Don't Know Where to Begin?

Use This Handy Start-up Guide: Frequently Asked Questions

Sign up for one of the library's free Small Business Seminars

Here's a checklist to get you started:

Analyze Your Market Find your customers. Locate your competitors. Demographics for Seminole County, its cities and the Central Florida area, as well as labor market data for your all-important market research.

Create Your Business Plan The business plan is your formal statement of your business goals and your plan for reaching those goals. Find how-to information, sample plans, and connect with local organizations that offer business plan writing assistance.

Determine Your Business Structure Learn about the different types of businesses and find the one that best suits you. Examples are sole proprietorship, limited liability company, partnership, corporation, and S corporation.

Meet Your Legal Obligations Where do I get a business license? What about taxes? Employees? What is required by local, state, and federal governments? Find the answers to these questions here.

Obtain Financing Locate the capital you'll need to start and grow your business. Funding is available through private and governmental resources and includes grants, loans, venture capital, and more.

Operate Your Business Forms, suppliers, insurance, and safety.

Seek Support Get personal counseling and assistance from local business professionals and network with like-minded entrepreneurs.