Step One: Getting Started

Analyzing the research data you collected will help you make decisions. If you wanted to build a house, you would first think about the type of house in which you would like to live; you would research neighborhoods and land prices; you would talk to architects and contractors. You would do your homework. If you didn't, you would end up like the pig who built the house out of straw. You would soon be homeless.

Do your homework when building a business: finish your research and analyze your findings. Your business will then have a sound foundation. On this foundation, you can build the sturdy walls of a sound financial plan to hold it together and the reliable roof of good marketing to protect it from the elements. Then the wind and rain of competition, changing consumer demands, and improper planning will not blow it to pieces.

	Research
	What Do I Want to Sell?
	The Next Step: Learning About Your Business
	Who Will My Customers Be?
	Who Are My Competitors?
	Where Should I Locate?
	How Do I Finance My Business?
	Programs & Incentives for Minorities & Women Owned Small Business
	The Business Plan
	Your Final Decision: Analyzing the Facts
	What is My Business Objective?
	A Word About Marketing