10 Steps to Starting a Business

10 Steps to Starting a Business involves making key financial decisions and completing a series of legal activities.

You will learn to research and plan your business, get assistance and training, choosing a locations, and financing your business.

This is just a few of the 10 steps this guide provides in terms of information to help you plan, prepare, and manage your business.

• Step 1:
  Research and Plan Your Business
  Use these tools and resources to help you prepare your business plan and become a successful business owner.
• Step 2:
  Get Business Assistance and Training
  Take advantage of free training and counseling services, from preparing a business plan to getting financing, and help expanding and relocating a business.
• Step 3:
  Choose a Business Location
  Get advice about choosing a customer-friendly location and complying with zoning laws.
• Step 4:
  Finance Your Business
  Find government backed loans, venture capital and research grants to help you get started.
• Step 5:
  Determine the Legal Structure of Your Business
  Decide whether you are going to form a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation, non-profit or cooperative.
• Step 6:
  Register a Business Name (“Doing Business As”)
  Register your business name with your state government.
• Step 7: Get a Tax Identification Number

  Learn which tax identification number you’ll need to obtain from the IRS and your state revenue agency.

• Step 8: Register for State and Local Taxes

  Register with your state to obtain a tax identification number, workers’ compensation, unemployment and disability insurance.

• Step 9: Obtain Business Licenses and Permits

  Get a list of federal, state and local licenses and permits required for your business.

• Step 10: Employer Responsibilities

  Learn the legal steps you need to take to hire employees.

• Startup Resources These guides provide startup information relevant to specific types of business owners.
  • Environmentally-Friendly “Green” Business
  • Home-Based Business
  • Online Business

  • Self Employment
  • Minority Owned Business
  • Veteran Owned Business
  • Woman Owned Business

  Save money by furnishing your business with government surplus