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… Write your business plan Your business plan is the foundation of your business. … business plans fall into one of two common categories: traditional or lean startup. Traditional business plans are …

… Fund your business It costs money to start a business. Funding your … ability to retire on time — so you should check with your plan’s administrator and a personal financial advisor first. … active role in the company. Venture capital differs from traditional financing in a number of important ways. Venture …

… Register your business Register your business to make it a distinct legal entity. How and where you need to register depends on your business structure and business location. Content Find out if …

… to align with entrepreneurs who want to grow their small business. Content Participating federal agencies Department … (Treasury) Department of Transportation (DOT) Small Business Administration (SBA) Resources for small businesses … on the work of the ICIC, please view the 2023 Action Plan . Last updated March 7, 2025 … Find capital resources …

… Site map All visitors Business Guide Explore our business guide 10 steps to start your business Plan your business Market research and competitive analysis …

… 10 steps to start your business Starting a business involves planning, making key financial decisions, … more about conducting market research Write your business plan Your business plan is the foundation of your business. …

… Merge and acquire businesses You can grow your business by buying or merging with a smaller business. The process is similar to starting a new business, but you need to take extra steps to protect your …

… Get business insurance Business insurance protects you from the unexpected costs of running a business. Accidents, natural disasters, and lawsuits could …

… Open a business bank account Open a business account when you're ready to start accepting or … are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional merchant services accounts. Payment processing …

… Pick your business location Your business location determines the taxes, zoning laws, and … fees. Local zoning ordinances If you buy, rent, build, or plan to work out of a physical property for your business, …

… Choose a business structure The business structure you choose … those that need to raise money, and businesses that plan to "go public" or eventually be sold. S corp An S … Close corporations resemble B corps but have a less traditional corporate structure. These shed many formalities …

… Close or sell your business Create a thorough plan to transfer ownership, sell, or close your business. Get qualified advice and know what to do to tie up …

… years of service to America's small businesses The Small Business Administration (SBA) was founded under the 1953 Small Business Act to “aid, counsel, assist and protect, insofar as … remain committed to that goal. In our  2022-2026 strategic plan , SBA describes: How we will help ensure that our …

… Need funding for your small business? Learn about SBA loans Homepage Make a payment to … educational trainings to help start and grow your business. Find upcoming events National Small Business Week … with industry experts. Register now Browse business topics Plan your business You've got a great idea. Now, make a plan …

… Choose your business name You can find the right business name with creativity and market research. Once … it with the right agencies. Content Register your business name to protect it You’ll want to choose a business …

… Child care business development support SBA supports small business owners who want to start, sustain, or expand their … child care entrepreneurs, including: Creating a business plan Navigating business registration requirements Budgeting …

… Find recovery planning guidance, tips for pivoting your business model, and other small business resiliency resources. Content SBA is dedicated to … recovery. Writing and implementing a business continuity plan will help you minimize financial loss when your business …

… specifically for women. Content Office of Women’s Business Ownership (OWBO) The  Office of Women’s Business Ownership  (OWBO) helps women entrepreneurs through … the conclusion of the program, women leave with a business plan to start their own business or develop an existing one. …