Startup resourcesIf you're interested in starting a business, check out these key sites. (Fortune Small Business) -- The links below can help you in your quest to launch a successful business. Are you cut out to be an entrepreneur? 10 cool colleges for entrepreneurs: These universities offer some of the most innovative programs for fledgling business owners, FSB explains. SBA's Small-Business Planner: The U.S. Small Business Administration offers a ton of tools to discover if you've got what it takes. Advice from SCORE: The nonprofit, which labels itself "counselors to America's small business," offers a probing questionnaire for would-be entrepreneurs. Wikipedia's definition: Review the online consensus on just what is an entrepreneur. Pinpoint an opportunity National Federation of Independent Business: The nonprofit advocacy organization, which represents small and independent businesses, offers seven lessons for business innovators. SBA's Ideas, Inventions and Innovations: More big thinking on ideas, inventions and innovations courtesy of the SBA. Business 2.0's 20 Smart Companies to Start Now: Howard Schultz, Steve Case, Vinod Khosla, and other major investors share their best startup ideas. Make sure it's viable SCORE's advice on analyzing the market: You think your concept's great, but will others? The nonprofit offers tips. Write a business plan An overview from the SBA: Sure writing it on a napkin can create the spark, but if you want loans or need to grow, a business plan is key. Resources from SCORE: The nonprofit offers an overview as well as business plan templates. Setting up a structure An overview from the SBA:What's the best form of small business for your concept? Business 2.0's How to Build a Bulletproof Startup: Here's a 16-step guide to help you do it right. NFIB's Business Structure 101: The four options are described. Funding An overview from the SBA: The basics on raising capital. NFIB's Financing Alternatives When Starting a Business: Most startups don't have the option of bank financing, here are some alternatives. Business 2.0's 5 Ways to Start a Company (Without Quitting Your Day Job): It's sensitive ground, but if you're itching to break out of the cubicle you may not have to leave to explore the entrepreneurial waters. Next: Ultimate Small-Business Resource Guide: 6 steps to creating a super startup |
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