Starting a small business is not an easy job and you must be extremely focused, structured and organized to make it a success. This can be achieved if you provide dedication, hard work, good decision-making, and enough resourcefulness to get the job done.



This comprehensive guide will help you to start a small business of your own by offering expert advice on each and every aspect of setting up and running a prosperous business.

The first step in starting a small business is writing a business plan which will serve as your guide. Your plan must cover all the aspects you need to start a small business. That is, the plan must contain a clear and precise description of your product or service, estimated start-up and operational costs, and a complete detail on how you will market your product or service. The elements of a business plan must include – Introduction, Marketing, Finance, Management and Operations. The business plan is a flexible document that can be changed according to the development of your business.

Financing is the very next step after your business plan is completed. You have to find the capital to start a small business. Most small businesses have three options for financing – friends or family members, investors or bank loans. You can inquire about the grants that are provided for individuals to start a small business. Most grants are offered by local governments and nonprofit organizations which in turn help local businesses. Check the loans, services and grants booklets to verify whether your business would qualify for any grants or loans.

Now that you have the business plan, money needed and the enthusiasm, you’re ready to start your own business. You have to also take the legal issues into consideration before starting a small business of your own. That is, you have to choose a legal structure - Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, or Corporation. Before choosing a legal structure, keep in mind that your financing decisions will have an effect on what legal structure you choose. You can now file with your state to incorporate and obtain a federal Identification number for filing sales tax forms, and state income tax.

Now it’s time to get on the road to making some money. The final thing you have to decide is - Where are you going to run your business? You can choose your home office or a commercial space according to the service you are going to offer your customers.

Also, if you are hiring employees, check with the state Department of Labor to verify what your responsibilities are. It is mandatory to acquire copies of forms I-9 and W-4 from the IRS. I-9 certifies that the employee is a U.S. citizen or resident alien while form W-4 determines the amount of taxes which will be withheld from the employee's pay. Make sure you have all your tax forms in order or there will be trouble with the IRS.