Small Business Resources

Starting a business is no small task. There are so many different things to be done and things to know.

Here are some free small business resources and information to help you.

 

Business Start-Up Checklist

Starting a business involves lots of moving parts. It varies from industry to industry, but there are a lot of things to remember to do when you are first starting. Here is a checklist that will help you explore the things you want to get done. Some will apply to you, and some will not. There might be others that are specific to your industry that you should add.

Business Start-Up Checklist

Estimating Your Start-Up Costs

Having the most accurate costs for starting your business is an important step for any small business owner as they are planning to their business. This resource will help get you started.

Estimated Start Up Costs

Naming Your Business

Often one of the hardest things to do is to come up with a name for your business. Finding just the right name that tells your customers who you are and what you do is so important. Then you have to make sure it is available as both a business and a domain name. This resource will get you started.

Business Insurance

What you start with and what you currently need can change over time. This resource will help you find the right insurance for your small business and the questions to ask your agent or broker.

Business Insurance

Capture Your Marketing Message

Your marketing strategy starts with your marketing message. Your Mission and Vision Statement and Elevator Pitch will help you create a consistent marketing message to your target market. This resource helps you craft each of those.

Capture Your Marketing Message

Grant Funding

Funding for a small business- especially a start-up, is often a challenge. Grants that don’t have to be repaid is everyone’s first choice. BUT- they are not always easy to find. This resource will help you find grant opportunities to see if they are right for you and your business.

Grant Funding

Lean Plan Business Plan

You might not think you need a business plan for your small business, but the fact is that you do! This simple one-page business plan will guide you, step-by-step, through the process to bring structure and clarity to your business idea and to make sure you have not forgotten something.

Lean Canvas Plan

Lean Plan Step by Step

Your Legal Identity

Your legal identity is one of the first things you will have to decide as a small business owner. Your business may change and require you to make a change in your legal identity. This resource list gives a brief overview of each of each entity to get you started and how to get the help you need to choose the right one.

Legal Identity

Grand Opening Planner

You started your business so now it is time to plan a party and let everyone know. Use this handy checklist to make sure you think of everything!

Grand Opening Checklist