Start a Small Business

To successfully start a small business is to move it from a concept into an actionable business plan. The complexity of a business plan varies by the business concept. For example, starting a weekend home craft business may require less planning as compared to a full-scale e-commerce or store front business.

Begin your small business by asking a few basic questions.

• What is your business product or service and what need is it fulfilling?
• What is the market/industry you will sell to or service?
• Who are your competitors?
• Who are the customers for your product or service?
• How will you raise awareness of your product or service to potential customers?
• What financial investment do you need to launch your business?

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides reliable and practical guidance on how to start (including buying a franchise or existing business) and grow a business. At no cost, this SBA information is available to you along with small business mentoring and coaching by experienced small business professionals.