Since this is an "idea" and not a product, you are well to have an attorney
draw up a non-disclosure agreement. This agreement is then given to anyone
you decide to tell your idea to. You could draw it up yourself, but in order
to ensure all the t's are crossed and the i's are dotted, seek a copyright or
pattent attorney in your area and get their advice.

There is always peace of mind when you know you have all your bases covered
then you can go and pitch your idea without the fear of them stealing it.
This way you can also know that if they do break the agreement, they will be
liable to you.

I have personally tried to create agreements or terms of use before for my
business and end up always having some "hole" that I did not cover had I
asked an attorney to do it for me intially. Just my 2cents worth.

It happens to almost every aspiring entrepreneur. You have a brilliant idea
for a groundbreaking business, an innovative product or a
better-than-the-competition service. You're daydreaming about becoming the
next Bill Gates or Ron Popeil, and suddenly it hits you -- "What if I tell
people about this idea and someone steals it?"

This is a problem because, eventually, you have to tell somebody about it. To
get your idea off the ground, you need vendors, investors, employees and
maybe a partner or at least a mentor. So how do you market your idea to the
masses without having someone rip you off? Here are five things you need to
know.
1. Yes, you can get a patent.
2. Patents cost money.
3. Consider a non-disclosure agreement.
4. Mark your territory.
5. Stop worrying.

agree with BizResearch

For anyone that is starting a small business and the questions you are asking
can be given to you by a business plan that covers all area's of any kind and
will give you the tools and resources you need to protect and grow your
business.

Products are patented, not business ideas. What you can do is have your attorney create a non-disclosure agreement that anyone you discuss the idea with must sign. You may also want to create a detailed written business plan right away. It would be protected by copyright law, should you share it with anyone and they try to steal it.

I'm not sure if you could patent your idea. The least you can do while preparing your business setup is to tell it to the least number of people, just tell it to a select few who would really be beneficial for your business. Well, once you're ready to launch your business, then you should let the whole world know (exaggerated) about it.