Starting a Business: How to Become an Entrepreneur
Starting a business can be extremely exciting, challenging and fulfilling. The Web sites below will help you weigh the sense of ownership and accomplishment associated with entrepreneurship against the long hours and potential stress. These resources will also help you start your business and provide the necessary information to keep it running smoothly. Finally, this guide can connect you with the entrepreneurial community.
Expand All Guide SectionsEntrepreneurial Self-Assessments
Have you ever had a great idea for a business, but weren’t sure if you should or could take ... read more »
Starting the Business
Now that you’ve decided entrepreneurship is for you, it’s time to start your own business. The sites in this section will hopefully make that monumental task slightly less daunting, and explain how to get started, as well as how to manage your business’ finances and legal affairs.
Dulcinea's Insight
- One way to start a business with a bit less risk (albeit with more restrictions) is to open a store that’s part of a franchise. If you have a particular franchise in mind, check the company Web site to get more information about opening a store of your own.
- The sites listed below serve entrepreneurs in general so they may not have information specific to your industry. Try searching online for resources specific to your industry of choice. Online trade publications or niche communities can provide some great advice (and potential contacts or a customer base) for your new business.
- Online banking is an easy (and convenient) way to keep track of your business expenses. The site Wesabe.com allows you to track your spending across all of your online accounts; you’ll also find spending, saving and goal-attaining advice from other Wesabe community members.
- Chances are, an entrepreneur will have to be a good manager as well. The findingDulcinea Management Web Guide can provide a great deal of information on that topic.
Dulcinea's Picks
To start the business …
Work.com’s
article, "Guide to Resources for Starting a Business," provides a good overview of what you'll need to start your business. Explore more of the site’s extensive archive of “how-to guides” from small business experts for information such as hiring and managing your first employees as well as more specific issues like how to buy display mannequins.
StartupNation
aims to be the only place you'll need to go for startup information, providing articles, various learning tools, an online community and access to vendors. Browse the site by "Topics" to jump to resources appropriate to your level of startup development. The "Step-by-Step Advice" menu accesses such guides as "10 Steps to Open for Business" and "11 Steps to Create a Successful Website."
The U.S. Small Business Administration
has quite a few resources for the startup entrepreneur. Find links to help you plan and manage your business, from the business plan to your exit strategy; links to the information you need to apply for government financial assistance to help you start or run your business; and even links to the SBA partner organizations in your region of the country.
Entrepreneur.com
has a “Getting Financing” section that guides you through different sources of funding for your new business, including self-financing, venture capital investors, borrowing from family or friends and more.
For financial and legal information …
Business Owner’s Toolkit
provides a number of resources to help you manage your business finances. Take a look at the “Cash Flow Budget Worksheet,” the “Sample Collection Letters,” or any of the employee pay and benefits articles to help you deal with issues such as overtime and employee medical benefits.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
is by far the most reliable place to get information about the tax implications of your new business. Visit the “Starting a Business” section to find tax tips as well as advice on business structure and choosing an accounting method. Subscribe to the IRS weekly e-mail newsletter for small business owners to learn about the latest tax and financial developments.
Nolo
provides trusted legal information to business owners and consumers. Look for legal advice associated with financing your business, obtaining licenses and permits, and even naming your business.
Connecting With the Entrepreneur Community
You’re certainly not alone in your business endeavors. There’s a large community of ... read more »
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