THE  BASICS

BUSINESS PLANNING

FINANCING

What business do you want to start?  
Learn the factors that shape your credit score
Check your personal credit
Start up Basics from SBA
Start-up Basics from Business.gov; Wall Street Journal's Startup Journal                                                      

BUSINESS PLAN OUTLINE
Planning templates from SCORE
Demographics information by zip code from Census Bureau
Typical costs and ratios for your business
Read Sample Business Plans
Attend A SCORE Seminar and Workshop 
Send for Getting Started Packet from City Of Houston's One Stop Business Center
                                                             

Financing and SBA
Micro-loans (Community Express Loans of less than $50,000)
What do the banks look for when you:
     Start a new business
     Buy an existing business
     Expand/Restructure

Government Contracting
Special Purpose Loans such as
SBAExportExpress; International Trade; Export Working Capital Program       
                                                      

CREATING BUSINESS

THE CHECK LIST             
How to select the correct legal structure
Assumed Name or DBA (Harris County); 
Business Legal Structure Forms(Texas) (CAUTION: If you have a partner(s), consider writing your own by-laws as defaul by-laws may cause you problems later)
Licenses and Permits
TAXES
Federal Taxes
Franchise Taxes
Sales and Use Taxes
For Sales Tax Exemption Certificate, visit 7011 Harwin #186; or call 713-777-1881
Determine Your Insurance Needs

Small Business Certification
Contract Surety Bonds - where to get them
Find a lawyer
Find a free lawer for low income people
Online Legal Forms
Find a Bookkeeper (put your zip code to narrow search)
Find a CPA
Employer Responsibilities
SCORE Small Biz Power Links: Check out SCORE’s listing of top small business Web sites. Small Biz Power Links brings together the best online resources to help you make intelligent decisions.