Do you have an inspiration for starting a new small business? Turning that idea or inspiration into a functioning enterprise is possible. The best way to begin is learning from the experience of others, and discovering the right tools and best practices for starting a new business.
You may have product experience, passion and a seminal plan, but you’ll need more to make your small business a reality. Funding is a key concern. However, many of the frustrating stumbling blocks associated with starting and maintaining a small business have to do with operating within state and federal laws and guidelines. Some are there for your protection; others are there for the protection of others; and a number are designed to make sure you’re paying your fair share of taxes and other fees. What you really need is a new business tool kit.
Stocking a New Business Tool Kit
Your small business won’t get off the ground if you don’t take the time to obtain the right permits and licenses. The Lawyer Directory website has listings for important state specific sites that will get you started. These sites reference ways to obtain free packets and informational pamphlets for new businesses and often provide handy links to other free resources. You can visit these state pages at: State Guides. To connect with like-minded companies in your area, peruse the Chambers of Commerce listings as well.
Once you get a good idea of what may be involved in starting a business — and still want to pursue your passion — check out the SCORE website. SCORE is a team of experienced pros willing to share their expertise with you. The SCORE website provides mentoring by professionals who have the business savvy to get you started in the right direction.
Score isn’t the only repository of valuable free information, insights, and advice. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also has a large site devoted to helping small businesses succeed. From understanding federal taxation to finding funding, the SBA may not provide one stop shopping for answers to all your questions, but it comes close.
The references above are all available online and offer thousands of pages of information about beginning and operating a small business. With an afternoon, a notebook, and a list of questions, you can peruse their pages for a much fuller understanding of how to begin your small business journey with fewer missteps and much more confidence. You can also fill your small business tool kit with useful forms, recommendations and a list of future resources you can depend on.
If you have discovered other useful resources for small businesses and startups, please share in the comments section below. Your thoughts, questions and feedback is appreciated!
