Starting a Business

Are you thinking about starting a business of your own? Congratulations! It’s a huge step, and you’ll need to be prepared. That’s where SBA comes in: Learn the aspects of starting a business, plus get the answers and information you need to startup.

• Thinking About Starting

  If you’re thinking about starting a small business, you should start by weighing the pros and cons, so that you can make a wise decision. The resources in this section are essentially a toolkit to guide your decision-making process.

• Finding a Mentor or Counselor

  When you’re in the initial phases of getting your small business off the ground, you could probably use some guidance and advice from a mentor or counselor. Experts are available to assist you through local offices and for specific ...

• Writing a Business Plan

  Now that you’ve decided that you’d like to open a small business, you should put your thoughts down on paper. This way, your business idea is expressed in a plan – a living document that outlines every critical aspect of ...

• Establishing a Business

  Once you decide that your small business idea is viable, you have several more key decisions to make. SBA is your partner, equipping you with the information you need. Be sure to review the information in this section carefully, because ...

• Preparing Your Finances

  Before you head to your bank or credit union to apply for a loan, be sure that you understand your situation and your options. What are your startup costs? At what level of revenue will your business break even? And how does SBA assist new ...

• Loans, Grants & Funding

  You have a variety of options when it comes to financing your small business. In addition to traditional loans, you may wish to explore other opportunities that range from grants and bonds to investor-based venture capital.

• Business Law & Regulations

  As a small business owner, you are subject to the same regulations as large corporations. Even if you’re starting out on a small level and planning to grow, you must comply with business laws and regulations from the day you open for ...

• Marketing a New Business

  Let’s say you have a great product, and you’re ready to fill orders. You might be missing a crucial business aspect: marketing – or telling people why they need your great product in the first place. This ...

• Local Resources

  Looking for small business counseling and training close to home? SBA can help! SBA provides small business counseling and training through a variety of programs and resource partners across the country. Check out the resources below to ...

• Forms

  The process of starting and managing a business requires a lot of analysis and paperwork. SBA has just about every resource you’ll need, from business plan examples and financial forms, to tools that can help you determine the best ...