Starting A Business

By Max Berry

For an entrepreneur looking to take their business as far as it will go, becoming a franchisor may be the ultimate goal. And, since franchisees provide the capital for expansion, a business can grow more rapidly as a franchise than it would through internal funds, equity financing, or bank loans. But franchising a business takes much more than entrepreneurial drive; it requires planning, patience, and, above all, a killer concept.

Are You Ready?
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Don't forget to update this critical foundation for your small business

By Max Berry

A sound business plan is the foundation of any successful business, but this particular foundation should not be set in stone. The world changes faster and more frequently now than it ever has before. A successful business needs to keep up, which means employing a business model that can change with the times. Doing things today the same way you did them a year ago probabl...

Do I Need One? How Do I Go About It?

By Christopher Freeburn

You're ready to take the plunge. You have a good idea for a new business. You've done the requisite soul-searching and determined that owning your own business is the thing for you. You've spent some time researching the idea and you've figured out where you will locate the business, who your customers will be and what sort of market exists for the business. Now it's time to sit down and cre...

Do I Need a Great Idea?

By Chris Freeburn

You know you want to be your own boss and run your own business. You've thought it through and asked yourself the hard questions and you are sure that being an entrepreneur is not only something that you find appealing, but something that you believe fits with your personality and work ethic. Now you need to decide what your new business will do.

Some entrepreneurs start off with a great idea. Maybe it's an or...

Opportunities for environmentally sustainable businesses abound nearly everywhere you look.

By Max Berry

Going green is in, but if you're about to start your first business-or even your second or third-building it on an eco-friendly model will help ensure that being green becomes the norm rather than the rage. Here are some real life examples of sustainable businesses to get you thinking green.

Style and Beauty, the Green Way
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You probably already know that starting a small business requires extensive research and analysis of many factors. But the one requiring the most critical assessment is often overlooked by many entrepreneurs. And, it's as close as the nearest mirror.

That's because wanting to be an entrepreneur is one thing; being one is quite another. You will take on responsibilities and commitments far different from those of an employee, even if you have management experience. It's a challenge ...

Finding the capital you need to get your business started may be easier than you think.
By Max Berry

You've come up with a business idea; you've done the necessary research and written a sure-fire business plan. Now what's the next step? Finding the money to turn that business plan into reality. There is a wide array of potential sources of funding available to entrepreneurs. Each comes with advantages and downsides.

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