Starting offline business, need some guidance or tips?

[cjhardy]

Although this is my first post, I'm an avid reader on the forums so here goes.

I'm due to start a gov funded business and require some evidence that my particular IT Support service is unique or approaches an unmet demand.

The business is local and is summed up as "Basic (beginner level) computer help, for individuals at home or running a small businesses of their own."

Verbally, I'm getting tons of interest and also written letters of intent however the gov being typically cynical and ignorant (can we flame our own gov here??) requires industry proof that this business is needed.

I'm not affiliated with any particular brand or IT Retailer, I do minimal repairs to hardware (most of the time the customer hardware is still in warranty anyway) and I spend a lot more time (up to an hour) with the customer explaining away any mistakes and how to avoid making them again. It's a service that is offered by telephone (using a paging service so no customer is left in a queue) and also onsite visits if I cannot help over the phone. Prepaid packages are very cost effective for the customers and business bottom line is not put at risk.

Any advice, comments or questions will be appreciated as I am desparate to get this business underway by June 1st.

It is also important that you know, this business has been accepted 90% of the way, it's just the industry trends and opinion about the niche I intend to cover that the gov can't reconcile.

Thanks to all at WPW