General

Contrary to popular belief, grants of cash for business are virtually nonexistent.

The chances are you can, but you had better check with your local zoning authority to be sure.

Yes. Many people do.

Most small businesses do not need special permits. However, many do. To find out if you need one or more, consult local and state authorities having jurisdiction over your area of business and ask.

 Consider getting the following types of insurance.

• General liability insurance
• Personal property, fire, theft
• Vehicle insurance
•  Business interruption insurance

A majority of SBDC services are geared specifically towards those challenges faced by existing businesses management reorganization, expanding into Internet commerce, redesigning a business or marketing plan, financing an expansion, entering international markets . . . and many more.

There is no charge for SBDC counseling. There are often minimal fees required for the training courses that are offered.

No- the SBDC can help you assemble the paperwork needed to apply for a business loan.  They can help you prepare a business plan if you don't already have one.

It should be different enough to avoid confusion with other businesses. The reason you use a business name is to help customers identify you.

Begin with a feasibility study that answers these three questions:

• What am I going to do?
• What will it take in money and skills to do it?
• What will it give me in terms of money and satisfaction?

As long as it takes you to complete your feasibility study, prepare your business plan, gather together your money, buy what you need to buy, and arrange your business operation affairs. This could take a few weeks or many months.

You will need two pots of money. One pot will pay for the things you need just to get your new business started. The other pot is to pay  your operating costs until your business reaches break-even.

Business names are very individual and often personal. A good name is usually considered both descriptive of what the business does and consistent with the public image the business wants to project.

First, make an appointment to receive counseling, free of charge, from your local SBDC.