I’ve never owned a business before. What do I need to do to start one?

Whether you are thinking about starting a conventional business or an online business, there are a number of things to consider before you can get started.

HAVING A BUSINESS PLAN        

One of the first things you can do is go to your library and check out some of the books available on starting a new business. There may even be books that are written specifically for your state or county, or the type of products or services you plan to offer.

One source in particular that you may want to read is the "Business  Start-Up Resource Guide.  Although this document is directed specifically at starting a business in North Carolina, there are a number of chapters that are applicable to starting a business in general that you may find helpful.  You can download a copy of this publication at http://www.sbtdc.org/publications/publications.htm.

Also talk to your friends who have their own businesses and ask for their advice.

Find out if there are small business associations in your area who offer free assistance. Often libraries have pamphlets with this type of information, along with the name of the agencies and locations where you go to apply for permits and licenses.

Also don’t forget the internet sites available, both government as well as private, like the one above. See Suggested Websites for the names of other sites.

We also suggest that you read through some of the information on the topics listed at the top of this page. There is a brief discussion of each topic on a separate page. Just click on the topic heading.

Please contact us if you have any questions or comments.