Starting a Business

Small-business owners and entrepreneurs looking to avoid common startup mistakes can consult a new free report for reference.

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.

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.

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.

Thinking about starting your own business? Here are some questions you should ask yourself before you get started.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Your business should have a solid chance at profitability -- but it should also suit your particular skills and strengths.

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.

Prepare a break-even analysis before spending time on a complete business plan.

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.

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.

Choose a business name that will identify your company's products and services.

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.

The name of your business is one of its most important assets.

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.

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.

Learn why writing a business plan is important -- even if you're not trying to raise money.

Learn the what, when, why, and how of business plans.

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.

Thinking about purchasing an existing business? Here are some things you should know before you take the plunge.

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.

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.

Running a business from home can help you lower your tax bill.

Your zoning or planning department governs whether you can run a business out of your home.

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.

Facts for Consumers

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.

11 Top Tips to Help Select the Perfect Business

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.