First Steps

Steps in Starting a Business

Starting a business can be a complicated and overwhelming venture. Long before the business can become operational, you need a solid plan as well as research into what legal measures are required in...

Creating a Business Plan

A business plan helps you find the direction your business should take. The planning process is essential to the success of your business. Are you able to...

Marketing Research

Marketing Research is vital to your business by identifying threats and opportunities in the market place to help you become more competitive and reduce your risks. Little market research if any is done in most businesses because people are unsure how to conduct such research. Here are some sites to help you get...

Choosing A Business Structure

Of all the choices you make when starting a business, one of the most important is the type of legal organization you select for your company. This decision can affect how much you pay in taxes, the amount of paperwork your business is required to do, the personal liability you face and your ability to borrow money. Business formation is...

Researching Tax Information

Advanced planning can help you reduce your tax obligations and lessen the anxiety of tax time. For the most part, there is no reason to feel intimidated about navigating tax information, particularly once you consult some of these handy resources.  

Required Licenses or Permits

Starting a business (or buying an existing business) requires an understanding of local, state and federal requirements in order to operate the business legally. The required permits, licenses and registrations can vary depending on the type of business, how the business is structured, and where the business is located, etc. ...

How to Research on the Web

Northern Kentucky University has researched small business development and now provides great resources on the internet. For anyone wanting to learn more about market research, industry data, competition data or economy data, the NKU Research on the Web page is an...