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Under this Forum’s Topic Listings; Section Business Directory, Business Services, “Pave Street,” is listed as a resource offering a variety of business services.
Reading the New Comer Forum for a while, I thought I would pose a question I have. If I have the question, maybe others do too.
I am NOT retired so seeking employment when I relocate to St Thomas is priority one. Some of you may be in the same boat as me. I do plan to relocate with sufficient funds to support myself for several months but gainful employment is a reasonable expectation going forward long-term.
The dilemma: I have worked the better part of my life doing the same thing and the whole point of relocating to St Thomas is to start anew. Perhaps do something else.
Perhaps even pursue my own business alone or in partnership I can grow and use to supplement my future retirement. Retirement creeps up fast sort of speak so I wish to establish something before retirement.
The best scenario [ for me I am entertaining ] would be to have a new business in St Thomas because I am American and it would just work out better legally, and permits, business licenses. Ultimately, I wish to retire in the Caribbean.
What experiences have you had if you have used “Pave Street” for Business Services? Has anyone used this service?
I have read a few postings and articles that talk about obstacles of renting rental store front space, and the major challenges of sales based on the …..on-and- off season cycle of tourist visiting. Questions about where to rent.
The main question is about the challenge of moving somewhere new and the option of starting something new for income/employment.
Anyone else have thoughts or plans of moving to St Thomas and opening a business?
Posted : April 5, 2016 11:51 pm
I know people who moved here, worked in various jobs and started their own businesses. I'm pretty sure you'll need to find your niche and work hard. I'd recommend you get a job in an area you think is interesting and see how it goes.
Posted : April 6, 2016 1:05 am
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Thanks East Ender
Great advise and your probably right......Get a job in a area I am interested in and see how it goes first.
Work in tandem with a job in area and pursue opening my own business if this is something I still want to do and can establish it [ can ] be profitable.
Thanks for your feedback
Posted : April 6, 2016 3:56 am
Sort of depends what you wish to do as to what would be a good location for you.
Can't say I've heard of Pave Street but am familiar with Moonpath Services and know the owner.
Good luck to you.
Posted : April 6, 2016 9:23 am
East Ender's advice is sound. Even thinking of opening your own business before living here for a few years is, in my opinion, foolhardy. The majority of businesses started by rank newcomers quickly fail. If you've run a business stateside it still doesn't prepare you for the unique issues involved here. I started my own business after living here for over 10 years and there's no way it would have succeeded for its 16 years had I leaped in my first few years here. Good luck!
Posted : April 6, 2016 9:33 am
I'm sure anyone contemplating starting their own business knows this already but just in case you haven't given it much though (in the enthusiasm one gets when considering a move to a tropical island) here's one other suggestion that shouldn't be overlooked:
While you are gaining that much needed "on island" experience in your chosen field use the time to save up as much working capital as you can. Starting a new business is never inexpensive and can be even more costly in the Caribbean than it is back on the mainland. Most small businesses are seriously underfunded and that is a receipt for failure. Prepare yourself for success - the more capital you have the easier it will be for you to weather the vagaries and ups & downs of a tourist based economy.
Good luck in your endeavor.
Posted : April 6, 2016 11:46 am
Topic starter
Great advice all....................Thanks!
Posted : April 7, 2016 4:09 pm
East Ender's advice is sound. Even thinking of opening your own business before living here for a few years is, in my opinion, foolhardy. The majority of businesses started by rank newcomers quickly fail. If you've run a business stateside it still doesn't prepare you for the unique issues involved here. I started my own business after living here for over 10 years and there's no way it would have succeeded for its 16 years had I leaped in my first few years here. Good luck!
Meh, I hope to prove you wrong... a need is a need, if you see one and fill it you'll be fine.
We started our business after being here less than a year.
The key is finding that need (and then finding a great way to fill it).
Now, there are a lot of social considerations that you'll have to learn, idiosyncrasies that you probably are unused to & a LOT of everything down here happens "face to face" or via "who you know".
If your not an extrovert, become one.. meet lots of people this helps a TON!
Posted : April 7, 2016 7:38 pm
There's always the exception to the rule.
Posted : April 7, 2016 8:11 pm
East Ender's advice is sound. Even thinking of opening your own business before living here for a few years is, in my opinion, foolhardy. The majority of businesses started by rank newcomers quickly fail. If you've run a business stateside it still doesn't prepare you for the unique issues involved here. I started my own business after living here for over 10 years and there's no way it would have succeeded for its 16 years had I leaped in my first few years here. Good luck!
Meh, I hope to prove you wrong... a need is a need, if you see one and fill it you'll be fine.
We started our business after being here less than a year.
The key is finding that need (and then finding a great way to fill it).
Now, there are a lot of social considerations that you'll have to learn, idiosyncrasies that you probably are unused to & a LOT of everything down here happens "face to face" or via "who you know".
If your not an extrovert, become one.. meet lots of people this helps a TON!
I have to agree. It all depends on finding the right niche, and being realistic about your finances and timeline. I know several people who have succeeded.
btw, one doesn't "become" an extrovert. Luckily, though, introverts can succeed at business too.
Posted : April 8, 2016 1:08 pm
