Get Informed

With Knowledge Comes Success

So you want to own your own business? Call the shots? Be the boss? Your first and most important step is to make sure you have done your research. Take the time to evauate your present situation and actually write down your goals.

• What are your reasons for going into business?
• What skills do you have?
• What do you enjoy doing?
• How can these be incorporated into a successful venture?

The employees at MESA combine over a hundred years of experience in the embroidery industry, in every facet from selling machines to running their own businesses. Our staff know how to run an embroidery business from top to bottom, and we gladly share our expertise!

Small Business Start-up Basics

Since you're here, we know you're ready. One of the most comprehensive sources of information for the entrepreneur is the United States Small Business Administration. They have everything from planning and marketing, to legal, financing and tax issues for anyone wanting to start a small business. There's a step-by-step tutorial on writing a business plan and even a Startup Kit for the budding entrepreneur. That's just the beginning; the site is loaded with details on various regulations and links to all sorts of helpful services.

In addition to doing general research, you'll also need to focus your efforts specifically on the embroidery industry. We've done the research for you - use these links to learn more about embroidery:

Apparel Decorating Business Start-up Links

Embroidery Trade Association
ETA members are commercial embroiderers, suppliers to the industry, and others who have a keen business and professional interest in the application of business principles to the embroidery business. Members of ETA range in size from single person shops with single head machines to huge operations with many multiple head machines running multiple shifts.

Business Start-Up Guides and Advice from Entrepreneur.com
Tons of great information on how to get started in starting your own business.

SBA | Small Business Association
Everything from planning and marketing to legal and tax issues for anyone wanting to start a small business.

Texas Sales & Use Tax Forms
State of Texas Comptroller's list of sales and use tax forms, applications, and information.

CPA Tax Links
List of links to sales and use tax information for each state.

The IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center
Lots of tax information, forms and start-up help.

Startup Nation
Guides, plans and how-tos for starting your new business.

Magazines

Impressions Magazine
This monthly publication provides news, "how-to" features and product information for executives and managers in the embroidery / monogram business. Subscribe or read online!

Wearables Magazine
Wearables provides readers with a practical look at the trends that are impacting the decorated apparel market, which accounts for more than a third of all promotional products sales. Packed with strategies and trends for companies that sell decorated apparel, Wearables is the go-to source for imprinted apparel information.

Sew News Magazine
Sew News magazine conveys the fun, creativity and excitement of sewing to readers of all skill levels who love to sew for themselves, their families and their homes.

Printwear Magazine
Printwear magazine features articles on printing and imaging, with lots of info on direct to garment printing. Some articles cover other forms of apparel decorating such as embroidery, rhinestones, or laser transfers.

Trade Associations

Embroidery Trade Association
ETA members are commercial embroiderers, suppliers to the industry, and others who have a keen business and professional interest in the application of business principles to the embroidery business. Members of ETA range in size from single person shops with single head machines to huge operations with many multiple head machines running multiple shifts.

Specialty Graphic Imaging Association
SGIA is the only international association for specialty imaging. Their mission is to provide imaging professionals with the know-how, advice and knowledge they need to succeed.

National Network of Embroidery Professionals
NNEP saves new embroiderers time and money with discounts for garments, stock designs, supplies, credit card processing, business insurance, tv commercials, 800 free hotline number for marketing and pricing support and much more!

Trade Shows

MESA routinely exhibits at the most established trade shows in the industry. Visit us at one of these shows to learn more about Highland embroidery machines, Summit DTG printers, DECOR rhinestone machines, OKI laser transfer printers, and more.