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Where do you need to go? What do you need to do, to get it and keep it right? Read on. Read on. As the New Year fast approaches, it's just a couple of hours away, many blessings to you and yours and all that we do. Just remember, after doing you, lets all see what we can do for HAITI. Good Luck. Happy New Year.

Start Your Business

Starting a business requires you to complete a number of steps and make some key decisions. Though part of your overall plan, you'll need to select a location, decide on a business structure, and obtain the necessary licenses and permits. In addition, determining which financing options will meet your short-term needs and long-term goals is crucial. Within this section, we'll provide information on these topics along with guidance on buying an existing business, copyright and trademark issues, and getting support from an outside expert.

Never think you can do it alone! One of the best ways to insulate yourself against business failure is to find and work with a mentor, someone with business experience who can guide and assist you.

Service Corps Of Retired Executives (SCORE)

Link to retired professionals who are available to give you advice.

Small Business Development Centers

Link to organizations to help your small business grow and prosper.

Network Of Training And Counseling Services

Link to these connections to help with professional training and counseling.

Finance Start-Up

All businesses require some form of financing. An integral component of starting a successful business is raising sufficient capital. There are many challenges here, but numerous resources are available to help you.

General Financing And Accounting

• Start-Up Costs
  
  Plan for the initial expenses your business will have.
• Estimating Costs
  
  Learn to anticipate your initial business cost.
• Breakeven Analysis
  
  Know when your business breaks even and when you can expect a profit.
• Financing Basics
  
  How do you plan to finance your business? This is especially important for new enterprises.
• SBA's Role
  
  What the SBA offers to help your small business grow and profit.
• Equity Capital
  
  Learn about the pros and cons of offering stock.
• What's A Surety Bond?
  
  Learn what a surety bond is and if it can help your business.
• Learn About SBA's Surety Bond Program
  
  Detailed explanation about how this program operates.
• Handling Finances
  
  It is essential for the business owner to know how to manage his/her finances.
• Personal vs. Business Finances
  
  You must know your personal finances and credit before starting out on your own.
• The Benefits Of Making Your Banker Your Friend
  
  Cultivating a friendly relationship with your banker will benefit your business in many ways.
• Borrowing Money
  
  Know the essentials in borrowing money. Can your business afford it?
• Fair Credit Reporting
  
  Learn where your credit report comes from and how it affects your loan prospects.
• Credit Scoring
  
  Know how the bank uses a credit scoring system to determine their acceptance of your loan application.
• Credit Factors
  
  The basic elements examined in every loan application.

Loan and Funding Information

• Finding Capital
  
  Know how to find various sources of capital to begin your business.
• Small Business Investment Companies (SBIC) Program
  
  Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs), which are licensed and regulated by the SBA, are privately owned and managed investment firms that provide venture capital and startup financing to small businesses. The above link will take you to SBA's Investment Division's home page, where you will also find reference to the Small Business Investment Act.
• Federal Grant Resources
  
  A list of federal resources that could give your business a grant.
• Basic Requirements
  
  The basic requirements for a business to receive an SBA loan.
• Eligibility Size Standards
  
  Required size standards for a business to receive an SBA loan.
• SBA's 7(a) Loan Program
  
  Explanation and requirements of the SBA's most basic and used loan program--the 7(a) loan.
• Applying For A Loan
  
  Help in writing a loan proposal.
• Loan Proposals
  
  Develop and organize your loan proposal.
• Loan Package Checklist
  
  Make sure you have everything you need in your loan proposal.
• SBA Loan Programs
  
  Learn which program is right for your business.
• Prequalification Programs
  
  Businesses must prequalify for certain loan programs.
• Microloans
  
  Details about the SBA's Microloan program.
• Certified Development Company (504) Loan Program
  
  Detailed explanation about the SBA's (504) loan program for a non-profit Certified Development Company to assist in the economic development of its community.
• Export Working Capital
  
  A program designed to create short-term working capital for exporters.
• Export Express
  
  Program designed to help small businesses receive export financing.
• International Trade Loans
  
  This program is designed to help businesses in international trade overcome competition from imports.
• Delta Loans
  
  Loans that help small contractors transition from defense to civil contracts.
• Community Adjustment and Investment Program (CAIP)
  
  Program designed to help businesses in communities negatively affected by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
• Communities Eligible For CAIP Funding
  
  (PDF File)
  
  A listing of all communities which have been designated as eligible for funding under the Community Adjustment and Investment Program (CAIP).
• Employee Trusts
  
  Loans that help provide financial assistance to Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs).
• Pollution Control Loans
  
  Pollution Control loans are 7(a) loans with the special purpose of pollution control.
• CAPLines Loans
  
  Helps small businesses get their short-term and cyclical working capital.
• Certified Lender Programs
  
  Get a loan from a certified lender who knows the policies and procedures of the SBA.
• Preferred Lender Programs
  
  This program helps speed up the loan application approval process.
• Community Express
  
  Program that serves geographic areas of mostly low and moderate income.
• Secondary Market Programs
  
  Program designed to make lending to small businesses more attractive.
• Asset Sales
  
  SBA's initiative to take advantage of the private sector's efficiency by selling its portfolio of loans and other assets in order to help manage its overall credit exposure.
• How To Prepare A Loan Package
  
  Create the best loan package for your business.
• Never Take "No" For An Answer
  
  Learn why your loan application was rejected and take steps to correct those reasons.
• SBA Loans FAQs
  
  Get answers to the questions frequently asked about SBA loans.
• USDA: Farm Loans Direct
  
  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency's Online loans and services.
• USDA: Farm Labor Housing Loans And Grants
  
  Provides capital financing for the development of housing for domestic farm laborers.
• USDA/FAS: Financing Promotions And Exports
  
  The USDA Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) offers funds for marketing U.S. products overseas.
• USDA: Rural Business Cooperative Service
  
  A variety of USDA rural business development and grant programs

Buy a Business

Once the decision is made to start a business, often the next decision is either to buy an existing business or start a new venture from scratch. There are advantages and disadvantages to both options.

• Buying A Business
  
  The pros and cons of buying an existing business versus starting fresh.
• Choosing A Business
  
  Finding a profitable business to buy.
• Purchase Research
  
  Before making the final purchase, examine the business carefully. Use of a qualified attorney is important.
• Determining Value
  
  Know the elements to examine when calculating a business' value.
• Sales Agreement
  
  Essential elements that should be on the final sales agreement.
• Due Diligence
  
  Know the legal aspects of owning a business; includes zoning laws, permits, and the environment.
• Closing Checklist
  
  Make sure you and your attorney review the final points of the sale.
• Buying A Business FAQs
  
  Learn the answers to commonly asked questions regarding buying a business.

Buy a Franchise

Business franchising offers many opportunities. This form of ownership has helped many entrepreneurs get started in business and succeed.

• Franchising Overview
  
  Get a general description of franchising.
• Consumer Guide To Buying A Franchise
  
  How to examine and buy an existing franchise.
• Franchising Strategy
  
  Learn to research your perspective franchise and examine its possible problems.
• Associations And Forums
  
  The American Franchisee Association (AFA) is a national trade association of franchisees and dealers with over 7,000 members.
• Buying A Franchise FAQs
  
  Answers to questions frequently asked when buying a franchise.
• Franchising FAQs
  
  Answers to commonly asked questions about franchising.
• Guides and Instructions for Buying A Franchise
  
  Help on successfully purchasing an existing franchise.

There is more to naming your business than just coming up with something that sounds good and you happen to like. Thought must be given to state and local requirements and making sure you don't infringe upon the rights of someone else's business name.

Legal Requirements And Implications

Picking a name for your business requires much more than just creativity and a working knowledge of your target market. First you'll need to decide which business structure you will use, since each structure has its own peculiarities. For example, many states require a sole proprietor to use their own name for the business name unless they formally file another name as a trade name, or fictitious name. Read more about How Business Structure Affects Business Names.

Similarly, you will need to determine whether your trade name will be the same as the full legal name of your business. Of equal importance is finding out whether your name or a very similar name is being used by another business, and if so, what rights they may or may not have to use the name in the area where you do business. Keep in mind that some businesses only file trademarks within their locality, so it's possible that the same name can be used elsewhere. Here's some information on Trademark FAQs.

Search And Registration

Trade names can be registered through state Secretary of State offices, and for wider marketplace protection, through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO Trademark Search). Businesses should first use the USPTO's online system to search all state and federal trademark registers to see if their proposed name is being used.

Domain Names

For many businesses that operate on the Web, trade names are synonymous with domain names, such as Amazon.com and Monster.com. Domain names are not registered through state or local government; rather they can be obtained through numerous online businesses, most of which will allow you to conduct a name search prior to purchase to make sure your chosen name isn't taken.

Choose A Structure

Many factors must be considered when choosing the best form of business ownership or structure. The choice you make can have an impact on multiple aspects of your business, including taxes, liability, ownership succession, and others.

• Forms Of Ownership

The pros and cons of different types of ownership, including sole proprietorship, partnering, corporations, and limited liability companies.

• Basic Structures

Brief descriptions of common business ownership structures.

• Special Structures

Some structures are only available in some states.

• Business Structures

If one of your employees causes an accident, can an injured person sue you and take your house, car, or savings account? Are you paying more taxes than you should on your business income? These are important questions that many small business owners ignore, yet the answers depend on the business' legal structure.

Innovations and new product ideas are valuable assets of a business. These assets need to be protected so that your rights are not infringed upon by others.

• Product Basics
  
  Learn to identify your product's unique features and benefits for your advertising campaign.
• Protecting Your Ideas
  
  Protect your ideas or inventions from others' infringement.
• Copyright, Patent, And Trademark FAQs
  
  Get the answers to commonly asked questions regarding copyrights, patents, and trademarks.
• Patent And Trade Office FAQs
  
  Specific information on trademarks, service marks, certification marks, and more.
• Intellectual Property FAQs
  
  Find out if your ideas can get a copyright or patent.

Most states and many cities and/or counties impose licenses and permits on a wide variety of businesses. The operation of your business will most likely require such a tax.

• State Requirements
  
  Make sure you research your state's requirements for business, including permits, licenses, and registration.
• Federal Requirements
  
  Make sure you know the federal requirements for your business, including specific licenses, Employer Identification Number (EIN), and registration.
• Employer ID Numbers (EINs)
  
  An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a federal tax identification number, and is used to identify a business entity.
• Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) eApplication
  
  No matter where you do business, you can apply for and receive a federal EIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) immediately.
• Exporting FAQs
  
  Answers to questions frequently asked about the exporting business.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) FAQs
  
  Learn answers to important questions about the EPA and your business.
• Application Process for Export Licenses
  
  The Department of Commerce's Bureau of Export Administration online application process.
• Become A Licensed Marine Merchant
  
  Access information about U.S. mariner licensing and documentation requirements.
• File A NAFTA Certificate Of Origin
  
  Classify your export product and file a North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Certificate of Origin.
• File A Shippers' Export Declaration
  
  AESDirect is the U.S. Census Bureau's free, web-based system for filing a Shipper's Export Declaration (SED).
• Vehicle Importation Regulations
  
  Learn the various aspects of the vehicle importation regulations. Some of the topics include importation and certification FAQs, vehicle importation guidelines, and temporary vehicle importation guidelines.

Choosing the right location for your business can be a major factor in its success or failure. A good location may allow a struggling business to survive, but a weak location could mean trouble for even a very well-run business. Make sure you know all the legal restrictions of your place of business.

• Commercial Leasing
  
  How to get the best commercial lease for your business.
• Leasing Checklist
  
  Essential elements that should be on your lease agreement.
• Zoning Overview
  
  Types of zones and their specific regulations.
• Zoning Problems
  
  Sometimes a lawyer can help you get around zoning regulations.
• Signage Tutorial
  
  For help making the most of your commercial signage, visit SBA's signage tutorial.
• Home-Based Business FAQs
  
  If your business is home-based, look at the answers to these common questions.
• Zipcode Locator
  
  Find most zipcodes in the country.
• Home-Based Business And Government Regulations
  
  (PDF file)
  
  Home-based businesses face daunting restrictions from both the federal and local regulations described in this research report released by Advocacy.

Lease Equipment

SBA Program Office SBA Programs 8(a) Business Dev. Advocacy Banking CFO CIO Disaster Assistance Entrepreneurial Dev. Faith Based Comm. Init Financial Assistance Freedom of Information GCBD Goaling Program Government Contracting Hearings and Appeals HUBZone Inspector General International Trade Investment (SBIC) Lender Oversight Native American Affairs NAC Ombudsman Press Office SBDCs SCORE Size Standards SDB Surety Guarantees Technology (SBIR/STTR) Veterans Womens Bus. Sometimes leasing equipment, instead of buying it, can be the best option for your business. However, there are many variables that should be considered, including costs, use restrictions, legal parameters, and others.

Should You Buy Or Lease Your Equipment?

• Leasing operating equipment, such as computers, vehicles, and machinery, often makes more sense than buying. However, while favorable leases are often good bets, unfavorable ones can easily sink an emerging venture. While doing your legal homework can help prevent bad deals, it's always a good idea to have a lawyer look over a lease before signing it. Investigate the Buying vs. Leasing issue.
• Is your lease likely to be deemed a purchase for tax purposes by the IRS? If so, leasing may not give you a tax advantage. If not, you may be able to deduct payments on the leased equipment. Here are some IRS Guidelines.

Successfully managing a business requires specific management skills in addition to knowledge of key business practices. Within this section you'll learn about leadership traits, decision-making skills, and how to manage your employees. Additionally, we'll walk you through a host of important topics to manage your business including: marketing basics, setting prices, filing your business taxes, legal considerations, forecasting for future growth, and financing options.

Getting out of your business may not be important to you at this point. However, planning your exit strategy often involves more than just closing down. Within this section we'll discuss practical options that include selling your business or transferring ownership. In the event that you decide it is time to close your business, you'll learn about liquidation, filing bankruptcy and reviewing the IRS guide on shutting down.