Start Your Business

• Do you have what it takes - what it means to own your own business.
• The right small business for you - new business ideas, plus the pros/cons of buying a business.
• Evaluating your chances of success - what it will really cost you to start a new business.
• Getting started - turn your small business idea into a reality.
• Now that you're up and running - common problems faced by startups and gauging success.
• Your home office - decide if running your business from home is right for you.
• Business facilities outside the home - Purchase or lease? The right location? How much space do you need?

• What can a business plan do for you - why go to the trouble, when to create or update a plan.
• Preparation - know your audience, how to gather the information needed, formatting the plan.
• Writing the plan - organizing and presenting your plan, what documents to include and why.
• Using the plan - compare to real world results, how to handle the unexpected.
• Case studies - sample plans for a manufacturing concern, a service provider, and a retailer.

• Business financing profile - financing options, how much money you need, finding money locally and a "quick pick" chart showing your best financing options.
• Debt vs. equity - compare financing and combining for your advantage.
• Equity financing - pros & cons of venture capital, "angels," sales of securities, franchising, and employee stock ownership plans.
• Debt financing - where to get, how to get and the types of business loans.
• Government programs - Federal SBA and other government financing programs.