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Small Business Administration Federal Government resource covering all aspects of starting and expanding a small business, including how to prepare an initial business plan, financing and running the business.
The Small & Home Based Business Library Complete resources on just about every aspect of starting and running a small business. A sample of topics covered: advertising, borrowing, preparing a checklist for going into business, choosing a business name, conducting marketing research, and women's business issues.
Profits Online Long menu of articles about how to increase the success of your business, with an emphasis on marketing strategies and techniques.
EntreWorld The editors of EntreWorld search the Web for the best entrepreneurial resources. Search for these resources by first selecting one of two main categories: "Starting Your Business" or "Growing Your Business." Then, select from one or more search categories to see a list of links -- along with detailed descriptions -- to useful web resources. For example, you can search the "Starting Your Business" section under such categories as "You, the Entrepreneur," "Marketing and Sales," Product/Service Development," and "Financing."
SCORE "The SCORE Association (Service CORPS of Retired Executives) is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration. SCORE is dedicated to aiding in the formation, growth, and success of small business nationwide." Among the resources provided online are e-mail business counseling, success stories, information on free printed materials, entrepreneur surveys and feature articles.
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Find out if anyone already has a patent on your new product idea or a trademark on the name or logo for your product or business. You can also learn how to apply for a patent or secure a trademark.
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Business Plan Outline by the Small Business Administration. Very detailed outline and template for preparing a business plan. Helpful directions and tips are provided for completing each section of the plan.
Virtual Business Plan by BizPlanIt.Com. Comprehensive guide for preparing all the major sections of a business plan, including common mistakes to avoid.
BPlans.com Browse through a variety of complete business plans.
Business Resource Center's Sample Business Plans:
Acme Consulting: "consulting company specializing in marketing of high technology products in international markets."
American Management Technology: "sells computers, software, and service to local small businesses."
The Role of the Business Plan This article covers the reasons why a business plan is important and three key elements of it. One of those elements is a discussion of why the proposed business venture offers "an economically viable product or service with attractive markets." Two other resources, Benefits of a Written Plan, from the Business Owner's Toolkit, and Plan Your Business, from the Small Business Adminstration, outline the benefits of preparing a business plan.
Ten Key Questions for Your Business Plan For example, "Is Your Product (Service) and Business Mission Clear and Simple?" or "Who is Your Customer?" Each question has elaboration points to help answer it.
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Idea Cafe's Financing Your Business Very comprehensive site covering most alternatives for raising money: six categories of borrowing, five approaches for getting investors, and other potential sources of money, including friends and family, customers, equipment leasing and inventory financing.
ABCs of Venture Capital and Angel Investors by Jonathan Silver, Washington Business Journal. Gain a basic understanding of the motivations and expectations of two major sources of funds: venture capital firms and individual investors (angels).
What Angels Want by Jeffrey L. Seglin, Inc. "A look at the types of ventures angel (individual) investors are likely to put money into, and the kinds they'll never touch. The verdict? Think technology, have a niche, and hope the investor is familiar with it."
FAQs about Venture Capital by Tom Smith, Edison Venture Fund. Answers to such questions as "Why Should I Raise Venture Capital?" "How Do I Find Venture Capital?" "Which Industries Attract Venture Capital?" and "How Will a Venture Capitalist Value My Company?"
SBA Loan Programs The Small Business Adminstration may be able to assist you in obtaining loans through one of its programs, especially where you are unable to obtain loans at reasonable terms through normal lending channels.
ABC's of Borrowing by Mark Van Note. Introductory article covering the basics of borrowing money from a lender: determining if your company is credit worthy, what financial information lenders require, what type of loan to request (line of credit, installment loan, etc.), sources of collateral, the loan agreement and the loan application.
Communicating with Potential Investors Practical advice on the most persuasive way to communicate what you have to offer investors in both verbal and written communications. Among the points that are discussed: giving a concise, to-the-point message and adjusting your style of communications to match your investor's preferences. Also included: "Eight ways to communicate your business opportunity" – ranging in length from the name you give your company to a 20-25 page business plan.
Selecting the Legal Structure for Your Business Covers the three basic forms of business: sole proprietorships, partnerships and corporations. In addition to learning how to legally set up each type of business, you'll review their advantages and disadvantages, such as how they compare on the difficulty and cost to form or the degree of owner liability.
Types of Corporations Concise introductions to each of three types of corporations: General corporation, Close corporation and Sub Chapter S corporation.
Setting Up Your Own Business. The Univeristy of Nebraska-Lincoln provides detailed descriptions of each major type of business. Each description includes: an introduction to the key features of this form of business, its advantages, limitations, general tax implications and gift tax and estate tax implications.
Sole Proprietorship
Partnership
"S" Corporation
"C" Corporation
Limited Liability CompanyAn S Corporation Isn't Always Best Comparison of S corporation versus C corporation, but with some recommendations about the circumstances under which small businesses may want to opt for a C corporation.
Incorporation Fees Chart showing the fees in each state to form a corporation and a limited liability corporation.
Why Incorporate or Form a Limited Liability Company in Delaware? "Over one-half of the Fortune 500 companies and nearly one-half of the companies listed on the New York and American Stock Exchanges are incorporated in Delaware." This site lists the reasons why Delaware has become such a popular state for incorporation.
Checklist for Buying A Franchise Detailed list of questions to ask franchisors before you buy a franchise.
FranInfo General resource for learning more about buying a franchise, including a history of franchising, why franchising can be a good way of starting a new business and how to select the right franchise.Franchise popularity on the rise CNNfn interview of Terrian Varnes, Vice President of Public Affairs for the International Franchising Association, about the issues people need to consider in exploring if franchising is right for them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Franchising Practical insights:
• Why should a company (or potential business owner) consider franchising its business?
• Will my business succeed as a franchise?
• What are the Characteristics of the Franchisable Business?
• Would I enjoy franchising?
Franchise Update Online Library Wide range of articles covering two areas: information for the first time franchise buyer and international franchising, including details about opportunities in specific countries such as China, India, Ireland and Spain.Franchise Handbook Online Review brief summaries of approximately 100 different franchise opportunities.
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