Any advice for finding a local business partner or co-founder?

I’ve started a local home services business focused on waste removal in Florida (Sarasota/Bradenton area). I’m looking for a co-founder to help grow the business. It seems like I could move faster and build something more sustainable if there were two of us running it. I’ve tried Facebook groups and this forum, but I’m not getting many leads. Has anyone had success finding a co-founder? Did you use job boards, network at events, or anything else? Appreciate any tips!

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Try going to networking events where others in the home services industry gather. Or look for clients in your area and ask if any of your competitors might be open to collaborating. Healthy competition can sometimes lead to business partnerships.

@Micah
Thanks! And happy cake day!

It sounds like you might be looking for a co-operator instead of just an investor. Be cautious though, as it can be tricky. You could find someone who seems perfect at first, but once you give them equity, they might lose interest and move on, yet still have a claim on your business.

Finding the right co-founder can be tough, but you could try local networking events or meetups in your area. LinkedIn and local business incubators might also help—people there are often looking for opportunities. Just be clear about your goals and what you want in a partner!