Create a Business Plan

• Start by drafting a comprehensive business plan. You will use this document to bring in investors and get outsiders excited about your business prospect. There is no right or wrong way to do it. However, most business plans follow the same basic model. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, your plan should have three main parts. Part one describes each aspect of the business, including the name of the business, your market and whether you plan on hiring personnel. Part two covers finances. The final part contains miscellaneous items like your resume, permits and licenses and tax returns.
  
  

Secure a Location

• According to Business.gov, the U.S. government's official link, choosing a business location "involves basic considerations such as proximity to customers, ease of access and leasing and zoning restrictions." The right location ultimately requires the entrepreneur to carefully analyze the business market against what is available in the area. Also, depending on the nature of your business, you may not need a physical location at all. If you intend to do business over the Internet, for instance, you may only need a small space to contain merchandise.
  
  

Choose a Business Structure

• There are several options available and each has its own nuances and advantages. A sole-proprietorship is perhaps the easiest to set up in terms of filing requirements with the state. However, sole proprietors are personally liable for the business. This means that if your business dies, your creditors will be able to reach your personal assets---not just the assets of the business. Other forms, such as limited liability companies and corporations, offer liability protection but have formal requirements such as filing documents with the state and maintaining public business records. Speak to a business planner or attorney to help you determine the best form of business for your company.
  
  

Fund the Business and Secure Permits

• Businesses need money to stay afloat and the most common way start-ups get money is by receiving business loans from friends, family, venture capitalists or financial institutions. Additionally, the business needs to file tax documents with the treasury department and apply for permits at the county level. These actions vary based on the business and location. Hiring a business planner or certified public accountant can help prospective business owners work through the subtle complexities of these actions.