Starting a business involves planning, making key financial decisions, and completing a series of legal activities. Read on to learn about each step.
Conduct market research
Market research will tell you if there’s an opportunity to turn your idea into a successful business. It’s a way to gather information about potential customers and businesses already operating in your area. Use that information to find a competitive advantage for your business.
Learn more about conducting market research
Write your business plan
Your business plan is the foundation of your business. It’s a roadmap for how to structure, run, and grow your new business. You’ll use it to convince people that working with you — or investing in your company — is a smart choice.
Learn more about writing your business plan
Fund your business
Your business plan will help you figure out how much money you’ll need to start your business. If you don’t have that amount on hand, you’ll need to either raise or borrow the capital. Fortunately, there are more ways than ever to find the capital you need.
Learn more about funding your business
Pick your business location
Your business location is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Whether you’re setting up a brick-and-mortar business or launching an online store, the choices you make could affect your taxes, legal requirements, and revenue.
Learn more about picking your business location
Choose a business structure
The legal structure you choose for your business will impact your business registration requirements, how much you pay in taxes, and your personal liability.
Learn more about choosing a business structure
Choose your business name
It’s not easy to pick the perfect name. You’ll want one that reflects your brand and captures your spirit. You’ll also want to make sure your business name isn’t already being used by someone else.
Learn more about choosing a business name
Register your business
Once you’ve picked the perfect business name, it’s time to make it legal and protect your brand. If you’re doing business under a name different than your own, you’ll need to register with the federal government, and maybe your state government, too.
Learn more about registering your business
Get federal and state tax IDs
You’ll use your employer identification number (EIN) for important steps to start and grow your business, like opening a bank account and paying taxes. It’s like a social security number for your business. Some — but not all — states require you to get a tax ID as well.
Learn more about getting tax IDs
Apply for licenses and permits
Keep your business running smoothly by staying legally compliant. The licenses and permits you need for your business will vary by industry, state, location, and other factors.
Bruce Violette, President, Career Transition Consultants, Pittsburgh, PA / Go Steelers! www.OpportunityYou.com Direct: 724-875-8050
We represent some of the nation’s hottest franchise opportunities, including hundreds of affordable home-based businesses with low start-up costs.
We have numerous options available to finance your new business, including the new government-backed SBA Express Loan with affordable terms, with low down payments needed as low as 10% down.
As Career Transition Consultants, we help our clients transition from traditional employment to small business ownership. We arm our clients with all the vital information and facts they need to make intelligent decisions about whether or not self-employment is their best option going forward. We will show you business models that have the potential to meet your lifestyle and income goals.
We will work with you until we find that perfect business match for you.
We will share with you business opportunities that you probably never knew about on your own!