By Andy Dahn

BLOOMINGTON – Starting a new business and becoming your own boss may not be as difficult as you once thought.

Terry Noel with the Illinois State University College of Business told WJBC’s Terry James the process isn’t always an easy one, but it is interesting.

“Starting a new business can help you fulfill your dreams about things you’ve always wanted to do,” Noel said. “But it is very challenging and very difficult. There’s kind of the personal reward that you get for doing something that a job doesn’t exist for or maybe you’d rather do independently.”

Noel said running a business while maintaining a full time job isn’t a bad idea, either.

“Although we enjoy a vibrant economy, it’s an economy that’s generating more and more change with each coming year,” said Noel. “So having supplemental income in addition to the job that you hold can be a good idea for a lot of people.”

He added that those who have always dreamed of owning a business but have no experience in business should still follow their dream.

“Sometimes things don’t translate,” Noel said. “You might have a job in a certain business and think you have experience that qualifies to open a startup. But opening a startup is quite different from doing business in an already established organization.”

Noel said that while many worry about securing funding to start a business, there are several groups of business owners and investors who are willing to help.

“If you have a good idea and you’re willing to do your homework, there are going to be people that can help you get some funding.”

Andy Dahn can be reached at [email protected].