By Mike Minitelli (Chief Development Officer, Benetrends Financial)
Beyond the 9-5: Exploring Your Path to Business Ownership
You just walked across the stage. Now what? For years, the narrative was fixed: get a job, climb the ladder, and maybe start your own business “someday.” But times have changed. More young entrepreneurs are skipping the wait and taking the leap into learning how to start a business, and they’re making it work.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Don’t I need years of experience? Where do I get the funds? Isn’t it too risky?” Here’s the good news: today’s business landscape looks nothing like it did even ten years ago. The funding options, support systems, and proven business models available now mean you don’t need to wait decades or have a pile of cash to start building something of your own.
At Benetrends, I’ve walked thousands of people through starting their first business. I wish someone had shown me the opportunities that exist today when I was fresh out of college. The pathways most people don’t even know about could have changed everything for me.
So if you’ve been thinking about how to start a business after college, whether it’s a franchise, startup, or something in between, there is a way to start now, not “someday.”
How to Start a Business: Think You Need Years of Experience? Think Again
Thinking about how to start a business after graduation can feel overwhelming. But I’ve learned after helping thousands of people start businesses: experience is overrated. I’ve watched 22-year-olds outperform seasoned professionals because they’re not stuck in old ways of thinking. You just spent four years learning, adapting, and solving problems under pressure. That is exactly what running a business requires.
But here’s where smart new grads get ahead: they don’t go through it alone. This is where Benetrends comes in. As a financial expert in the industry, we’ve built our entire approach around one simple fact: to help businesses succeed. We’re here to help you navigate funding options and find what actually makes sense for you.
Let’s break down some ways in how to start a business after college:
- ROBS (Rollover for Business Startups) – If you have a 401(k) or other retirement funds, such as a 403(b) or SEP IRA, ROBS can be an excellent way to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey. It lets you use your pre-tax retirement savings to fund your new business, without paying penalties or taxes. In other words, you’re moving money from the stock market into your own business, and your return on investment (ROI) depends on how successful your business is, not on the ups and downs of the market.
- ROBS+® – ROBS Plus combines the advantages of ROBS with additional financing options for greater flexibility to help your business grow. Essentially, with ROBS Plus, you can move pre-tax money into a Roth account, so your earnings grow tax-free. If you meet the Roth requirements and hold your investment for at least 5 years, any gains or earnings are completely tax-free once you hit 59½ years old.
- SBA Loans – These loans are backed by the Small Business Administration and provide access to capital for a variety of business needs. These aren’t just for established companies. New businesses qualify all the time.
- Fleet Leasing – Fleet leasing is a smart choice if your business requires commercial vehicles, trucks, or heavy equipment. It’s specifically meant for new assets, so it’s not applicable for used vehicles. Some of the main advantages of fleet leasing is its flexibility, offering terms that can be tailored to your needs, along with low down payment requirements and fixed interest rates. Importantly, there is no personal guarantee needed. Additionally, fleet loans won’t impact your credit report, and payments are made directly to authorized dealers, making the entire process straightforward. Overall, this is a great option for growing your business without the complexities of traditional loan terms.
- QuickStart Loans – If you need funding quickly but don’t have personal real estate or other collateral, the QuickStart Loan could be a great option for you. These loans range from $50,000 to $250,000 and are designed to help you launch your business with flexible monthly payments. An added benefit is that the QuickStart Loan does not report to your personal credit, meaning your credit score won’t be affected.
Resources That Give You a Running Start
Here’s something that really gets me excited: colleges are finally teaching students how to own a business, not just work for one.
At places like the University of Louisville’s Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence and Palm Beach Atlantic’s Titus Center for Franchising, students aren’t just reading case studies anymore. They’re pitching to real investors, building business plans, and learning how businesses operate from the inside out.
Beyond college, the real learning starts when you plug into the right communities. Resources like Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) offer free or low-cost mentoring to help get your idea off the ground. The SBA and the Department of Commerce also have programs designed specifically for new business owners. It’s worth exploring local organizations or national groups like National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), where you can connect with people who’ve been where you are.
And then there’s the power of your own network. LinkedIn isn’t just a job board, it’s a place to reach out to people doing the kind of work you want to do. A thoughtful message or comment can open the door to real conversations or mentorship. Social media plays a big role as well. You’ve got open access to founders and creatives sharing what they’ve learned in real time. It is one of the easiest ways to stay inspired, informed, and connected.
Why Franchising Is a Smart Move for Young Entrepreneurs
One path that I encourage new grads to explore when thinking of how to start a business is franchise ownership. It isn’t talked about nearly enough in schools, but it should be. It’s one of the most accessible ways to start a business without reinventing the wheel.
Think about it: someone else has already figured out the hard parts. They’ve tested the concept, worked out the kinks, built the brand recognition, and created systems that actually work. What makes franchising particularly attractive is the variety. The franchise world has everything from fitness studios to tech services to specialty retail. Whatever industry interests you, there’s probably a franchise model for it.
What also really gets me excited about franchising for new graduates is the built-in support system. You have training programs, operational guidance, marketing materials, brand recognition, and a network of other franchise owners who’ve been exactly where you are.
For someone fresh out of college, that support structure is invaluable.
The Bottom Line: You’re More Ready Than You Think
If you’re still asking yourself how to start a business after college, here’s what I want you to know: you don’t have to wait till “someday”, and you don’t have to go through it alone. You’ve already proven you can adapt and learn fast. What you need now is the right funding strategy and guidance from people who understand where you’re starting from. Fill out our form here to schedule a conversation with me about your specific situation. We’ll talk through your goals, look at funding options that actually make sense for where you are right now, and figure out which path fits your vision best.
Remember, you don’t even have to have it all figured out. What you do need is a clear strategy, guidance, and the right mindset!