Introduction
Chapter 1: Are You Really Ready?
-Am I ready for this?
-Can I handle the responsibilities?
-Do I have the serious motivation to succeed?
-Am I prepared to compete?
-The complete start-up questions
Chapter 2: The Eight Great Steps to Start-Up Success
-Determine your product or service
-Research your idea
-Develop a business plan
-Consult a lawyer and an accountant
-Determine your organization type
-Seek governnent help
-Start your business
-Seek sources of financing
Chapter 3: Beginning the Process
-Researching and documenting your start-up needs
-How to gather information
Chapter 4: Your First Business Plan
-Creating a winning small business plan
-Writing Your Business Plan
-Cover sheet
-Introduction
-Mission statement
-Overview of your business
-Economic analysis
-Financial analysis
-Market analysis
-Summary
-Appendix
Chapter 5: The Seven Main Types of Business Structures
-Sole proprietorship
-General partnership
-Limited partnership
-Limited liability company
-Limited liability partnership
-Corporation (C-corp)
-Subchapter S-corporation (S-corp)
Chapter 6: The Basics of Forming Each Entity Type
-The seven entities in detail
-Sole proprietorship
-General partnership
-Limited partnership
-Limited liability company
-Limited liability partnership
-Corporation (C-corp)
-Subchapter S-corporation (S-corp)
Chapter 7: Franchising: The Other Alternative
-The ups and downs of franchising
-Franchises offer support
-Risks and returns
Chapter 8: Money: The Root of All Business
-Finding and raising (and begging for) business capital
-Loans
-Networking
-The government
-Hard capital
-Getting creative
Chapter 9: Unpleasant Business: Taxes and Insurance
-Social Security taxes
-Federal unemployment taxes
-Income withholding taxes
-Business income taxes
-Sales and use taxes
-Property taxes
-Inventory taxes
-Insurance
Chapter 10: The Ties That Bind: Regulations and Licenses
-Fair wages
-Equal opportunity/civil rights
-Worker safety
-Labor relations
-Fair treatment
-Benefits
Chapter 11: Planning for Tomorrow
-The four keys to strategic planning
-Examining the strategic plan
Chapter 12: Resources, Resources
-Books
-Government sources
-Internet
-Media
-Organizations and groups
-Periodic Publications
-Services
-Suppliers
Chapter 13: State Requirements
-Sample incorporation steps
-Sample letters to your state
-Business checklist worksheet
-State requirements
Appendix A: Small Business Administration Publications ..
Appendix B: State Tax Rates and Business Statistics
Appendix C: Extra Worksheets
Index
The small business is the backbone of the American economy. In a sense, it always has been. From the first shopkeepers of the thirteen colonies to the local restauranteurs of today, small business has been the one constant economic force in America. Today, fully one half of all workers in the private sector are employed by the nation's twenty-two million small businesses.
Corporations, partnerships and sole proprietors of every size and importance generate half of our country's Gross Domestic Product. Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) businesses are ever increasing parts of this business mix. The importance of small business is not lost on you because you have made the first crucial decision: to start one.
Right now is possibly the best time ever to start a small business. The availability of good business quality personal computers and software has never been better or cheaper. The fax, modem, Pentium-based PC, Windows programs and the Internet all give small businesses a much more level playing field with the larger companies than ever before. Today, even the smallest business can generate a big business look and appearance with technology, software programs and the Internet. Couple the information and technology booms with the excellent economy, low interest rates, current and future federal small business reform, and relative political/social stability and you get the perfect climate in which to start a small business.
Because of all the changes in technology, the economy, communications and government, this might be the best time ever to start a small business. We do not mean to deny the fact that every business faces immutable problems and challenges that remain constant over time, and with more people starting small businesses, especially home-based businesses, competition is fierce. But now is an excellent time to start a business.
Hal Root (Author)
Hal Root and Steve Koenig are entrepreneurs and business owners with more than forty years of collective experience.
Steve Koenig (Author)
Hal Root and Steve Koenig are entrepreneurs and business owners with more than forty years of collective experience.