Did you know that more than 10 million Americans have started small businesses in the last two years? This National Entrepreneurship Week, February 11-18, check out SBA’s resources and programs so you too may one day join the millions who have already realized their dream of small business ownership.
Starting Your Business
Starting a business involves planning, making key financial decisions, and completing a series of legal activities. The SBA’s Business Guide breaks everything down, step by step.
- Planning: What is the need for your product or service? How can you find a competitive edge? Conducting market research will help you answer these important questions and form the basis for your business plan. If you’re unfamiliar with how to write one, the SBA has you covered. An effective business plan showcases your value to lenders and investors, both of whom can assist you with funding.
- Launching: It should come as no surprise that a lot of decision-making comes with starting a business from the ground up. Where should you build your business? Should you have a brick-and-mortar location, or is an online store enough? Choosing the right name and business structure will have a big impact on your trajectory. And, of course, there is registering your business, getting the proper tax IDs, and applying for licenses and bank accounts. It can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The SBA can walk you through it all with an expert perspective.
Growing Your Business
Once you’ve mastered your day-to-day and achieved a certain level of success, you’ll want to take your business to the next level. The SBA can help you reach new heights.
- Managing: What is standing between you and your next business goal? Perhaps it’s upgrading a critical piece of equipment or revisiting your business plan altogether. Whether it’s buying new assets, optimizing your marketing and sales strategies, or anything else management-related, the SBA can point you in the right direction. That goes for emergency- and disaster-preparedness, too.
- Expanding: Growth could mean several things to you as a business owner. Maybe you want to invest more money or expand to new locations. The SBA offers resources for both. There is also assistance for entrepreneurs who want to branch out into uncharted territory. Are you interested in exporting your products or getting involved in government contracting? Reach out to the SBA to learn how.
Of course, SBA resource partners are here to support you every step of the way. Like you, the SBA’s network is made up of those who share a strong passion for entrepreneurship. For more information about starting or growing your own small business, visit sba.gov/starting.