Small Business 101: Getting Started - Creating the Foundation and Structure of Your Business

Interested in starting a business or need funding, but not sure where to start? We can help! You’ll leave with a solid foundation across the core areas every successful business needs: Your Concept & Feasibility — Clarify what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and whether the idea has real legs. Learn how to research your target market, size the opportunity, study competitors, and test different revenue models.

Marketing That Works — Understand the 4Ps (Product, Price, Place, Promotion) and how to turn research into a practical strategy that reaches the right customers.

Legal & Tax Essentials — Compare Sole Proprietorships, LLCs, and Corporations; learn how to name your business properly, file a DBA, obtain an EIN, and stay compliant with zoning, permits, and sales tax.

Financial & Operational Setup — Build a startup budget, price for profit (with real examples), set up basic accounting, open the right business bank accounts, and know which professionals (banker, CPA, insurance agent, attorney) to bring in and when.

Branding & Next Steps — Define your purpose, vision, mission, and values, then map out the immediate actions to open your doors and start selling.