Business Start-Ups

So You Want to Start A New Business?

There are many questions to ponder before you set up shop and put out your shingle.  But hang in there! We have some resources to assist you in this important start-up task! 

The Internet has many websites that offer business start-ups ideas, business plans and other information. We have provided links for you to get started. This is free information if you have the time and energy to ferret it out.

In addition, we offer our professional expertise. You pay us to answer the questions presented below while you put your energy into the business. We also assist you with your business plan and cover all the many steps necessary to get you started, and we make sure you've not missed anything along the way, assuring you of a solid foundation. 

Start-Up Questions

1. What form should my business take? Sole Proprietorship; Partnership; Corporation; S-Corporation; or Limited Liability Company (LLC)
   

2.  Do I need a DBA (Doing Business As) or fictitious name?
   

3.  How do I select a meaningful name?
   

4. What do I publish in the paper?
   

5. What licenses do I apply for?
   

6. What information do I need from people I do business with?
   

7. Which laws apply to my business?
   

8. Do I need a Federal Identification Number?
   

9. Should I buy an existing business, start a new one, or invest in a franchise?
   

10. Where do I go to get these answers?

Links

Small Business Administration The main site for the Small Business Administration. Many local SBA's also have sites.

Business Owners Toolkit: Total Know How for Small Business  A wonderful AOL site featuring a collection of "tools" to start and plan your business including tools for: Starting a Business, Business Planning, Finance, Marketing, Office & Equipment, Employees, etc.

www.miningco.com/business  Great site offering specialized services to business. Many links to various aspects of business.

On Line Business Magazines with a lot more than just stories!
Business Week
Fortune
Forbes

Money Hunt - Templates for Business Plans and lots more including a feature wherein financial experts critique business plans. Site also has a list of investors for those seeking working capital.

California State Comp. Insurance Fund

California Employment Development Dept. (EDD)

Lorraine Mahle, CPA
(559) 683-2440
mahle@sierratel.com