How to Start an Internet Cafe Business

How to start Internet business? First thing, an Internet shop, computer shop or cybercafe is a place where one can use a computer with Internet access, usually charged per hour or minute and sometimes one can have unmetered access with a pass for a day or month. It may serve as a regular cafe as well, with food and drinks being served.

Costs in starting Internet Business
I. Estimated Investment Costs

Software Requirements

*Estimated investment costs based on 2009 prices

Direct Costs*

* Monthly cost assumption

Indirect Costs

II. Estimated Income for One Month Operation

Other Products and Services:
– Gaming
– Web Designing
– Desktop publications (e.g., calling cards, invitations, etc.)
– Other computer-related services
– Food, coffee, beverages, schools and office supplies, etc.

III. Procedure in starting Internet Business

Online business must have a network connection or connectivity between your computer and the Internet, a network, or another computer. A network is a group of computer systems that are connected together. Sometimes a computer is connected to a local area network (LAN) which connects computer systems that are close together, such as in one room or on one floor of a building. A server controls most of the networks. With Network Connections, you can gain access to network resources and functionality, whether you are physically located at the location of the network or in a remote location.

Small Internet and Computer Services Business should have Personal Computer (PC) Server and PC Clients.

Server – a computer that carries out clients’ requests. It is the main computer or device on a network that manages network resources and handling network files, printers, database, and other devices. Servers are often dedicated that they perform no other tasks besides their server tasks.

Client – an application that runs on a PC or workstation and relies on a server to perform some operations.

There are different network connection types. The most commonly used by Small Internet Café Business are Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) connections or broadband provided by Internet Service Providers (ISP) companies. Some are still using Dial-Up connections with subscription plans.

IV. Hardware Requirements for Network Connections

Depending on your configuration, you may need some or all of the following hardware:
1. Network adapter with a Network Driver Interface Specification (NDIS) driver for LAN connectivity;
2. One or more compatible modems and an available COM port. A 56k modem or Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) adapter if you are using an ISDN line;
3. DSL or cable Modem, typically connected to an Ethernet network adapter;
4. Analog telephone line; and
5. A multi-port hub/adapter, which may improve performance for multiple connections.

V. Selecting your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is a company that provides Internet access to other companies or individuals. An ISP maintains connections to other networks and ISPs, acting as a router for Internet traffic between a customer’s computer and any other machine also connected to the Internet anywhere else in the world. ISPs can provide access to the Internet in many ways. Most ISPs in the country are into subscription plans and provide good packages for home use and small businesses.

Download a sample of Computer shop feasibility study.
– Sample 1
– Sample 2

VI. Registration Requirements

Business Name Registration
Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) within NCR

a. 12/F Trafalgar Plaza, 105 H.V. Dela Costa St.,
Salcedo Village, Makati City
Tel. No.: 811.8232 loc. 208

b. 2/F Park N’Ride, Lawton, P. Burgos Ave., Dr. Basa St.
Ermita, Manila
Tel. No.: 536.7153

c. G/F Highway 54 Plaza, EDSA
Mandaluyong City (across SM Megamall)
Tel. No.: 706.1767

d. 5/F Araneta Square Mall
Monumento Circle, Caloocan City
Tel. No.: 332-0854 / 332-0829

Provincial Office where the business is located
Website: www.bnrs.dti.gov.ph for online registration
Validity: 5 years

Mayor’s Permit
Residence Certificate and Sanitary Permit from the Municipality or City where the business is located
Validity: 1 year

Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
National Office, Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City
Email: contact_us@cctr.bir.gov.ph
Trunkline: (632)929.7676 / 927.2511
www.bir.gov.ph

VII. Financing

SSS Special Financing Program
Social Security System (SSS)
Institutional Loans Department (ILD)
SSS Building, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Tel. Nos.: (632) 920.6401 / 927.8249
Email: member_relations@sss.gov.ph
www.sss.gov.ph

Small & Medium Enterprise Credit
Phil. Business for Social Progress
18th Flr., Phil. Social Dev’t. Center
Magallanes cor. Real Sts. Intramuros, Manila
Tel. Nos.: (632) 527.7741 to 48 / 527.3751
Fax No.: (632) 527.3751
Email: pbsp@pbsp.org.ph or smec@pbsp.org.ph
www.pbsp.org.ph

People’s Credit and Finance Corporation (PCFC)
395 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City
Tel. Nos.: (632) 897.8549 / 752.3746
Fax No.: (632) 897.8523 / 897.8528
Email: info@pcfc.ph
Website: www.pcfc.gov.ph

VIII. Technical Assistance

Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)
PTTC Building, Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue cor.
Roxas Blvd., 1300 Pasay City, Philippines
Tel. No.: (632) 468.8969
Fax nos.: (632) 831.9988 / 833.0809
E-mail: info@pttc.gov.ph

Source: dti.gov.ph, Photo: digitalbattle.com