Your Guide to Starting Your Own Business

Your business bank should provide checking, credit cards and functions like payroll and fraud insurance. Learn about the services your bank should offer.

The Protolabs Cool Idea Award helps innovators develop their unique inventions. Get inspired and learn how anyone can turn a cool idea into a business.

This guide describes how entrepreneurs can fund their businesses even while they manage their personal debts.

Learn how to turn your product idea into a tangible item by finding the perfect manufacturing factory.

Knowing which issues often prevent small businesses from securing loans is a great first step to eliminating these roadblocks in your funding journey.

Specific personality traits are necessary for someone who wants to become an entrepreneur. Learn if you have these traits and how to cultivate them if you don't.

These Yogi-isms from baseball legend Yogi Berra have value for entrepreneurs trying to succeed in business and life.

Looking for funding? You can start a business without relying on a traditional bank for funding. Here are some other options.

Small businesses impact real estate values by creating a thriving local economy. Learn how real estate and SMBs coexist and help their communities.

Here is everything you need to know about company mergers and their benefits.

Find out what business microloans are, who provides them, their benefits and downsides, and how to qualify.

When you register a business trademark, you protect your brand. Here’s what you need to know to file the TEAS Plus or TEAS Standard electronic application.

Female entrepreneurs divulge the toughest obstacles they’ve faced in business — and the solutions.

This guide offers everything you need to know about starting a business in Ohio, including the benefits, challenges and requirements.

Accountants can help small business owners set financial goals and manage finances accurately. Learn how to select an accountant for your small business.

When preparing to start a business, test your business idea first to ensure its viability. Here's how.

B2C stands for business to consumer. In B2C transactions, businesses sell products or services directly to consumers. Learn how B2C businesses operate.

Many entrepreneurs were childhood mischief-makers who showed determination and willpower. Learn how entrepreneurs can channel risk-taking to find success.

If you want to start a business, check out these 12 business ideas to inspire you in 2026 – and learn how to develop and implement a unique business idea.

Shark Tank investor Robert Herjavec shares advice for entrepreneurs and recounts his success stories. Learn from Herjavec's experiences and example.

Want to start a business you can run from home? Check out these ideas for home-based businesses with great potential.

Startup costs are a part of your budget that shouldn't be overlooked. Learn the most important startup costs, including legal, tech and marketing costs.

The barriers to entry are relatively low to drive for Uber or Lyft. Follow these six steps to become a rideshare driver.

Government grants are free federal, state and locally funded programs to help launch or grow small businesses. Learn how to find and use government grants.

Small business owners rely on friends and family for social, financial and emotional support. Learn how community support can help businesses thrive.

These wedding companies make love their business. Could they also inspire wedding-themed business ideas of your own?

Women's health products and services are an underserved category. Learn about 5 startups that aim to improve women's health experiences and find success.

Learn why small businesses are better at customer service than larger enterprises and what bigger ones should do to improve client experiences.

Do you want to operate your own food truck? Here’s an overview of everything you’ll need to get started.

What is it like doing business in Maryland? We interviewed small business owners, lenders and development organization leaders to find out.