Compare These Top Vendors for Starting a Small Business


Directory of resources and opportunities for starting a small business. Find information on starting a business and research companies offering support services for small business startups. Browse providers of information and resources for startup busines
Develop Your Product or Idea

Do you have an invention or product idea? Davison can help you develop your product or idea and present it to a corporation for potential licensing. Our products have sold in over 1000 online and brick and mortar stores. Free consultation. Start today!

Develop Your Product or IdeaVisit Davison.com
Have An Idea for an Invention or New Product?

We help inventors! Invention submission and patent services, as seen on TV. Offices in major cities nationwide. Request free information today.

Have An Idea for an Invention or New Product?Visit www.InventHelp.com
Choice Hotels

Start a business in the hospitality industry. Choice Hotels™ is one of the largest global lodging companies. They provide their franchisees with high-quality, high-value investment options globally while delivering reservations. Apply Today.

Choice HotelsVisit choicehotelsfranchise.com
State Farm

Get comprehensive life, health, property and liability protection for your business. State Farm agents understand the needs of small businesses and can help you protect your business. Find an agent today.

State FarmVisit statefarm.com
DNBi Professional

Protect cash flow and drive growth with credit experts. D&B is a leading source of commercial information and insight providing solution sets to mitigate credit & supplier risk, increase cash flow & drive profitability. Contact a rep today.

DNBi Professional Visit dnbi.com

Search Results

Company Formation and UK Registration Resources

A range of UK company formation and registration services with practical information, guidance and advice on setting up a limited company in the UK.

http://www.completeformations.co.uk/index.html
Start Your Own Profitable Business

Turnkey business opportunity in the extremely profitable field of hard surface cleaning. You can make tens of thousands of dollars per month!

http://www.tmtbusiness.com/lpbdotcom.aspx
Starting a Handmade Goodies Business

Find experts and advice for selling your handmade goodies to the world.

www.business.com/general/starting-a-handmade-goodies-business/
Starting an Event Planning Business

Find experts and advice for starting an event planning business.

www.business.com/startup/starting-an-event-planning-business/
Starting a Manufacturing Company

Find experts and advice for starting a manufacturing company.

www.business.com/startup/starting-a-manufacturing-company/
Starting a Mail-Order Business

Find experts and advice for starting a mail-order business.

www.business.com/startup/starting-a-mail-order-business/
Starting a Catering Business

Find experts and advice for starting a catering business.

www.business.com/startup/starting-a-catering-business/
Starting a Consulting Business

Find experts and advice for starting a consulting business.

www.business.com/startup/starting-a-consulting-business/
Starting a Security Services Business

Find experts and advice for starting a security services business.

www.business.com/startup/starting-a-security-services-business/
Small Business Franchises

Directory of small business franchises and franchise opportunities for small business. Review listings to find small business franchises for sale and franchise companies. Find an established business opportunity that fits your strengths and interests.

www.business.com/startup/small-business-franchises/
Starting a Small Business Basics

Source: /guides/starting-a-small-business-basics-20513/

When you have an idea and you want to start a small business, there are a few things you'll need to think about before you begin pouring money into it. You must first make sure that you're truly ready and that you have what it takes. Read More »

Supplies for Starting a Small Business

Source: /guides/supplies-for-starting-a-small-business-20640/

In many cases, starting a small business requires a large investment in supplies for the office or storefront. Items like desks and other furniture, credit card processing machines and other technology, as well as traditional office supplies for daily operations are all necessities when starting. Read More »

Starting a Business


Maybe you have an idea for an internet business startup, or you are starting a small business from home. Do you need a business startup loan, business startup software, or just want to know the basics of how to write a great business plan?

Whether you are still in the idea stage of how to start a business, or you've already taken the first few steps, having the right resources will be critical to your success.

Startup Resources

Here are four ways to improve the odds of success for anyone who wants to start a business: 

  • Get the right people: If you can afford to, hire employees or can bring in partners when you first start a business. Studies show that well-staffed business startups have better survival rates than solo operations.
  • Get enough financing : Studies show that businesses starting with less than $50K have higher failure rates. The key is to have enough financing so your business can take root.
  • Training: If you can, attend seminars on how to start a small business offered through a local Small Business Development Center, or enroll in a college-based entrepreneurship program to learn the ropes. Many startup businesses fail because their owners don’t know basic business tasks like balancing the checkbook and managing their inventory.
  • Start at home: To keep costs low, start a home-based business.  Businesses that begin this way and then move into new space as they grow have higher success rates.

Need startup funding but can’t qualify for a loan? Consider using equipment leasing to ease that financial burden.

Starting a Small Business

There are several steps you should take before you start your business in order to guarantee its success. You can get assistance with any of these steps – as well as additional information on small businesses – from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Other ways you can prepare yourself for your new role as a startup business owner include:

  • Get free counseling and advice on how to start a business from a certified small business counselor or mentor.
  • Go online to foster the support of like-minded startup entrepreneurs. Nothing's a better motivator than involvement with a community of other entrepreneurs who are starting a small business - and sharing the ideas and information they've learned. 
  • Get expert help writing your startup business plan. A good business plan will guide you through the first phase of your startup and convince potential investors to finance your business.
  • Try franchising opportunities as your route to starting a small business.
  • Acquire a business education before you begin. Business owners who complete courses on how to start a small business have a greater chance of success. 

Risks of Starting a Small Business

The most common reasons for failure within the first few years of starting small business include competition, mismanagement, high rent and insurance costs, high debt, inability to get financing, loss of clients and difficulty with collections.

  • Making preparations in advance – such as writing a solid business plan, taking business classes, and seeking the advice of a mentor in your industry – can greatly reduce the risk of your business’s failure.

If you're ready to take the risk of the risk of starting your own business, carefully study how to start a business in your chosen market before taking the plunge. Even though business failure rates aren't as high as once believed, aspiring entrepreneurs still need to do their homework. Once you educate yourself, surround yourself with others invested in your success, and acquire enough financing, you’ll be ready to begin the process of starting your own small business.

If you’re starting a small business, be sure to get professional business plan help and apply for a business loan.