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Startup Basics

Find the Information You Need to Know Before Starting a Business

Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

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two business partners conversing at a desk
Article
6 Problems That Kill Small Businesses
By Shayna Waltower | January 17, 2024
Small businesses face many problems, like poor cash flow and bad leadership. Learn the issues that can sink a company and how to keep your business alive.
person doing taxes
Article
What’s the Difference Between a Tax ID Number and a Corporate Number?
By Simone Johnson | January 16, 2024
This guide explains tax identification numbers and how they work for businesses and individuals.
man looking at data on a laptop
Article
What Is Crowdfunding?
By Simone Johnson | January 16, 2024
Crowdfunding is an alternative startup funding method where you get small donations from many people. Learn the benefits of crowdfunding and how to start.
Article
Business Bank Account Checklist: Documents You’ll Need
By Kiely Kuligowski | January 16, 2024
Before you apply for a business bank account, you need to gather your business licenses and identification documents. Get the full list here.
Article
What Is a Business Consultant?
By Sean Peek | January 16, 2024
A business consultant can help you streamline processes and boost profits. Learn what consultants do and how to choose the right one.
Article
Small Business Resource Guide for Veterans
By Julianna Lopez | January 13, 2024
Here are several resources and tools for veterans with or looking to start their own business.
Article
You’re Being Sued: A Guide to Handling a Business Lawsuit
By Jennifer Post | January 12, 2024
What should you do if someone sues your small business? Here's advice from legal experts on how to handle a business lawsuit.
Businessperson signing a paycheck
Article
How Many Pay Periods Are in a Year?
By Andrew Martins | January 11, 2024
Choosing the right pay schedule for your team is an important decision. Here’s what to consider when setting pay periods.
Businesswoman sitting in front of a computer
Article
How to Start Selling Online
By Donna Fuscaldo | January 09, 2024
Selling products online is more popular than ever. Here's how you can get started with e-commerce.
Article
What is C2C?
By Andreas Rivera | January 09, 2024
Facilitating purchases between consumers can be a lucrative business strategy. Learn how C2C – customer to customer or consumer to consumer – works.
Article
What Is E-commerce? Everything You Need To Know About Selling Online
By Donna Fuscaldo | January 09, 2024
E-commerce businesses sell goods and services online. This guide provides an overview of different types of e-commerce businesses and how they work.
Article
Bootstrapping or Equity Funding: Which Is Better for Your Business?
By Adam Uzialko | January 05, 2024
Startups have multiple funding options, such as bootstrapping and equity funding. Learn the pros and cons of bootstrapping and equity funding for startups.
Article
How to Build a Great Employee Benefits Package
By Andreas Rivera | January 05, 2024
This guide explains how to build a great employee benefits plan that will retain your best employees and help you recruit top talent.
Article
The Best States for Small Businesses
By Sammi Caramela | January 03, 2024
Thumbtack's Small Business Friendliness Survey reveals the top states for small businesses. We'll also share the worst states to start a business.
Article
Small Businesses Without Insurance Take Dangerous Risks
By Adam Uzialko | January 02, 2024
Small business insurance may not always be mandated legally but it's a crucial investment. Learn the risks of skipping proper insurance coverage.
Article
Business Partnership Agreement Writing Guide
By Adam Uzialko | December 20, 2023
A business partnership agreement outlines the rights and obligations of partners in a business. Learn how to write one and what it should include.
Article
Open Enrollment: What Small Businesses Need to Know About the Affordable Care Act
By Marisa Sanfilippo | December 19, 2023
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.
woman surrounded by papers and a calculator
Article
Which LLC Taxes Must Your Business File?
By Sally Herigstad | December 18, 2023
How your LLC is taxed depends on how many members it has on its roster. Learn about LLC types and how they file their taxes and deal with estimated taxes.
business owner calculating taxes
Article
Tax and Business Forms You’ll Need to Start a Small Business
By Andrew Martins | November 29, 2023
Entrepreneurs must file the correct tax and business forms when starting their ventures. Learn about the tax forms needed to maintain a good tax standing.
Article
Your First Commercial Lease: How to Prepare and What to Expect
By Dock David Treece | November 29, 2023
This guide helps first-time commercial lessees understand what to look for before signing a lease on the place where they hope their business will thrive.
Midsection close up of unknown caucasian man holding a box with personal items stuff leaving the office after being fired from work due recession economic crisis downturn losing job company shutdown
Article
Quitting Your Day Job? The Basics on Benefits Coverage for Entrepreneurs
By Saige Driver | November 20, 2023
Self-employed workers must obtain benefits like liability, health and disability insurance and a retirement plan. Learn about benefits for entrepreneurs.
Article
Small Business Trends and Predictions for 2026
By Alex Halperin | November 20, 2023
Learn about business trends and predictions for small businesses in 2026.
Article
How to Find a Factory to Manufacture Your Product
By Shayna Waltower | November 08, 2023
Learn how to turn your product idea into a tangible item by finding the perfect manufacturing factory.
Article
How to Register a Business Trademark
By Simone Johnson | November 08, 2023
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.
Accountant working with a laptop and a calculator
Article
Finding the Right Accountant for Your Small Business
By Simone Johnson | October 27, 2023
Accountants can help small business owners set financial goals and manage finances accurately. Learn how to select an accountant for your small business.
Article
What Is B2C?
By Bassam Kaado | October 27, 2023
B2C stands for business to consumer. In B2C transactions, businesses sell products or services directly to consumers. Learn how B2C businesses operate.
Article
Small Businesses Offer the Best Customer Service
By Jordan Bishop | October 24, 2023
Learn why small businesses are better at customer service than larger enterprises and what bigger ones should do to improve client experiences.
Article
5 Money-Saving Tips for Choosing Small Business Insurance
By Nicole Fallon | October 24, 2023
Small business insurance can protect your company’s assets when something unexpected happens. Here’s how to choose the best insurance for your needs.
Article
Retailing on a Budget: 8 Brick-and-Mortar Alternatives
By Nicole Fallon | October 24, 2023
Want to start a retail business but can't afford an expensive commercial storefront? Here are a few budget-friendly alternatives.
marketing fails
Article
How to Find Your Business Niche
By Skye Schooley | October 24, 2023
Learn how to identify your niche market, and then create and follow a niche strategy to dominate your business's niche in its industry.