best source to research grants is the official government website Grants.gov. Step 2 Choose several grants that relate to your business idea. There ...

Truck drivers may qualify for a variety of grants. A variety of grants are available that may help you prepare for and start your own trucking business. Most of these grants were not designed specifically for the trucking industry but can still be used toward the startup costs of purchasing your own truck and equipment. In addition, you may be able to win contract bids of sufficient size that they will provide the startup funding you need. Sponsored Link Apply Now for a Grant Hundreds of Grant Applications. Apply Today. Deadlines Approaching. AmericasGotFunding.com/NewGrants Education If you're considering starting your own trucking business from scratch, the very first step is to become a licensed truck driver. Truck driving school is treated just like any other trade school when it comes to financial aid. Pell grants, federal scholarships and student loans may be available through the Free Application for Student Aid, through Workforce Investement...

You can bid to win a contract on multiple loads. Everyone with a piece of merchandise needs to move that merchandise. Some turn to ships and others use trains to move goods from Point A to Point B. But, even that merchandise must be moved again. So, at one time or another every piece of merchandise is on a truck. As an owner/operator of your own truck, you can cash in on this need. Unfortunately there is so much competition in the trucking industry that you must be able to outbid the competition in order to get work. Winning a trucking contract means knowing your costs. Sponsored Link Bid On Contractor Jobs Highly Targeted Contractor Leads. Get A Free Preview Of Local Demand. www.servicemagic.pro Step 1 Determine the mpg of your vehicle. Fill up your fuel tank and drive 100 miles. Fill up your tank again. Record the number of gallons used to fill up the truck the second time. For example, you fill up your truck with 50 gallons of fuel the first time. ...