How-To Guides
How-To | Starting a Business
- Business Plan Building, Section by Section
- Business Plan tips, how to write a business plan, get sample business plan templates, free business plan software, help and business plan advice for the small business entrepreneur.
- Business Plans at Internet Speed
- Writing a business plan faster, with online resources, free business plan software, and web-based advice for the small business entrepreneur.
- Buying a Franchise
- Buying your own franchise is one way to break into the entrepreneurial ranks and become your own boss. If you're considering a franchise, this collection of tools and tips will help you find the ideal business.
- Cash Management Basics
- Cash is your business's lifeblood. This guide will help your business -- and you -- avoid a heart attack.
- Choosing a Form for Your Business
- Trying to choose the right structure for your business? This Inc.com guide brings together our site's best articles on corporate form options, from sole proprietorships to C corporations.
- Creating a Great Web Site on the Cheap
- Want a terrific Web site -- without spending a fortune? Check out inc.com's guide to building a low-cost, high-impact Web site.
- E-Commerce Starter Kit
- The Internet will soon be the Grand Central Station of business, and getting a seat on the gravy train means implementing a smart e-commerce strategy now. We've got some basic ticketing instructions.
- Hiring Your First Employee
- Your business is growing so fast that soon you'll be not only your own boss, but someone else's as well. It's time to hire your first employee, and Inc.com has the help you need.
- Patents
- Got a great idea but not sure how to obtain a patent for it? This collection of tips and tools can help you get started.
- Raising Start-Up Capital
- Financing a new business isn't easy. Here Inc.com offers its best advice and resources for finding start-up capital.
- Setting Up a Home Office
- There are many practical, financial, and psychological benefits of working from home. Inc.com has brought home all our best articles and resources on setting up shop at home.
- Setting Up a New Office
- What's the biggest hurdle your new business faces? Perhaps it's setting up your first office. Our guide will take you through the process step-by-step.
- Financing: Where to Find It
- Where to find financing for your business.
- Angel Investors
- Court and win over angel investors with Inc.com's guide to angel investors.
- Market Research
- This Inc.com guide offers tips and resources to help you research your industry and competition, and meet your target market's needs.
- Grassroots Marketing
- Get inspired to fuel your company's growth with this collection of innovative marketing ploys.
- Pricing
- Inc.com will help you tackle the pricing issue -- we've compiled strategies, advice, and techniques that have served other entrepreneurs well.
