Prepare for startup Library
Small Business Financing 101: Small Business Grants
Too many people tell small business owners that they can't attain grants. But the truth is that there are quite …
The Pitch: Keys to Winning Over Investors and Others
Most small businesses rely on outside sources of funding, especially when they’re starting up or ramping up to expand their …
How to Hold Your First Board Meeting
One of the first things you’ll need to do after incorporating your business is arrange your first board meeting. This …
Help Your Customers Find Your Restaurant
Your site is selected. Your team is in place. You've got a killer concept and a menu to match. All …
How to Elect Your Business’s Board of Directors
Is your business a public company? If so, it will need a board of directors that represents its shareholders’ interests. …
Small Business Basics: How to Register Your Business with State and Local Governments
After selecting your business’s name and choosing its structure, you may need to register your business with your state and …
What You Need to Know to File Your Business’s Patent and Trademark Documents
If you’ve developed a unique product or a design, you should take steps to protect it. Filing for a patent …
Small Business Financing 101: How to Use Your Retirement Account to Fund Your Small Business Startup
Many small business startups rely on loans for their early capital needs. But if the idea of hefty loans and …
Small Business Financing 101: Estimating Startup Costs
What does it cost to start a business? It varies for every company, but having a guide you can depend …
Small Business Basics: How to Set Up Email Addresses for Your Small Business
Every small business needs an email address to communicate with customers, vendors, distributors, and employees. Many need multiple addresses, not …
Small Business Basics: Choose a Business Structure
As you work through the steps of starting your business, you’ll need to choose a business structure. The choice you …
Grand Opening: How to Create the Hype You Need to Make Your First Day a Success
Lots of work goes into starting a small business, and your first day is a major achievement for you as …
How to Interview Vendors and Suppliers for Your Business
If the success of your business depends on inventory, parts, inputs, or other entities’ products, you'll vendors and suppliers who …
Small Business Financing 101: Term Loans
Loans are one of the most common sources of capital for small business startups. For your venture, you might consider …
How to Hire the People Who Will Make Your Small Business a Success
Will your idea succeed? The answer can depend on the people you bring on board. That's why it's vitally important …
Tips for Forming a Partnership to Start a Business
It can be expensive to start a new business. Partnering with another person can be a great way to cover …
Small Business Financing 101: SBA Loans
SBA loans are one of the most commonly used ways to cover early-phase costs. Named after the Small Business Administration …
Small Business Financing 101: Asset-Backed Loan
There are many ways to finance a business. One that few business owners consider is an asset-backed loan, an option …
Your Go-to Guide to Raising Capital for a Startup
Real estate, equipment, inventory, technologies, wages, and insurance are some of the many costs you’ll need to cover when starting …
Small Business Financing 101: How Commercial Real Estate Loans Can Help You with Your #LocationGoals
Disclaimer: This article was written to help you evaluate your commercial real estate loan options. It should not be construed …
Small Business Basics: How to Attain a Tax ID Number for Your Small Business
If you're starting a small business, you may need to set up a tax ID number, also known as an …
Small Business Financing 101: Angel Investors
Angel investors are individuals or networks of people who want to find and invest in new, small, or growing businesses …
Small Business Basics: Permits and Licenses
Do you need a permit or license to run your small business? You might, depending on your line of work, …
Small Business Basics: Sign Up For a Business Credit Card
Obtaining a small business bank account is important, but you should also get a business credit card to track your …
Strategies for Naming Your Business
Your business name is important: It may be the first impression your customers have of your business. The right name …
Why You Might Need a Registered Agent
Most businesses are required to register in the states or territories where they'll conduct “business activities.” These activities might include …
The Ratios You Need to Measure Your Business’s Success
How do you know when your business is succeeding? You might look at the number of sales you make. Or, …
Write a Business Plan for Your New Restaurant
When you apply for financing for your new restaurant, your lender may ask you to submit a business plan along …
How to Create a Product Prototype
Producing a product? It’s a great idea to start with a prototype. This will help you experience it and understand …
Your Go-to Guide to Equip Your Restaurant Kitchen
When you're starting a restaurant, you'll need to set up your kitchen with tools and equipment so your team can …
How to Find a Manufacturer for Your Products
If you decide to outsource production, you’ll need to find a manufacturer that can meet your timelines, standards for quality, …
Lease or Buy a Site: How to Make the Right Call for Your Small Business
Location is a factor you can’t afford to get wrong. As a new owner, it's important to spend time assessing …
Your Go-to Guide to Commercial Leases
If you choose to rent a storefront or commercial property for your business, you may need to sign and abide …
Your Go-to Guide to Equip Your New Coffee Shop
Thinking of opening a coffee shop? You'll need to set up your space so your team can create delicious drinks …
Best Practices to Optimize Your Production Line
Want to build smarter products, realize cost savings, or remove complexities? In this article, we share some of the best …
Incorporating Manufacturing Standards in Your Production
Manufacturing standards can help your business produce products in the most efficient, safe, and sustainable ways possible. Designed well, your …
Small Business Financing 101: Venture Capital
When you’re looking into financing options for your small business, you may wonder whether venture capital should be part of …
What Kind of Insurance Do I Need for My Business?
Have you thought about the types of insurance your business will need? If you haven't, take time right now to …
Restaurant Loans and Other Ways to Raise Cash
Real estate, equipment, inventory, technologies, wages, and insurance are some of the many costs you’ll need to cover when starting …
Small Business Basics: How to Attain a Mailing Address for Your Home-Based Business
Do you need a separate mailing address for your business? Many small business owners say yes. That's because there are …
Which Path to Entrepreneurship Is Right for You?
Wondering how to become a business owner? There’s more than one way to reach this goal. In this article, we’ll …
Should You Outsource Your Manufacturing or Produce Your Products Onsite?
Outsource manufacturing or produce on-site? You'll need to give this question some thought as you decide how and where you’ll …
Small Business Financing 101: What Is Creditor Insurance?
When you take out a mortgage, loan, or line of credit for your small business, your lender may ask you …
Write a Business Plan to Finance Your Startup
If you're applying for a loan, grant, or another form of funding for your new business, you'll need to create …
Where to Start When Starting a Business
When you're starting a business, you need a plan—a checklist—that will help you stay organized and ensure that you're covering …
Small Business Basics: Attaining a Business Bank Account
Ready to spend money on your business or accept money from your customers? If so, you'll need to take on …
Should a Commercial Bridge Loan Be Part of Your Financing Strategy?
When it comes to real estate purchases or improvements, many business owners find that they need fast access to capital. …
Every Startup Needs an Attorney. Here's Why.
An attorney can be an invaluable member of your team, especially as you work through the startup stage of your …
Using Authorized Signers for Your Business
As your business grows, you may need some assistance navigating the everyday tasks of operations, including signing checks, paying bills, …
Location Can Be the Make-or-Break Factor for Your Business’s Success
For on-the-go businesses, such as roofing companies, concrete designers, or cleaning businesses, a facility's location is important. A central location …
