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Startup Basics

Find the Information You Need to Know Before Starting a Business

Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

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Article
Pros and Cons of Forming a Corporation
By Skye Schooley | October 03, 2024

Learn the pros and cons of becoming a corporation so you can decide if incorporating is right for your business.

Article
How to Get a Business Phone Number
By Jeff Hale | October 02, 2024

This guide explains the benefits of a business phone number and walks you through the steps to obtain a phone number for your company.

Businesswoman talking on the phone
Article
Should My Business Get a Toll-Free Number?
By Adam Uzialko | October 02, 2024

Toll-free numbers have historically benefited small businesses, but they might be somewhat obsolete now. Here's how to decide whether you need one.

person taping up a box to ship
Article
Top E-Commerce Challenges Facing SMBs
By Jennifer Post | September 19, 2024

As the e-commerce industry continues to grow, small businesses are contending with hurdles. Learn the top challenges and what SMBs can do about them.

Article
What Is B2B, and How Does It Differ From B2C and DTC?
By Mark Fairlie | September 18, 2024

B2B companies offer products and services for other businesses and organizations. Learn how B2B works, and how it differs from B2C and DTC models.

Article
How to Choose the Best Legal Structure for Your Business
By Joshua Stowers | September 12, 2024

When starting a business, you need to set up the proper legal structure. Learn about your options and how to choose a structure.

Accountant working at a desk
Article
How to Create an Invoice
By Max Freedman | September 11, 2024

Creating an invoice is a simple way to bill your customers and keep track of your accounts receivable. Here's what you need to know to create an invoice.

Coworkers sitting next to each other at a desk
Article
How to Run a Business in Florida
By Adam Uzialko | September 05, 2024

Understand the challenges and opportunities of doing business in Florida, including the tax laws, access to capital, cost of living, and labor market. 

Article
How to Start a Sole Proprietorship
By Simone Johnson | August 15, 2024

Many business owners start sole proprietorships, which require little administrative work. Learn the pros and cons of starting a sole proprietorship.

Article
6 Steps to Becoming a Corporation
By Max Freedman | August 15, 2024

Follow six steps if you opt to become a corporation as your business's legal structure. Learn corporation types and how they differ from other structures.

Article
Articles of Incorporation vs Operating Agreements: What are the Differences?
By Skye Schooley | August 15, 2024

Learn the differences and similarities between articles of incorporation and operating agreements to determine which is necessary for your startup.

Article
What Is an LLC?
By Simone Johnson | August 15, 2024

An LLC is a limited liability company; it protects a business owner's personal assets. Learn the pros and cons of LLCs and how to start one.

Article
What Is a C Corporation?
By Sean Peek | August 14, 2024

C corporations are usually publicly traded companies owned by shareholders. Learn how they differ from other structures and how to start one.

two business partners conversing at a desk
Article
Articles of Incorporation: What New Business Owners Should Know
By Max Freedman | August 14, 2024

This guide explains the importance of articles of incorporation and why new businesses must file them with the appropriate state agencies.

Article
Should You Set up Your Business as an LLC or an S Corporation?
By Simone Johnson | August 09, 2024

Selecting the correct business type can help your business succeed and flourish. Find out whether your company should be an LLC or an S corporation.

Article
How to Start a Business: A Step-by-Step Guide
By Joshua Stowers | August 09, 2024

If you’re starting a new small business, find out where to begin and how to achieve success.

Article
How to Turn Your Idea Into a Product (and Launch It!)
By Kiely Kuligowski | August 01, 2024

Learn how to turn your idea into a prototype, turn that prototype into a product, and bring that product to market.

person holding a credit card and using a laptop
Article
What Is C2B?
By Marisa Sanfilippo | July 31, 2024

C2B businesses aim to generate value from their customer base, such as by crowdsourcing ideas or soliciting customer feedback. Learn how a C2B model works.

Article
The Importance of Healthy Business Relationships
By Siri Hedreen | July 29, 2024

New businesses may be short on cash, but quality business relationships are a valuable resource. Learn business relationship types and how to nurture them.

Article
Etsy Alternatives for Crafty Entrepreneurs
By Max Freedman | July 19, 2024

If you're an entrepreneur selling creative wares online, Etsy is the obvious choice. But check out these 13 Etsy alternatives that may be right for you.

office meeting
Article
Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN): How to Get One
By Sean Peek | June 17, 2024

Most businesses with employees need a federal employer identification number. Here are the different ways you can apply for a FEIN.

office meeting
Article
Tech Startup Challenges (and How to Overcome Them)
By Nicole Fallon | May 07, 2024

Learn the challenges your tech startup may encounter so you can overcome them and achieve success.

Article
Opening a Restaurant? Here’s Your Equipment Checklist
By Kiely Kuligowski | April 11, 2024

If you're opening a restaurant, this equipment checklist and finance guide can help you get started.

Article
10 Things to Do Before Opening a Food Truck
By Brittney Morgan | February 28, 2024

From choosing the right location to investing in the right technology, here are 10 things you must do before you start a food truck.

two business partners conversing at a desk
Article
6 Problems That Kill Small Businesses
By Shayna Waltower | January 17, 2024

Small businesses face many problems, like poor cash flow and bad leadership. Learn the issues that can sink a company and how to keep your business alive.

Doctor signing a form
Article
How to Open a Private Medical Practice, Step by Step
By Max Freedman | January 16, 2024

Opening a private medical practice is a challenging process, but it can be easier if you break it down with this step-by-step guide.

person doing taxes
Article
What’s the Difference Between a Tax ID Number and a Corporate Number?
By Simone Johnson | January 16, 2024

This guide explains tax identification numbers and how they work for businesses and individuals.

man looking at data on a laptop
Article
What Is Crowdfunding?
By Simone Johnson | January 16, 2024

Crowdfunding is an alternative startup funding method where you get small donations from many people. Learn the benefits of crowdfunding and how to start.

Article
Business Bank Account Checklist: Documents You’ll Need
By Kiely Kuligowski | January 16, 2024

Before you apply for a business bank account, you need to gather your business licenses and identification documents. Get the full list here.

Article
What Is a Business Consultant?
By Sean Peek | January 16, 2024

A business consultant can help you streamline processes and boost profits. Learn what consultants do and how to choose the right one.