Starter Guides

Guide #1

Legalities, Business Structures, and Logistics

Before you take the plunge and start your own business, there are a few legalities and logistics you need to take care of. 

When you’re ready to start your own business, there are a few key things to keep in mind from a legal standpoint. First, you’ll need to decide on the business structure that makes the most sense for your company. There are four main types of business structures in the U.S.: sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to do your research and choose the one that makes the most sense for your particular business.

Once you’ve chosen a business structure, you’ll need to obtain any necessary licenses and permits from the government. This will vary depending on your industry and location, so again, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re in compliance with all applicable laws.

Next, you’ll need to take care of some logistical details like finding office or retail space, hiring employees, and setting up accounting and bookkeeping systems for tracking income and expenses and keeping accurate financial records. This will be essential for both tax purposes and for making sound business decisions. 

By taking care of the legalities, formations and logistics before starting your business, you’ll be well on your way to success.

Guide #2

How to Conceive and Establish a Functioning Business

One of the most important aspects of starting a business is conceiving a functioning, growable business model. This means having a clear vision for your business, understanding your target market, and knowing how to generate revenue.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few tips:

1. Define your vision. What kind of business do you want to create? What needs does it fill? What products or services will it offer?

2. Research your market. Who is your target audience? What are their needs and wants? How can you reach them?

3. Create a revenue model. How will you generate income from your business? What are your pricing strategies?

4. Develop a business plan. This will be your roadmap for starting and growing your business. It should include your vision, market research, revenue model, and financial projections.

5. Get started! Once you have a clear plan in place, it’s time to take action and make your vision a reality.

Starting a business can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and execution, it can be a very rewarding experience. By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to conceiving and establishing a successful business.

Guide #3

How to Choose the Right Business Structure

There are four main types of business structures in the US: sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for your business.

Sole proprietorships are the most common type of business in the US. They’re easy to set up and you have complete control over the business. However, sole proprietorships are also the most risky type of business because you’re personally liable for all debts and liabilities.

Partnerships are similar to sole proprietorships, but there are two or more owners. Partnerships can be either general partnerships or limited partnerships. Limited partnerships have one or more general partners who manage the business and are personally liable for debts and liabilities, and one or more limited partners who invest money but don’t have any management responsibilities. General partnerships are less common than limited partnerships.

Corporations are separate legal entities from their owners, meaning that the owners are not personally liable for the debts and liabilities of the corporation. Corporations can be either for-profit or nonprofit. For-profit corporations are owned by shareholders who elect a board of directors to manage the company. Nonprofit corporations are organized for a public or charitable purpose, and they’re exempt from paying taxes on their income.

Limited liability companies (LLCs) are a hybrid of sole proprietorships and corporations. LLCs have the limited liability of a corporation, but they’re taxed like sole proprietorships. LLCs can have one or more members, and the members can be individuals, corporations, or other LLCs.

When choosing a business structure, you’ll need to consider a number of factors, including the size and scope of your business, your personal liability, and your tax obligations. The right business structure for you will depend on your individual circumstances.

Guide #4

How to Choose the Right Accounting Solution for Your New Small Business

As a new small business owner, you’ll need to choose the right accounting solution to help you manage your finances. There are a few different options available, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

The first option is to use a personal accounting program like Quicken or QuickBooks. This type of program is designed for individuals, and it can be a good choice if you’re just starting out. However, it can be difficult to keep track of your business finances if you’re using a personal accounting program.

Another option is to use an online accounting service. There are a number of these services available, and they can be a good choice if you need more features than a personal accounting program can provide. However, you’ll need to be careful about choosing an online accounting service, as some of them are not very reliable.

Finally, you could hire an accountant to help you with your business finances. This is usually the most expensive option, but it can be worth it if you have a complex financial situation.

No matter which accounting solution you choose, make sure that you understand how it works before you start using it. This will help you avoid any problems down the road.