Small Business Information

How To Start a Small Business


Not sure how to start a small business? This guide will offer you some useful tips on the basic requirements of starting a small business.

Initially, there are two types of businesses available to you, Sole Trader or Partnership. Both are explained below:

Sole Trader:

This is the easiest and least costly way of starting a business. A sole trader can be formed by finding a location and opening the door for business. There are likely to be small fees to obtain business name registration. Lawyer's and accountant fees for starting the business will be less than the other business forms because less preparation of documents is required and the owner has absolute authority over all business decisions.

Partnership:

There are several types of partnerships. The two most common types are general and limited partnerships. A general partnership can be formed simply by an oral agreement between two or more persons, but a legal partnership agreement drawn up by a lawyer is highly recommended. Legal fees for drawing up a partnership agreement are higher than those for a sole trader. A partnership agreement could be helpful in solving any disputes. However, partners are responsible for each other's business actions, as well as their own.

Useful Information:

Starting and managing a business takes motivation, desire and talent. It also takes research and planning. To increase your chance for success, take the time up front to explore and evaluate your business and personal goals. Then use this information to build a comprehensive and well­ thought­ out business plan that will help you reach these goals.

The process of developing a business plan will help you think through some important issues that you may not have considered yet. Your plan will become a valuable tool as you set out to raise money for your business. It should also provide milestones to gauge your success.

Before starting out, list your reasons for wanting to go into business. Some of the most common reasons for starting a business are:

You want to be your own boss.
You want financial independence.
You want creative freedom.
You want to fully use your skills and knowledge.

Next you need to determine what business is "right for you." Ask yourself these questions:

What do I like to do with my time?
What technical skills have I learned or developed?
What do others say I am good at?
How much time do I have to run a successful business?
Do I have any hobbies or interests that are marketable?

Then you should identify the niche your business will fill. Conduct the necessary research to answer these questions:

Is my idea practical and will it fill a need?
What is my competition?
What is my business advantage over existing firms?
Can I deliver a better quality service?
Can I create a demand for my business?

The final step before developing your plan is the pre-business checklist. You should answer these questions:

What business am I interested in starting?
What services or products will I sell?
Where will I be located?
What skills and experience do I bring to the business?
What will I name my business?
What equipment or supplies will I need?
What insurance coverage will be needed?
What financing will I need?
What are my resources?
How will I pay myself?

Having worked your way through the above questions should have given you an indication of whether or not you still want to go into business. If you have decided against, then at least you have learnt something. If you are going ahead with your venture then congratulations and have a successful business.

You may freely reprint this article provided the author's biography remains intact:

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available loans via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.


MORE RESOURCES:


Forbes (blog)

Proposed Tax Breaks Helpful for Small Business?
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Small Business to Obama: Tax Cuts Won't WorkWall Street Journal (blog)
Do SMBs Want Obama Tax Breaks or Fewer Barriers to Business?MSPmentor
Obama's Small Business Incentive PlansMyFox Philadelphia
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Reuters

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MarketWatch
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Think Small Business Is Job Engine? Think Again
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One economic adage is that small businesses generate the bulk of all US jobs. It's a rule of thumb often cited by politicians. ...



Columbus Dispatch

Here, There, Everywhere a Small Business Tax Cut
Firedoglake (blog)
I want to know who was the genius in the White House who thought it was a good idea to pass around a press release touting the “eight small business tax ...
FACT SHEET: President Obama Has Signed Eight Small Business Tax Cuts Into Law ...Whitehouse.gov (press release)
Senate plans vote on small business bill next weekThe Grand Rapids Press - MLive.com
Tax Foundation: Tax Hike Would Hurt Small Firms, EconomyWall Street Journal (blog)

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eCreditDaily.com

IRS Offers Small Business Guide to Tax Audits
Reuters
When the tax man comes knocking at the door of a small business, the visitor can cause an owner to go dizzy with questions ...
Small business gets peek at health care tax credit formKnoxville News Sentinel
Draft Form for Small Business Health Insurance Credit ReleasedJournal of Accountancy
5 Expensive New Business MistakesSan Francisco Chronicle

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Chamber announces small business awards
Boston Globe
"Cedar's Mediterranean Foods will receive the 'Business Excellence Award,' and Joanne Chang, pastry chef and owner of Flour Bakery & Café, will be honored ...


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