Starting a Business

5 Lifelines for Your Startup
These organizations can help you find direction and funding.

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Steps to Starting Your Business
Do You Really Need a Business Plan?
Here's how to know if writing a business plan is for you.
How to Raise Your First Round of Financing
Three tips for raising cash with a second round in mind.
10 Steps to Effective Copywriting
Well-written copy follows these simple guidelines.
Is Your Business Idea Protected?
Intellectual property theft can leave you vulnerable.

Business Ideas: Got An Idea?

Alternative Health-Care Center
Alternative Health-Care Center

Create a center providing aromatherapy, herbal medicines and other sevices.
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Miniature Golf Center
Miniature Golf Center

Put your love for the sport in a company that putts out profits.
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Stimulus Tracker
Stimulus Tracker
In this special report on the economic stimulus, we'll sort out the pieces that really matter, and explain how you can benefit from the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.



Great Minds of Business
The 20th century jumped from the Industrial Revolution to the Information Age due to these visionary entrepreneurs. Read about what makes them great, and come back to see who will be added as the 21st century takes shape.
Henry Ford
In just four decades, Ford’s innovative vision of mass production produced the affordable “automobile."
Bill Gates
The digital demagogue earned billions by anticipating the market's needs.


Success Stories
Get inspired by these entrepreneurs who have taken their idea and made it a success.

Just for Kicks Just for Kicks
Learn how these kings of funny keep people laughing.
Build a Billion From the Ground UpBuild a Billion From the Ground Up
Learn how you can become a billionaire from the man who did it from scratch.
Thinking Inside the BoxThinking Inside the Box
Spencer Brown takes the bite out of moving--the cost and the waste.

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Recent Features

5 Reasons to Focus on Long-Term Gain
Ignore short-term pain and get started today.

Top 10 Reasons to Start a Business in a Recession
More publicity. Less competition. Talent waiting to be scooped up. Here's why starting in a recessed economy may give your business a better shot.

Not Ready to Retire?
The typical age to start thinking about retirement is now the time to consider a move to self-employment.

Special Report: Innovate In a Recession
If the downturn is hurting your entrepreneurial spirit, we have good news for you: Recessions are historically ripe with opportunity for innovation. Don't believe us? Read on.

sm SmallBizSmartMoney's Small Business Site

Nonprofit Vs. For-Profit Social Ventures
Social entrepreneurs usually lean toward nonprofit, but there are pros and cons to consider.

Nonprofits Launch Social Sidelines
A revenue-generating business can produce the capital to widen the reach of your social enterprise.

Entrepreneurial Mates
Couples often fight over money--and spouses who run a business together are no exception.

Hire Your Spouse and Save
Employing a spouse, or a child, can be a great way to save on health benefits and taxes. Here's what you need to know.





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Marketplace

Learn how to distribute a press release

All-new 2010 Ford Transit Connect
What's Your Mobile Computing Strategy?
From smartphones to laptops, weigh all your options when deciding to take business on the road.

Interested in connecting with others with similar business interests? Find a group thats right for you.


Learn to Lean on Your Advisors
Take advantage of expert advice--but know that the final say is yours.

Resource Nation
Related Products
Step-By -Step Startup Guide: Mail Order Business
A $415 billion-dollar industry, mail order businesses delivers a huge opportunity for success.