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Starting a Business

Learn everything you need to know about starting any type of business with expert advice and actionable solutions from experienced business professionals.

Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

Hello Alice CEO Carolyn Rodz
Article
Hello Alice CEO Carolyn Rodz On 2024’s Biggest Challenges for Small Businesses (Full Q&A)
By Maya Afilalo | February 14, 2024

Plus her reasons for optimism — and how small businesses benefit whole communities

Article
How to Start a Clothing Store
By Dave Thomas | February 14, 2024

Clothing stores are popular businesses that appeal to varied niche audiences. Learn how to start a clothing store online or in a brick-and-mortar building.

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12 Things You Must Do Before Starting a Business
By Sean Peek | February 02, 2024

Find out what you must do before starting a business, from writing a business plan to getting the proper insurance.

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5 Simple Ways to Pinpoint Your Brand’s Target Audience
By Chris Christoff | February 02, 2024

When you start a business, you need to understand your target market at a fundamental level. Here's exactly how to identify your audience.

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Digital Disrupt: What We Can All Learn From the Netflix Model
By Chad Brooks | February 02, 2024

Just as Netflix disrupted the media landscape to find success, other businesses must innovate or risk obsolescence. Learn what Netflix's path can teach us.

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The 4 Biggest Challenges of Starting a Business (and How to Overcome Them)
By Jennifer Dublino | February 02, 2024

Starting a business is a difficult endeavor. Learn the biggest challenges that come with entrepreneurship and how to overcome them and find success.

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4 Reasons Why Texas Is a Hot State for Starting a Business
By Sean Peek | February 02, 2024

The heat and the sun aren't the only reasons Texas is a hot state. Check out why Texas is a fantastic state to start a business.

Article
20 Businesses You Can Start on the Cheap
By Donna Fuscaldo | January 22, 2024

You don't need a ton of cash to launch a business. Opportunities abound to become a business owner with less than $500. See business ideas and pro tips.

Article
The Road Map to Starting a Membership Site From Scratch
By Mark Thompson | January 03, 2024

A subscription site is easy to start and can offer big rewards. Follow these steps to build a loyal member base.

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How Much Does It Cost to Start an Online Business?
By Zac Johnson | January 03, 2024

While expenses to begin an online business vary, here are some common costs you can expect to see with your new venture.

People standing in line outside of a Cannabis Store
Article
More Lows Than Highs: Let’s Get Blunt About Starting a Cannabis Brand
By Daniel Thomas | January 03, 2024

Learn more about some key steps you must take in order to start a successful cannabis brand.

Article
7 Things to Consider Before Starting a Restaurant
By Max Freedman | December 19, 2023

Before you launch your restaurant business, learn about important considerations, such as location, marketing and software.

Ninja turtles
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Why the Ninja Turtles Are a Perfect Team to Emulate in Business
By Antonio Ferme | November 16, 2023

How to form a TMNT C-Suite.

Article
Trademark Basics: How to Submit a Trademark
By Max Freedman | November 06, 2023

Submitting a trademark is a way to protect your intellectual property. Learn how to submit a trademark properly, how it differs from a copyright, and more.

Article
Time to Expand? Tips for Opening Another Location
By Max Freedman | November 06, 2023

Learn how to know when it's time to expand your business, and find out what you should do to begin the process.

Article
Better Together: Making Magic Between Big Companies and Startups
By Alex Goryachev | November 06, 2023

Startups and enterprises can complement each other by collaborating. Learn how large and small players can overcome issues and work together.

Business owner working on a laptop
Article
Starting a Business From Home: The Ultimate Checklist
By Julie Thompson | November 06, 2023

Starting a business requires an organized approach to administrative, legal and practical tasks. Follow this checklist to start a business from home.

Entrepreneur using a phone
Article
How to Stay Motivated to Start a Business
By Simone Johnson | November 03, 2023

What makes a good entrepreneur? Characteristics such as flexibility, control and motivation all help. Here is how to stay inspired when starting your business.

Article
How to Start a Business With $0 (Or Pretty Close)
By Tom Drake | November 03, 2023

It is possible to go into business with limited startup capital. Here is how to become a successful entrepreneur, even without huge assets.

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Funding Woes, Be Gone: 5 Ways to Minimize Your Start-Up Costs
By Mike Berner | October 30, 2023

Minimize your costs by following these tips.

Crazy Chemist
Article
Strange Business Patents of the Year
By Dan Ketchum | October 04, 2023

Are these products destined for revolutionary glory or just too far ahead of their time?

Graphic of diners and a waiter in a fancy restaurant
Article
Eat Up: Supper Clubs Get 21st Century Makeover
By Elizabeth Barton | October 03, 2023

Businesses are turning to an old staple: supper clubs. Learn more about why.

graphic of people looking at a chart
Article
It’s Fashionable to Skip the Business Plan — How Reckless Is That?
By Mike Berner | October 03, 2023

More and more entrepreneurs are winging it. Are they setting themselves up for failure or smartly trusting their gut?

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From Cubicle to Incorporated: The 6 Benefits of Forming an S Corporation
By Jamie Johnson | July 31, 2023

An S corporation helps you avoid double taxation and the self-employment tax. Learn the pros and cons of S corporations and other corporate structures.

person playing paddlesmash
Article
Is PaddleSmash the Next Pickleball?
By Lauren Vino | July 10, 2023

Pickleball is a billion-dollar industry. Now two entrepreneurs, Scott Brown and Tim Swindle, hope their creation will be next.

Article
Why You Need to Develop Your Own Unique Product
By Jared Haw | March 22, 2023

If you sell products anyone can get, you'll never become a leader in your market. Here's how to develop unique products instead.

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Think Like a Startup, Scale Like an Enterprise: Balancing the Best of Both
By Alex Goryachev | March 09, 2023

Both startups and enterprises must disrupt and innovate to survive. Learn how thinking like a startup and scaling like an enterprise can help ensure success.

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The Dropbox Effect: How to Utilize the Lean Startup Methodology
By Sean Peek | February 21, 2023

The lean startup technique is a three-step approach designed to help companies improve their decision-making in order to reach a broader market.

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Welcome to the Big Leagues: At What Point Are You No Longer a Startup?
By Sean Peek | February 21, 2023

How do you know your business has passed the startup stage? Find out the key signs here.

Article
Turn Your Genealogy Hobby Into a Side Business
By Chad Brooks | February 21, 2023

Have you ever considered starting a genealogy business? This guide will walk you through the steps of starting a home-based genealogy business.