Step 1: Evaluate Your Business Idea
Take the time to find out if your idea is viable. Who will buy your product or service? What’s happening in your industry?
- Research your market
- Take a start-up class
- Talk to a start-up adviser

Step 2: Plan Your Business
Good business planning keeps you focused, and can be the difference between failure and success.
- Write a business plan
- Talk to a business planning adviser
- Attend a business plan workshop
Step 3: Register and License Your Business
You’ll need to go through several steps to make sure your business can operate legally.
Step 4: Fund Your Business
Now that you’ve completed your business plan and have a good sense of what your new venture will cost, you’ll want to do your research and consider carefully how you finance your project.
Step 5: Locate Your Business
Is working out of your home or garage the legal and right thing for you? Is a co-working space a viable option? Do I need a brick and mortar facility? Visit the Resource Navigator for resource partners who can help you decide.