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  1. Home
  2. Business Guide
two people conducting business

Not sure where to start?

Start your business in 10 steps

Business Guide

  • Plan Your Business icon

    Plan your business

    You've got a great idea. Now, make a plan to turn it into a great business.
    • Market research and competitive analysis
    • Write your business plan
    • Calculate your startup costs
    • Establish business credit
    • Fund your business
    • Buy an existing business or franchise
  • Launch Your Business icon

    Launch your business

    Turn your business into a reality. Register, file, and start doing business.
    • Pick your business location
    • Choose a business structure
    • Choose your business name
    • Register your business
    • Get federal and state tax ID numbers
    • Apply for licenses and permits
    • Open a business bank account
    • Get business insurance
  • Manage Your Business icon

    Manage your business

    Run your business like a boss. Master day-to-day operations and prepare for success.
    • Manage your finances
    • Hire and manage employees
    • Pay taxes
    • Stay legally compliant
    • Buy assets and equipment
    • Marketing and sales
    • Strengthen your cybersecurity
    • Prepare for emergencies
    • Recover from disasters
    • Close or sell your business
    • Hire employees with disabilities
  • Grow Your Business icon

    Grow your business

    When business is good, it's time to expand. Find new funding, locations, and customers.
    • Get more funding
    • Expand to new locations
    • Merge and acquire businesses
    • Become a federal contractor
    • Export products
    • Women-owned businesses
    • Native American-owned businesses
    • Veteran-owned businesses
    • Military spouse businesses
    • LGBTQ-owned businesses
    • Rural businesses
    • Minority-owned businesses
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U.S. Small Business Administration
409 3rd St., SW
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800-827-5722

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