Your Guide to Starting Your Own Business

The Illinois economy presents both challenges and opportunities for small businesses. Here's what you need to know about running a business in Illinois.

Thinking about opening a retail store? Check out these 8 tips to help you start a retail business.

The number of businesses being opened by immigrants is growing, and naturalized citizens are twice as likely to start their own businesses.

As the e-commerce industry continues to grow, small businesses are contending with hurdles. Learn the top challenges and what SMBs can do about them.

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

Learn the stages and steps of contract management, as well as how software or a contract manager can help.

New businesses may be short on cash, but quality business relationships are a valuable resource. Learn business relationship types and how to nurture them.

Considering opening a salon? Here's everything you should know before proceeding.

A DBA (doing business as) is the name you want the public to call your company. Learn how to file for a DBA name and find out the costs and advantages.

These entrepreneurs have launched successful startups and learned a lot about the world of business and marketing ― all when they were 18 or younger.

How do you start a business in Georgia? Here's what you need to know before you start a business in the Peach State.

Looking for the right place to start a business? Find out what it's like to own and operate a small business in Texas.

Learn to start and run a business in Washington state by understanding its opportunities and resources.

Learn how to identify your niche market, and then create and follow a niche strategy to dominate your business's niche in its industry.

Open enrollment lets you elect benefits packages for your employees. Here's what you need to know to create the best offering for your workers.

The North Carolina economy presents both challenges and opportunities for small businesses. Learn how to succeed as an entrepreneur in North Carolina.

When your company meets the Small Business Administration's definition of "small," it may qualify for benefits.

Searching for the right bank can be hard if you don't know what you're looking for. Click to read about business banking services you should consider.

When starting a business, you need to set up the proper legal structure. Learn about your options and how to choose a structure.

Recent data shows you can make more money freelancing than with a traditional job. Learn about the earning power, upsides and downsides of freelancing.

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

A business partnership agreement outlines the rights and obligations of partners in a business. Learn how to write one and what it should include.

If you want to protect your business's intellectual property, the first step is to register and trademark your brand name. Here's how.

Does your startup need a business license? Learn which types of business licenses and permits your small business may need and how to acquire them.

Having a business bank account, rather than mingling business finances with personal finances, protects your business and your personal finances.

Opening a franchise can be profitable, but it requires some work upfront. This guide explains everything you need to know before launching a franchise business.

Find out what business insurance is, the different types of policies, the costs and how to determine what you need.

Follow six steps if you opt to become a corporation as your business's legal structure. Learn corporation types and how they differ from other structures.

The executive summary is a crucial part of your business plan. Learn the steps involved in writing an executive summary and what to include and avoid.

Find out what a surety bond is, the benefits and the role insurance companies play.