Starting a business involves planning, making key financial decisions and completing a series of legal activities. These 10 easy steps can help you plan, prepare and manage your business. Click on the links to learn more.
Step 1: Write a Business Plan
Both SBA and the UGA SBDC have great resources to help you get your business plan started, or, help you finish it. Use these tools to help map out how you will start and run your business successfully. The UGA SDBC offers several low to no-cost continuing education classes ranging from Writing a Business Plan, StartSMART, and Starting a Business. See what SBA has to offer.
Step 2: Get Business Assistance and Training
Take advantage of free training and consulting services, from preparing a business plan and securing financing, to expanding or relocating a business. Find out more about our consulting services.
Step 3: Choose a Business Location
Get advice on how to select a customer-friendly location and comply with zoning laws from SBA’s tips on choosing a business location. The UGA SBDC also offers assistance through our Applied Research department working in conjunction with our highly experienced business consultants.
Step 4: Finance Your Business
Find government backed loans, venture capital and research grants to help you get started. Learn how the UGA SBDC can help you access capital, or check out SBA resources available to you.
Step 5: Determine the Legal Structure of Your Business
Decide which form of ownership is best for you: sole proprietorship, partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), corporation, S corporation, nonprofit or cooperative. For more information about this, visit the SBA page on business structures.
Step 6: Register a Business Name (“Doing Business As”)
Register your business name with your state government. Learn which tax identification number you’ll need to obtain from the IRS and your state revenue agency with the help of SBA.
Step 7: Register for State and Local Taxes
Register with your state to obtain a tax identification number, workers’ compensation, unemployment and disability insurance. Learn more about your state and local tax obligations.
Step 8: Obtain Business Licenses and Permits
Get a list of federal, state and local licenses and permits required for your business. Contact your local SBDC office and schedule an appoint with one of our consultants, or, check out SBA’s license and permit guide.
Step 9: Understand Employer Responsibilities
Learn the legal steps you need to take to hire employees. Managing a business can be hard, but the SBDC is here to help you every step of the way. Learn more about managing a business from the SBDC or about hiring and managing employees from SBA.
Step 10: Find Local Assistance
Contact your local SBDC office to learn more about how the UGA SBDC can help ensure your dream business is built for success.
Startup Resources
There are a number of available programs to assist startups, micro businesses, and underserved or disadvantaged groups. The following resources provide information to help specialized audiences start their own businesses.
- Environmentally-Friendly “Green” Business
- Home-Based Business
- Online Business
- Self Employment
- Minority Owned Business
- Veteran Owned Business
- Woman Owned Business
You can save money when starting or expanding your business by using government surplus. From commercial real estate and cars, to furniture, computers and office equipment, find what you need for your business in one place.