Business Start-up Guide
With few exceptions, every business begins as a small business. Some stay small, others grow as the years pass. Profitability and future growth of a business are based on the ability to understand business operations and make good decisions.
It's important to get off to a good start and that's why we've developed this Start-up Guide. For a printable PDF version of this guide click here. It is designed to walk you through the key steps in starting a business and provide you with the essential information that you will need. While almost all start-up businesses will eventually need to consider each of these categories, you may choose to go through each step in a different order than they are listed. Completion of this guide will give you a great start on your business.
Some of this material was taken from the NxLeveL Guide for Business Start-ups. The Idaho SBDC delivers this 10-week course throughout the state. Check our training calendar or contact the SBDC office nearest you for the schedule of the next class.
First Steps to Starting a Small Business
• Step 1: Do you have what it takes?
Do you know what going into business means for your income, lifestyle, family, and time? Complete this section to find out.
• Step 2: What business should you choose?
You may think you already know what business is right for you or you may just want to be your own boss. Take the time to make a list and evaluate the possibilities.
• Step 3: Is your idea feasible?
You've got a great idea but do others feel the same way? Does someone want your product or service? Do you know how many people will buy? Check it out before quitting your day job.
• Step 4: How will you finance the business?
You've got the skills, a great idea, and a market, but what about the money? The number one reason that small businesses fail is because they did not have enough working capital to survive the first two years of operation.
• Step 5: Get help from your local Idaho SBDC consultant.
There's still a lot more to do, but now it's time to make an appointment with an Idaho SBDC consultant. You'll receive no-cost, confidential counseling from business experts to help point you in the right direction. They'll help you through the complex maze of getting your business up and running. |
Updated 7/12/2009 10:30:45 AM
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Business Start-up Guide (PDF)