1. Explore

Focus your area of interest with tools and surveys to guide your path forward. Assess your readiness to run a business and the strength of your business concept.

2. Plan

Once you have a solid idea in mind, it is time to put your dream into action! Expand your knowledge with resources to create a business plan and market assessment to set you up for success.

3. Prepare

Create a firm foundation for your business with expert advice in important areas of budgeting, corporate structure, insurance, permitting, and registration.

4. Financing & Marketing

Identifying financial resources to support your business goals is one of the most important steps to success. Learn more about options in traditional financing, venture capital programs, and small business administration (SBA) loans. Another great way to get cash flowing is outlining a great sales and marketing strategy.

5. Locate

Some businesses thrive in an at-home model while others need a strategic location for production and consumer traffic. Refer to these resources as you contemplate making the right move for your business when the time comes.

6. Staffing & Management

As your business grows, so will the need for extra hands. Transitioning from the owner-operator to the role of manager is not as simple as it looks. Learn more about employment resources and regulations.

7. Evaluate

Business management is a cyclical process! Refer to these resources as you consider next steps in your business model.

8. Grow & Expand

Congratulations! Your dreams of owning your own business are coming true and now is the time to make vital decisions regarding future growth and expansion. We’ve identified resources to help sort through the opportunities for the next logical step.