Starting a Business
HG.org Legal Business Center
Developing a Business Idea & Getting Started
- Avoiding Common Startup Mistakes - Inc.com
Small-business owners and entrepreneurs looking to avoid common startup mistakes can consult a new free report for reference.
- Business Names, Licenses, or Incorporations - Your State or Commonwealth
- Business Selection Checklist
Those who are interested in starting a new business are often told that they should select a business that takes advantage of their skills and experience.
- Checklist for Starting a Business - IRS
Most businesses start out small. As a new business owner you need to know your federal tax responsibilities. This page provides links to basic federal tax information for people who are starting a business. It also provides information to assist in making basic business decisions. The list should not be construed as all-inclusive. Other steps may be appropriate for your specific type of business.
- Developing a Business Idea
The location and development of viable business ideas is as much an art, or matter of luck, as the use of systematic techniques. Certainly, you can use structured approaches, as described below, but the reality is that having the right background, being in the right place at the right time, and working hard to create lucky breaks are likely to be just as important in coming up with sound business ideas.
- Evaluating Your Business Idea FAQ - Nolo
Thinking about starting your own business? Here are some questions you should ask yourself before you get started.
- How to Start a Small Business
his book was developed to help prospective small business owners with the often overwhelming process of starting a business-- everything from writing a business plan to finding government contracts. Owners of existing businesses will find additional information in a companion internet book entitled Operating Your Successful Small Business.
- Programs and services to help you start, grow and succeed - SBA
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.
- Small Business Planner
Careful planning is fundamental to success. The Small Business Planner includes information and resources that will help you at any stage of the business lifecycle.
- Starting a Business - Entrepreneurs.com
- Starting a New Business
Starting a new business is one of life's important steps, whether you are starting your first business, or moving into a new business after years of experience. Unfortunately, most new businesses fail, and many of them fail because of poor planning at the start of the business.
- Starting a small business by Brad Ross
Each small business is as unique as the entrepreneur running the business, and there is no one standard formulae for starting your own business. However, there are key success factors to help guide your business and ensure you are on a solid foundation before you open the doors.
- Starting and Researching the Right Business
Your business should have a solid chance at profitability -- but it should also suit your particular skills and strengths.
- The 18 Mistakes That Kill Startups
In the Q & A period after a recent talk, someone asked what made startups fail. After standing there gaping for a few seconds I realized this was kind of a trick question.
- U.S. Department of State - Business Center
- Will My Business Make Money?
Prepare a break-even analysis before spending time on a complete business plan.
Business Name
- Create a Great Business Name
A great name is the beginning of a great brand. It should be memorable and create a certain feeling when heard. Here's a quick how-to on creating one and making sure it's not already used.
- Make Sure Your Proposed Business Name Is Available
Now that you've picked the perfect business name, can you go ahead and use it? Not without doing your homework first. You must make sure that you aren't treading on someone else's rights to the name.
- Pick a Winning Name for Your Business
Choose a business name that will identify your company's products and services.
- Protect Your Business Name
An item of intellectual property that all companies have but may overlook is their business or trade name. Similar to other items of intellectual property, it too can be jeopardized or impaired if it is not protected.
- Registering Your Business Name
The name of your business is one of its most important assets.
Business Plan
- Business plan - Wikipedia
This is a summary article that covers many topics related to business plans - their content, how they are used, legal issues, and spoofs of business plans, among others. - please see individual sections for links to detailed discussions of various topics relating to business plans.
- Business Plan Basic
A written guide to starting and running your business successfully is essential. This plan will encourage loans, promote growth, and provide a map for you to follow.
- Business Plan Software, Samples and Strategy
- Why You Need to Write a Business Plan
Learn why writing a business plan is important -- even if you're not trying to raise money.
- Writing a Business Plan FAQ
Learn the what, when, why, and how of business plans.
Buying a Business
- Buying a Business
Entrepreneurship is a risky business. One way to reduce your risk is to buy an existing business that's already demonstrated an ability to successfully operate (hopefully at a profit). That confidence does come at a price, though, as you'll generally spend far more to buy a business than to start one from scratch. If you've got the funds, though, it's an excellent option.
- Buying a Business: What You Need to Know
Thinking about purchasing an existing business? Here are some things you should know before you take the plunge.
- Top 10 Mistakes Made When Buying a Business
Buying a business is a complex process, and it can be confounding because of the interplay of business, legal, and people issues. It can, however, be a rewarding process if it is the right business and you have done your homework and researched the business thoroughly.
Home Business
- Can You Live Where You Work...And Work Where You Live?
- Home Offices - UK
- Home-Based Businesses - US Government
What do Apple Computer, Hershey Chocolate, Mary Kay Cosmetics, and the Ford Motor Company have in common? They all started out as home-based businesses. Over half of all U.S. businesses are based out of an owner's home. Starting a home-based business has many rewards and challenges. This guide provides resources that will help you learn more about working out of your house, starting a home-based business, and managing your business within the law.
- Home-Based Working Moms
- The Home Office Tax Deduction
Running a business from home can help you lower your tax bill.
- Zoning Rules for Home Businesses
Your zoning or planning department governs whether you can run a business out of your home.
Franchising
- 10 Steps for Choosing the Right Franchise
There are many well-known franchise opportunities available in almost every industry you can think of. Some are well established with proven systems and support structures in place, while others are relatively new. Choosing the franchise that suits you will reduce risk and raise the levels of success.
- A Consumer Guide to Buying a Franchise
Facts for Consumers
- Consumer Guide to Buying a Franchise
Many people dream of being an entrepreneur. By purchasing a franchise, you often can sell goods and services that have instant name recognition and can obtain training and ongoing support to help you succeed. But be cautious. Like any investment, purchasing a franchise is not a guarantee of success.
- Find the Right Franchise
11 Top Tips to Help Select the Perfect Business
- Franchising.com
At Franchising.com you can learn how to make the right franchising decision, be a successful franchisee, and find the franchise opportunity that's right for you.






