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Startup Basics

Find the Information You Need to Know Before Starting a Business

Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

See All Latest
Article
The Importance of Healthy Business Relationships
By Siri Hedreen | April 23, 2026
New businesses may be short on cash, but quality business relationships are a valuable resource. Learn business relationship types and how to nurture them.
Article
How to Help Your Kid Start a (Legal) Business
By Sean Peek | April 23, 2026
Whether your kid wants to start a lemonade stand or a bigger enterprise, here's how to ensure the business is legal.
Article
6 Steps to Becoming a Corporation
By Max Freedman | April 22, 2026
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.
Article
Should You Set up Your Business as an LLC or an S Corporation?
By Simone Johnson | April 22, 2026
Selecting the correct business type can help your business succeed and flourish. Find out whether your company should be an LLC or an S corporation.
Doctor signing a form
Article
How to Open a Private Medical Practice, Step by Step
By Max Freedman | April 22, 2026
Opening a private medical practice is a challenging process, but it can be easier if you break it down with this step-by-step guide.
Article
Etsy Alternatives for Crafty Entrepreneurs
By Max Freedman | April 21, 2026
If you're an entrepreneur selling creative wares online, Etsy is the obvious choice. But check out these 13 Etsy alternatives that may be right for you.
lawyer at a desk going over a contract
Article
Online Business Laws Your Small Business Needs to Know
By Donna Fuscaldo | April 21, 2026
Many rules and regulations govern e-commerce. These six, in particular, could significantly impact your small business.
Article
How to Get a Business Phone Number
By Jeff Hale | April 21, 2026
This guide explains the benefits of a business phone number and walks you through the steps to obtain a phone number for your company.
Businesswoman talking on the phone
Article
Should My Business Get a Toll-Free Number?
By Adam Uzialko | April 21, 2026
Toll-free numbers have historically benefited small businesses, but they might be somewhat obsolete now. Here's how to decide whether you need one.
Article
10 Things to Do Before Opening a Food Truck
By Brittney Morgan | February 20, 2026
From choosing the right location to investing in the right technology, here are 10 things you must do before you start a food truck.
Article
6 Biggest Business Insurance Risks (and How to Mitigate Them)
By Nicole Fallon | February 20, 2026
Find out the different types of insurance risks for your business and how to mitigate them.
person taping up a box to ship
Article
Top E-Commerce Challenges Facing SMBs
By Jennifer Post | February 20, 2026
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.
Article
26 Types of Insurance Your Small Business Should Consider
By Skye Schooley | February 20, 2026
This article covers the many types of business insurance that are out there that you may need for your small business.
Article
How to Choose the Best Legal Structure for Your Business
By Joshua Stowers | February 17, 2026
When starting a business, you need to set up the proper legal structure. Learn about your options and how to choose a structure.
Article
11 Things to Do Before Starting a Business
By Stella Morrison | February 17, 2026
Before jumping right into launching a new business, spend time getting everything prepared. Here are the steps to take.
Article
How to Start a Business: A Step-by-Step Guide
By Joshua Stowers | February 09, 2026
If you’re starting a new small business, find out where to begin and how to achieve success.
Article
Pros and Cons of Forming a Corporation
By Skye Schooley | September 29, 2025
Learn the pros and cons of becoming a corporation so you can decide if incorporating is right for your business.
Article
What is the Business to Business (B2B) Model?
By Mark Fairlie | September 18, 2024
B2B companies offer products and services for other businesses and organizations. Learn how B2B works, and how it differs from B2C and DTC models.
Accountant working at a desk
Article
How to Create an Invoice
By Max Freedman | September 11, 2024
Creating an invoice is a simple way to bill your customers and keep track of your accounts receivable. Here's what you need to know to create an invoice.
Coworkers sitting next to each other at a desk
Article
How to Run a Business in Florida
By Adam Uzialko | September 05, 2024
Understand the challenges and opportunities of doing business in Florida, including the tax laws, access to capital, cost of living, and labor market. 
Article
How to Start a Sole Proprietorship
By Simone Johnson | August 15, 2024
Many business owners start sole proprietorships, which require little administrative work. Learn the pros and cons of starting a sole proprietorship.
Article
Articles of Incorporation vs Operating Agreements: What are the Differences?
By Skye Schooley | August 15, 2024
Learn the differences and similarities between articles of incorporation and operating agreements to determine which is necessary for your startup.
Article
What Is an LLC?
By Simone Johnson | August 15, 2024
An LLC is a limited liability company; it protects a business owner's personal assets. Learn the pros and cons of LLCs and how to start one.
Article
What Is a C Corporation?
By Sean Peek | August 14, 2024
C corporations are usually publicly traded companies owned by shareholders. Learn how they differ from other structures and how to start one.
two business partners conversing at a desk
Article
Articles of Incorporation: What New Business Owners Should Know
By Max Freedman | August 14, 2024
This guide explains the importance of articles of incorporation and why new businesses must file them with the appropriate state agencies.
Article
How to Turn Your Idea Into a Product (and Launch It!)
By Kiely Kuligowski | August 01, 2024
Learn how to turn your idea into a prototype, turn that prototype into a product, and bring that product to market.
person holding a credit card and using a laptop
Article
What Is C2B?
By Marisa Sanfilippo | July 31, 2024
C2B businesses aim to generate value from their customer base, such as by crowdsourcing ideas or soliciting customer feedback. Learn how a C2B model works.
office meeting
Article
Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN): How to Get One
By Sean Peek | June 17, 2024
Most businesses with employees need a federal employer identification number. Here are the different ways you can apply for a FEIN.
office meeting
Article
Tech Startup Challenges (and How to Overcome Them)
By Nicole Fallon | May 07, 2024
Learn the challenges your tech startup may encounter so you can overcome them and achieve success.
Article
Opening a Restaurant? Here’s Your Equipment Checklist
By Kiely Kuligowski | April 11, 2024
If you're opening a restaurant, this equipment checklist and finance guide can help you get started.