Starting a Small Business - Advice & Tips
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Folks tend to go to extremes when starting a business. Some leap before looking, making it up as they go. Others get mired in analysis and never leave the starting block. Most of us do a little of both - and that's just right! The best way forward is simply to write out all the steps between you and your goal. Order them properly, with the next task up top. Easy things first, big projects below. It doesn't matter how long each step takes. What matters is that you take that next doable step, then the one after that. Keep stepping, and before you know it, you'll be running a successful business!
What is the First Step to
Start a Small Business?
The first step to starting a small business is registering the business. This will allow you to register your business name and obtain a federal employer identification number (EIN). Most business models recommend you complete this step after you form a detailed business plan. The reason we recommend you obtain an EIN first, is so you can begin applying for a business bank account. Assuming you have already decided to start your new small business, the detailed planning can actually happen next. It will take a few days before the EIN is filed and the bank account will take a few more days after that. For a small business owner, you will be able to use the wait time to plan, get organized, and start working on a website.
![Steps to start a small business](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/044506_91a7a46abbae46169848a13055dcbada~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_262,h_262,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Steps%20to%20start%20a%20small%20business.jpg)
Inc Authority is one way to start a business on a budget. You do not have to start a business by investing hundreds of dollars just to register the name and setup an LLC. So many small business owners choose the first online business formation provider they see, but quickly realize they are going to be nickeled and dimed along the way. Inc Authority is not going pile on the fees and will help you register your business in three easy steps. Enterprise Digital recommends you use the savings to invest the funds in setting up your business bank account.
How do I setup a Business Bank Account?
![Happy Couple Setting up a business checking account](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/044506_c311984eb99e4518bada26ea22b090c3~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_262,h_262,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Happy%20Couple%20Setting%20up%20a%20business%20checking%20account.jpg)
Any small business is going to need a business checking account in order to receive payments from clients. There are a multitude of options for a new business owner to choose from. You will need your federal tax id number and an address for your business in order to apply for an account for your business banking needs. By searching online you can find a business checking account with no fees. Some business owners will choose an account that comes with rewards. Depending on your investment, you may be able to earn free advertising money for your new business. Once you apply for a checking account for your business, it will take a few days for the application review. This is why we recommend you complete this step next when starting your new small business. You will be weeks ahead of those who focus on a complex business plan first.
How do I Create a Business Plan?
A comprehensive business plan will allow you to navigate both triumphs and setbacks by providing a detailed overview of your entire business. Prospective investors will want to review your business plan to ensure that their investment has a high likelihood of yielding returns.
To ensure the success of your business plan, it is crucial to present it in a straightforward manner. Incorporating clear charts and visuals, as well as conducting industry-specific research, will further enhance its effectiveness. Make sure your plan covers the following:
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Your Market analysis
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Potential Customer profiles
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Company structure of your Business
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Accurate Financial projections
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Any Supporting documentation
![When you plant the seed of small business, it has the potential to grow](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/044506_064e30d0032b4d8895698516668f2e6d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_262,h_262,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/When%20you%20plant%20the%20seed%20of%20small%20business%20it%20has%20the%20potential%20to%20grow.jpg)
How do I Make a Business Website?
If you want to start an online store or create a website for a local small business, your best option is to choose an all in one provider that can help you get up and running quickly. Enterprise Digital recommends Spaceship.com because it includes the domain, hosting, and email. Simply choose, connect, and launch what you need. ‘Seamless’ will never mean the same thing again.
There are plenty of free web building sites for a beginner to choose from. If you do not have experience with web design, you are going to need to use one of the top site builders to ensure your bases are covered. The good news is that the best site to build a website is not expensive. If you want the best web builder for small business, compare pricing, features, and be sure to check out reviews.
See what others are saying about their experience using Spaceship