Probably no one. Typically, banks avoid lending to startups because of the high failure rate of new, small and under-capitalized businesses. That's why most startup entrepreneurs turn to... (more)

Great question. I think I've always assumed there is a connection between what you like and what you're good at, but you have a good example here too. You don't say what you do love to do. That... (more)

My honest opinion is that you have very little chance of getting a grant to start a shoe store no matter how good the idea. Grants are offered by governments and foundations and they have social... (more)

Yes, you can start many businesses with no money down, so many that it's impossible to even start listing. Most of them are services. Think of businesses like graphic arts, landscaping, gardening,... (more)

Yes, you can start many businesses with no money down, so many that it's impossible to even start listing. Most of them are services. Think of businesses like graphic arts, landscaping, gardening,... (more)

Start by asking your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC). There's a list of local contacts at www.bplans.com/sb/. They usually have good contacts with local investors and they are... (more)

It's good to want things but if you're serious about it, change your attitude. People do manage to do what you want to do, but you have to be more realistic about it. If you don't have the money... (more)

Business model will depend on the type of business you are looking at starting. You can use the following resources to help you: Small Business Development Center in your area www. (more)

Business model will depend on the type of business you are looking at starting. You can use the following resources to help you: Small Business Development Center in your area www. (more)

Don’t stop dreaming, but temper your dreams with a dose of reality. Your lack of capital in itself needn’t defeat you, but combined with bad credit, it’s a red flag warning potential investors not... (more)

First things first: You need a business plan that will show anyone who loans or invests money what they will get in return.  Generally, by actually writing the plan you will come across the... (more)

First things first: You need a business plan that will show anyone who loans or invests money what they will get in return.  Generally, by actually writing the plan you will come across the... (more)

To launch a new product you should start by making sure you truly understand who the key target customer is, what their real needs are, why they would buy your product vs. the competition's (what... (more)

To launch a new product you should start by making sure you truly understand who the key target customer is, what their real needs are, why they would buy your product vs. the competition's (what... (more)

Well, I hate to state the obvious, but in most cases, it's no more complex than you think. You will need to find the site, get your permits, then start getting customers.  Remember that... (more)

Simple really. Set up a business, decide what it is you sell, how much you will sell it for, then marketing and sales kick in.  Be sure to register for any licenses you may need in collections. ... (more)

<P>Probably the same way we all did - by starting small.</P> <P>In business you have two options: Start with what you have.  Most of us start after hours in the garage and with a... (more)

<P>Simply put, yes - you can easily do it all under the one name.</P> <P>However, one of the keys to success in business is becoming known for something.  With so many services... (more)

<P>Great to see you want to give it a go.  That's the biggest step.  </P> <P>As for the business, start small, use word of mouth and get the products right.  Finding out which of... (more)

<P>The best way to open any business is, obviously, with a big order from a big client on day one.</P> <P>Assuming most people will never have this, write a plan, raise the... (more)