Building an Empire From Your Living Room: A Business Building Guide for Dads

Updated October 29, 2022
Share this guide

Rome was not built in a day - as the saying goes - but it was likely mostly built by men while the women were regulated to minding the home and raising the children. Fast forward a few thousand years and women are now among empire builders and many men are choosing to look after the home and children. A Pew Research report in 2012 showed that 16% of parents at home were men, and that number is steadily rising. 

The Big Why

Why does one parent choose to take on the stay at home in the first place? While some men and women decide they want to spend more time with their children during the initial growth years, the decision is often due to money - Rising costs and everything from insurance to gas to childcare can prove to be taxing, even with two incomes in a household.Care.com found that, on average, American families spend a minimum of 10% of their annual income on childcare, with some families spending as much as 25% of their earnings on childcare services.

Take Jessica and Trevor - Although both spouses worked in the finance industry when their first child was born, Trevor opted to stay home with their son and since is his wife was recently promoted and earning a higher salary. It was a decision that began as a temporary fix while they found suitable childcare, but the arrangement worked so well that Trevor decided to remain in that role. That was five years, two kids, and a major move to another city ago and Trevor is still happy to be the house dad.

Recipe for Success

The idea of starting a business from home may seem far-fetched, but 61% of home-based small businesses were built by men. The initial idea of a home-based business might conjure images of cosmetics, clothing, more candles, But many service-centered businesses (i.e. accounting, web design, computer repair) Can easily be operated from the home.

If you already have an idea for a business, then you are off to a good start. If you are searching for a business idea, it is a good idea to think about your skills and your hobbies - what do you enjoy? What are you good at? Do you see a need somewhere (at home, in your neighborhood, in your community) that you have an idea to fix? The goal is not to create new and novel, but useful. In short, how can you improve on the wheel?

The Nitty Gritty

Suppose you already have an idea for a business - congrats! Now what, right?

  • Craft a focused business plan- this will be your roadmap as you build your company and a vital tool to present to potential investors (including banks).

  • Create a name for your business. Even if your business is based on a service you provide (like accounting), you still need to give your new company a name.

  • Look into getting an EIN (federal tax ID) - this number is how you and your business will be identified to the IRS. ADD CONTENT

  • Research your business structure options - which works best for you? You may also want to look into the need for a registered agent.

  • Find out if your business needs any additional

    permits or licenses.

The idea of starting a business can seem overwhelming, but most of the major corporations began small (Flickr, Microsoft, Cisco, Amazon). And it was not always smooth sailing, but the founders also did not give up. 

As Michelle Zatlyn (co-founder of CloudFare) once said, “People don’t take opportunities because the timing is bad, the financial side [is not] secure. Too many people are overanalyzing. Sometimes you just have to go for it.” 

Originally published on October 26, 2022, and last edited on October 29, 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for answers? You came to the right place. To learn more about our company mission and culture, click the link below.

Life at Swyft
How much does it cost to form a corporation or LLC?

You can form a corporation or LLC with our help for as little as $0, plus state filing fees for incorporation. Filing fees vary depending on the state you incorporate in. For more information on specific states, check out our state guides on the Swyft Resource Center. You can also email us with specific questions or contact us at 877-777-0450.

What payment methods do you accept?

Swyft Filings accepts payment through Visa, MasterCard, American Express, PayPal, checks, and money orders. You can send any questions about payment to our email address or contact us at 877-777-0450.

Will I have to pay additional fees to Swyft Filings after completing my order?

It depends on what you ordered. If all you did was file your corporation or LLC, the price you paid when ordering is all you pay. You will have no further fees after that.

However, if you signed up for the Swyft Filings Registered Agent Service, you will be charged its initial fee three days after you place your order. From then on, you will be charged according to the terms of your subscription until you change your registered agent with the state or dissolve your company. If you change your agent or dissolve your company on your own, let us know so we can discontinue billing.

Other potential subscription-based options include SnapMailbox, 360 Legal Forms, and ComplianceGuard. If you opt for SnapMailbox or 360 Legal Forms, you will be charged a monthly fee after their respective 30-day free trials end. ComplianceGuard has an annual fee after a 14-day free trial. All three of these services are completely optional.

When will my order be processed?

Our team processes all Standard orders on a first come, first served basis. If you opt for Express or Same-Day Processing, we prioritize your order and send it to the front of the line. However, no matter how fast we get it out the door, you’ll still have to wait for your state to address your filing.

Swyft Blog

Everything you need to know about starting your business.

Each and every one of our customers is assigned a personal Business Specialist. You have their direct phone number and email. Have questions? Just call your personal Business Specialist. No need to wait in a pool of phone calls.

Setting Up Business Credit
Managing Your Business

How to Get an EIN to Open a Business Bank Account

In most cases, you need an employer identification number to open a business bank account. Follow these steps to get an EIN for your business banking needs
Coffee Shop Owner on Computer
Preparing to Launch

Northwest Registered Agent vs. LegalZoom

Our Northwest Registered Agent vs. LegalZoom comparison reviews each service’s formation time, customer service, and offerings so you make an informed choice.
Side Hustle Taxes: What You Need to Know and Common Deductions
Managing Your Business

Side Hustle Taxes: What You Need to Know and Common Deductions

Swyft Filings is a business formation service that automates the filing process for entrepreneurs, making it easier to get their LLC, C corp, S corp, or nonprofit off the ground. Since 2015, we've helped over 300,000 businesses incorporate.
Tax Form Infographic
Taxes and Finance

Small Business Income Taxes

Having a plan for your small business's income taxes can feel daunting. Follow these tips to ensure you retain revenue & remain in good standing.
Blog Card Image
Managing Your Business

Small Business Resource Guide for COVID-19

Swyft Filings is a business formation service that automates the filing process for entrepreneurs, making it easier to get their LLC, C corp, S corp, or nonprofit off the ground. Since 2015, we've helped over 300,000 businesses incorporate.
Small Company Failure: How to Avoid the Business Graveyard

Small Company Failure: How to Avoid the Business Graveyard

Swyft Filings is a business formation service that automates the filing process for entrepreneurs, making it easier to get their LLC, C corp, S corp, or nonprofit off the ground. Since 2015, we've helped over 300,000 businesses incorporate.

Do what you love. We'll handle the paperwork.

Trusted by over 250,000 businesses since 2015. Start your business with confidence. Affordable. Fast. Simple.

Incorporate now
Dummy Switchback Image