Startup Guide

This small business guide is intended to serve as a roadmap for starting a business. It is both comprehensive and easy to use. It also includes numerous electronic links for additional information. Use this powerful interactive tool, with many supporting resources to help you start a successful business.

Supporting Resources

Success Tools
Online Business Planning Course
Local SBA Resources
Business.gov
Forms
Have a Question?
Small Business Training Network
Library
10 Steps to Start a Business
Business Matchmaking Online Network
Training & Counseling Resources

Table Of Contents

Ask Yourself

Is Entrepreneurship For You?
On The Upside

Getting Started

How to Start a Small Business
Getting Started
Types of Business Organizations
Sole Proprietorship
Partnership
Corporation
Business Plan Outline
Introduction
Marketing
Financial Management
Operations
Concluding Statement
To Lease or Not To Lease: Things to Know
Get The Answers
Learn The Lingo

Finding The Money You Need

Financing Your Business Start-up
Finding the Money You Need
Borrowing Money
SBA Loan Maturities
Types of Business Loans
How to Write a Loan Proposal
General Information
Business Description
Management Profile
Market Information
Financial Information
How Your Loan Request Will Be Reviewed
SBA Financial Programs 

Regulations

Government Regulations and Your Business
Business Licenses
Certificate of Occupancy
Business Organization
Fictitious Business Name
Protecting Your Idea
Trademarks
State Registration of a Trademark
Federal Registration of Trademark and Patent
Patents
Copyrights
Tax Information
Federal Self­Employment Tax
Business Insurance
Sales Tax Number
Other Considerations
Unemployment Insurance Tax
Immigration Act
Health and Safety
Workers' Compensation
Minimum Wage
Bar Coding
 
SBA Assistance

Financial Programs and Other Assistance
The 7(a) Loan Guaranty Program
How it Works
Use of Proceeds
Terms, Interest Rates and Fees
Collateral
Eligibility
Maximum Size Standards
What You Need to Take to the Lender
What the SBA Looks for
Special Loan Guaranty Programs 7(a) Program
SBAExpress
CAPLines
The Contract Loan Program
The Seasonal Line of Credit Program
The Builders Line Program
The Small Asset­Based Line
The Standard Asset­Based Line
The Export Working Capital Loan
U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC)
International Trade Loan
Defense Loan and Technical Assistance (DELTA)
SBA 504 Loan Program
The Certified and Preferred Lenders Program
The 7(M) Microloan Program
The Small Business Investment Company Program (SBIC)
Community Adjustment & Investment Program
Minority Enterprise Development Program
Section 8(a) Program
SBA Pre-Qualification (Pre-Qual) Pilot Loan Program
Government Contracting Assistance
Prime Contracts Program
Subcontracting Assistance Program
Certificate of Competency Program
The Size Determination Program
The Surety Bond Guarantee Program
Eligibility
Submitting an Application
Application Review
Fees
The Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)
Disaster Assistance
Physical Disaster Business Loans
Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Loans for Homes and Personal Property
Online Women's Business Center
Building Management Skills With Information

Local Sources Of Assistance

SCORE
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
Women's Business Centers

The Financial Six C's

Character
Capacity to Pay
Capital
Collateral
Conditions
Confidence

Glossary Of Terms