Starting a Business

Once you've made the decision to become an entrepreneur, how do you get started?

Obtaining Business Licenses and Permits - The Paper Chase

You’ve made the decision to start your own business. But before you open your doors or make your first sale, you’ll need to make sure everything’s legal. This means obtaining the proper business licenses and permits. These vary by city, state and country, as well as according to the type of company you’re operating.

Calculating Startup Costs

You’re confident you’re sitting on the next million-dollar idea. Whether you’ve already secured funding or just trying to figure out what it will take to get started, an accurate estimate of start-up costs is necessary to reasonably predict financial performance in the first few quarters. Of course every business and every industry have different cost requirements, but these steps can help you start the number-crunching.

Choosing a Business to Start

The traditional approach to entrepreneurship is to research the market, identify a need, and create a business to fill it. In recent years, "Do what you love and the money will follow," has become increasingly popular. But there's an approach that combines the best of both.

How to 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.

Choosing a Location for Your Business: There's More to Consider Than Just Cost

There are many factors to consider in choosing the location for your business. You must consider whether your location is important to customers, employees, and even potential investors. Each of these groups has different concerns about the location: convenience, safety, prestige, traffic, and more. Get ready to make one of the most important decisions about your business.

Sole Proprietorship Not So Simple

So you want to go into business for yourself? Run your own show? Being a sole proprietor is the easiest way to get started in business, but there's still more to it than just getting business cards printed and sticking up a web page. You may not need a formal business plan, but this checklist will help you make sure you've at least given some thought to the many complexities that may arise.

Choose the Right CPA for Your Business

CPAs are more than just individuals who do your yearly taxes. They can advise you on a long list of other services, which may include advice on your accounting system, financial, retirement, estate and tax planning. Choose the right CPA to handle your finances so you can stay focused on your core competencies.

Passive Income: How to Earn More and Work Less

Do you want to continue working 60+ hours a week the rest of your life? Neither do I! Do you want to be able to take time off whenever you want to, without worrying about what's going to happen to your business? So do I! In order to do that, you're going to have to start creating income streams that do not require your direct involvement. Passive income will allow you to earn more and work less.

The Art of the Start

I recently attended a presentation by Guy Kawasaki on his book, "The Art of the Start". He's a very entertaining speaker - funny, irreverent, and above all, insightful. He built his presentation around his top ten tips for anyone starting anything - entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, non-profit ventures. I share them with you here, along with a few of his choice quips that you won't find in the book.

Pink Slips to Deposit Slips

Your Small Business Information Guide offers five tips for transitioning from unemployed to business owner.

Small Business Startup Kit

This extensive guide to starting a business covers everything from the ups and downs of the entrepreneurial lifestyle to business plans and financing. Being from the Small Business Administration, there's extensive information here on relevant government regulations and SBA assistance programs.

Starting Your Startup

17 advisers, founders, and professional managers, all of whom have made startups work, share some tools, tips, and tactics.

Startup Checklist

First in a six-part series on the steps you need to cover in starting a business.

A 20-Point Checklist for New Home Businesses

Angela Wu provides a checklist designed for people looking to create a home-based business on the Web, but it's applicable for all home-based businesses.

Choosing Your Business Name

Second in the series of steps you need to cover in starting a business, this feature discusses the importance of establishing a strong brand and shares some pointers on picking the right one.

Choosing a Business Name

Learn how to pick a winning name for your business, make sure your proposed business name is available, and properly register your business name and web domains.

The Legal Requirements for Starting a Business

Third in the series of steps you need to cover in starting a business, this article explores the legal requirements for establishing your business.

Setting up Financial and Recordkeeping Systems

The fourth installment in the series covers the financial and other recordkeeping systems you need for your new business.

Risk Management Strategies for Your Startup

Startup Checklist Series Part 5 covers obtaining insurance and other risk planning for your protection.

Opening Your Doors for Business

Sixth and final in the series of steps you need to cover in starting a business. This article covers the motivation, organization, and time management skills to help you gain momentum once you're really in business.

Startup Entrepreneurs Can Get Investors if They Avoid Traps

Consultant and coach David Ronick's new book Hit the Deck offers startup entrepreneurs critical advice on how to get their company off the ground and secure financing.