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How to Start a Business
Owning and operating a small business can be tremendously fulfilling, but it is not always easy.  A great deal of thought and research should come first before making a decision that will affect you for a long time.  Adequate research increases the chance for long term success.  Examine your business idea and determine your potential for economic success before you spend time and money developing a business plan. Honest answers to this feasibility study will identify areas of strength and concern and provide insight into your market, competitors, start-up costs, sales and financing to help you make an educated decision about moving forward.

Sixteen Steps to Starting Your Own Business
  1. Answering the Question: Is Owning My Own Business Right for Me? (pdf)
  2. Determining What Kind of Business Is Right for Me (pdf)
  3. Do I Buy an Existing Business? A Franchise? Or Start from Scratch? (pdf)
  4. Finding a Business Counselor, Helper or Mentor (pdf)
  5. Do I Need Licenses or Permits? (pdf)
  6. Deciding what entity structure might be best for me (pdf)
  7. Naming and registering your business (pdf)
  8. Protecting your intellectual property (pdf)
  9. Writing a successful plan for your business (pdf)
    Financial Projections and Forecasting of Your Business (pdf)
    Financial Spreadsheet Model 2006 (xls)
  10. Handling startup expenses and financing (pdf)
  11. The location of your business (pdf)
  12. Equipment Lease/Buy Decisions (pdf)
  13. Advertising and public relations (pdf)
  14. Financing your business (pdf)
  15. The Grand Opening, how to plan and who to invite (pdf)
  16. What’s Next Now that you’re open for business (pdf)