While there is a lot of great information on starting a small business, it can be very daunting and time consuming to try to collect it all. There are so many questions when thinking about staring a new business, including how to structure it (partnerships, LLC, corporations), how to create the business plan, how to get investing, and so forth. The following are some great resources for starting a small business.


Starting a Small Business 101: The Essential Steps to Starting a Small Business

This guide by About.com covers the basics, from identifying business opportunities and creating a business plan to setting up an accounting system. A great place to start for someone just beginning to consider starting their own business.


Small Business Planner

The U.S. Small Business Administration provides a Small Business Planner with information and resources that will help you at any stage of the business lifecycle.


Starting a Small Business

Entrepreneur.com offers a wealth of information for business owners, from the business ideas and basic planning to going green, marketing, and more. You can also find special categories devoted to young entrepreneurs and Mompreneurs, success stories, and much more.


Starting a Business

As much as some would like to, you cannot forget the tax liabilities that come with owning a business. The IRS gives you a guide to what types of liabilities come with each type of business establishment.


Starting Your Business

Business Owner’s Toolkit provides a collection of articles on starting your own business, including an analysis if you have what it takes, finding the right business for your, and helping you foresee your ability to succeed.


Free Sample Business Plans

Bplans.com has over 500 free sample business plans for you to use as a base example for your own, plus many articles on how to start your business, getting funded, growing your business, online business and more.


Small Business Marketing

The Wall Street Journal has the latest news on small businesses. You can even find businesses for sale by location and by type.


Small Business Information for the Entrepreneur

Inc.com provides entrepreneurs help with small business resources, advice and ideas for starting a business, writing a business plan, management, home office, franchises, incorporate, angel investors, venture capital, and more.