Start Your Business

Starting a business requires you to complete a number of steps and make some key decisions. Though part of your overall plan, you’ll need to select a location, decide on a business structure, and obtain the necessary licenses and permits. In addition, determining which financing options will meet your short-term needs and long-term goals is crucial.

Choose a Business Structure

Find the best ownership structure for your small business. The most basic of all business legal structures is the sole proprietorship. Other possible structures include the popular limited liability company, a partnership, or an S corporation.

Register Your Business

Starting a small business requires the usual paperwork and regulations. Secretary of State offices register corporations, LLC’s, partnerships, and articles of dissolution. Setting up your small business may require an employer identification number. The EIN is also used by state taxing authorities to identify businesses.

StartUp Costs

Every business is different and has its own specific cash needs at different stages of development. It is vital to know whether you will have enough money to launch your business venture. To determine your startup costs, you must identify all the expenses your business will incur during its startup phase. Some of these expenses will be one-time costs, such as the fee for incorporating your business and the price of a sign for your building. Some expenses will be ongoing, such as the cost of utilities, inventory, insurance, etc. While identifying these costs, decide whether they are essential or optional. A realistic startup budget should only include those elements that are necessary to start the business. These essential expenses can then be divided into two separate categories: fixed (overhead) expenses and variable (related to business sales) expenses. Fixed expenses will include figures like the monthly rent, utilities, and administrative and insurance costs. Variable expenses will include inventory, shipping and packaging costs, sales commissions, and other costs associated with the direct sale of a product or service. The most effective way to calculate your startup costs is to use a worksheet that lists the various categories of costs (both one-time and ongoing) that you will need to estimate prior to starting your business.

Debt Financing

There are many sources for debt financing: banks, savings and loans, commercial finance companies, and the U.S. Small Business Administration are the most common. State and local governments have developed many programs in recent years to encourage the growth of small businesses in recognition of their positive effects on the economy.

Not All Money Is the Same

There are two types of financing: equity and debt financing. When looking for money, you must consider your company’s debt-to-equity ratio - the relation between dollars you’ve borrowed and dollars you’ve invested in your business. The more money owners have invested in their business, the easier it is to attract financing.