How to Get Certified as a Minority-Owned Business
Having a minority-owned business certification can help you tap into a bevy of public and private sector programs. Here’s how to apply. Read more
Start-up
Recent Start-up Guides
How to Use Kickstarter to Launch a Business
Have a little idea that needs a boost? If you have a robust social network, this crowdfunding site could be just the thing to help. Read more
How to Decide Whether Your Business Should Build or Buy
Think your business is ready to expand? Here’s what you should consider before heading down either path. Read more
How to Start a Home-Based Franchise
Starting a home-based franchise may provide a low barrier for entry into entrepreneurship, but the work is no less hard. This guide will prepare you for what... Read more
How to Open a (Successful) Food Truck
Want to break into sidewalk entrepreneurship? Here's your guide. Read more
How to Make Money on Etsy
Etsy is the ideal marketplace for artists to sell their hand-made goods. Here are tips from many of the site's profitable sellers on how to boost your visibi... Read more
How to Conduct Competitive Research
Who are your closest rivals—and how do they talk about themselves, as well as your company? It's time to find out. Read more
9 Questions to Ask a Small Business Lender
If you are looking to borrow money to finance your business, here are some smart questions to ask potential lenders. Read more
How to Switch Banks
When your financial institution doesn't provide the services your company needs as it grows, you should consider making a change. Read more
How to Secure an SBA Loan
SBA loans are available to any small business, but yours will need to meet certain criteria in order to qualify. Here's what you need to know. Read more
7 Tips for Masterful Negotiating
Whether you're trying to close a major account or get a better rate from a vendor, here are expert pointers on how to win in negotiations. Read more
How to Use Your Local Flea Market as a Business Incubator
Art shows, craft fairs and street markets are each ideal spots for a pop-up shop where you can test the waters for a product and learn a great deal from fell... Read more
9 Ways to Make Your Business More Attractive to Investors
A private equity investor outlines how an entrepreneur can position his or her business to attract potential backers. Read more
How to Choose the Right Bank for Your Small Business
When you're just starting out, where should you turn for business banking and your future financing goals? Here's a guide to finding a financial institution ... Read more
How to Set Up a Home Office
A guide to creating a functional and productive home office. Read more
How to Write Off Travel and Entertainment Expenses
Are you perplexed by the 13-page IRS guidelines for deducting travel and entertainment expenses? Inc.com's shorter (less complicated) guide will help you fin... Read more
How to Present Your Business Plan
Hitting a home run with potential investors requires selecting the right pitch. Read more
The Pros and Cons of Setting Up a C Corp
Converting a company to a C Corp can help you establish some legal and financial separation between you and your business. But the switch involves more paper... Read more
How to Read a Term Sheet
Looking for venture capital? Don't be so quick to sign on the dotted line. Here's what you need to know about liquidation preferences and preferred stock. Read more
How to Fill Out a Loan Application
When it's time to ask for a loan to kick your idea into existence, the loan application – usually a standard form from your lender – is something you sim... Read more
How to Evaluate a Franchise Business Plan
If you are thinking of buying into a franchise, you must review the business plan with an eye toward learning whether there will be enough revenue to reward ... Read more
How to Structure a Partnership
Partnerships are incredibly common--and incredibly hard to sustain. Here's how to set up a partnership that is equitable, efficient, and mutually rewarding. Read more
How to Improve Your Presentation Skills
Your presentations skills are just as important as the information you are presenting. This guide will help you prepare for a presentation and polish your sp... Read more
How to Write a Marketing Plan
Experts know that careful planning is integral to marketing success. Here's your guide to crafting a thorough marketing plan - and learning more about your c... Read more
What You Need to Know About Making a Personal Guarantee
When the bank asks you for a personal guarantee on your small business loan (and it will), here's what you need to know. Read more
How to Create a Personal Financial Statement
If you own a small business or are self-employed, this guide will help you track income and expenses on a regular basis. Read more
How to File a Trademark
Protecting your business logo from creative theft is a crucial part of growing your brand. Here's how to file a trademark with the United States Federal Gove... Read more
How to Prepare a Company for an Initial Public Offering
An initial public offering of stock can be viewed as the definitive sign of a company's success. Here is a look at the steps a company can take to prepare fo... Read more
How to Conduct Market Research
A guide to using market research to understand who your customers are and what they want Read more
How to Bring Your Invention to Market
Here's a step-by-step process for turning a good idea for a new invention into a financial success. Read more
