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Everything you Need to Start a Business

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Starting a Business

Starting your own business requires careful market research, understanding the legal aspects of your industry and strategic planning. Here are the steps that will help you start your business plan off on the right foot.

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Business Ideas

Chances are, you already have some idea of the type of business you want to start. Discover more than 350 business ideas that allow entrepreneurs like you to start a company and begin your entrepreneurial journey.

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Start an LLC

A limited liability company (LLC) is a popular legal structure among small business owners. To help you along, we will teach you what you really need to know about forming an LLC.

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Starting a Business

Starting a business can require a lot of work, time and money. Find out where to begin and how to achieve success. Scroll down to learn about each step.

Most Profitable Industries

  • Accounting and bookkeeping
  • Real estate and leasing
  • Property management
  • Property appraisal
  • Legal services
  • Healthcare services
  • Coaching and consulting
  • Warehousing and storage

Fastest Growing Industries

  • Residential remodeling
  • Home healthcare
  • Wedding-related businesses
  • Online learning
  • Food delivery
  • Virtual fitness
  • Online writing and editing
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Businesses Started in the US this Year

How to Start a Business in 13 Steps

1 Choose a Business Idea

2 Choose Your Business Location

3 Hone Your Business Idea

4 Brainstorm a Business Name

5 Create a Business Plan

6 Register Your Business

7 Register for Taxes

8 Fund Your Business

9 Apply for Business Licenses/Permits

10 Open a Business Bank Account

11 Get Business Insurance

12 Prepare to Launch

13 Build Your Team

1 Choose a Business Idea

The first step to starting any business is choosing a business idea. When selecting the right idea, focus on your experience and skills. Moreover, look for a problem that needs to be solved in the market.

2 Choose Your Business Location

If you’re starting a business that needs a storefront or production facility, consider what you need for that location to be successful. Many businesses can be run from home, particularly online businesses.

3 Hone Your Business Idea

When you have decided the business idea that you want to pursue, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market.

4 Brainstorm a Business Name

To help gear you for success, we’ve compiled this 13-step guide that has all you need to help you get your foot at the door. Are you ready to take the first step? Let’s get started.

5 Create a Business Plan

Every business needs a plan. This will function as a guidebook to take your startup through the launch process and maintain focus on your key goals.

6 Register Your Business

Of all the choices you make when starting a business, one of the most important is the type of legal structure. Most businesses register an LLC, corporation, partnership, or nonprofit corporation.

7 Register for Taxes

Any entity that conducts business may be required to register for one or more tax specific identification numbers, permits, and/or licenses. The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

8 Fund Your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital: bank loans, SBA-guaranteed loans, venture capital, crowdfunding, online lenders, and others.

9 Apply for Business Licenses/Permits

Most small businesses need a combination of licenses and permits from both federal and state agencies.

10 Open a Business Bank Account

Business bank accounts help you manage your business finances in a professional manner and separate those funds from your personal finances.

11 Get Business Insurance

Businesses need business insurance because it helps cover the costs associated with property damage and liability claims.

12 Prepare to Launch

The moment that you have been waiting for: launching a new business. In this phase you can start with marketing activities and focus on things like USPs (unique selling propositions).

13 Build Your Team

Building a team takes time and patience, plus the ability to recognize a good organizational fit. You'll have to shape your employees into a winning team.

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Free Business Tools

Grow your business with our free online business tools. Discover the tools to create a brandable business name or generate custom design logo.

Business Name Generator

Business Name Generator tool can help you create creative company name ideas in just a few clicks. Choose your perfect business name now and start creating your brand!

Generate a Unique Business Name

Domain Name Generator

Looking to find a suitable domain name for your business? Domain Name Search tool will generate the best and available domain name ideas for your website today.

Register a Domain Name

Logo Maker

Free Logo Maker tool generates custom design logos in seconds. Make a unique logo that's a perfect match for your business.

Make a Logo for Your Business

Business Ideas

If you want to become an entrepreneur, you need an inspiration. Step by Step Business covers more than 350 small business ideas with detailed step-by-step guides. Explore different industries below.

Arts & Crafts

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Clothing & Fashion

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Food & Beverage

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Building & Repairs

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Cleaning

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Health & Beauty

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Business & Problem Solving

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Design & Creativity

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Home & Garden

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Cars & Transportation

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Music & Entertainment

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Internet & Technology

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Hospitality & Leisure

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Rental & Delivery

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Pets & Animals

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Start an LLC

LLC is one of the most common business structures. An LLC can offer your business liability protection as well as other benefits. Here's a step-by-step guide of what you can expect during the process.

1. Select Your State

2. Choose a Name

3. Choose a Registered Agent

4. Determine Your Management Structure

5. File Articles of Organization

6. Create an Operating Agreement

7. Apply for Business Licences

8. Obtain en EIN

Form an LLC

50-State Guide to Forming an LLC

To find out the requirements for forming an LLC in your state, choose your state from the list below. You will find all the specifics and information you need and other resources you need to form an LLC in your state.

Choose Your State

  • A
  • C
  • D
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • K
  • L
  • M
  • N
  • O
  • P
  • R
  • S
  • T
  • U
  • V
  • W

A-M

M-W

LLC Resources

Here are the common tips, tricks, and things to consider when starting an LLC.
6 Advantages of Forming an LLC

6 Advantages of Forming an LLC

Carolyn Young

Published on September 28, 2021

When starting a new business, choosing a business entity type is one of the most important decisions you’llmake. Many startup ownerschoose ...

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How to Trademark a Business Name

How to Trademark a Business Name

Esther Strauss

Published on September 28, 2021

Consumers often make choices based on the appeal of the company’s name, rather than the value of the business’s products and services.If ...

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LLC vs. Inc (Corporation): Key Differences

LLC vs. Inc (Corporation): Key Differences

Carolyn Young

Published on January 12, 2022

When starting a company, deciding which business entity to form is a crucial consideration. Two of the most popular options are a limited liabilityc ...

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LLC vs. S-Corp: What are They and How They’re Different?

LLC vs. S-Corp: What are They and How They’re Different?

Carolyn Young

Published on October 11, 2021

When you decide to form your own business, the type of business entity that you choose is a crucial decision. The first step is to educate yourselfa ...

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Sole Proprietorship vs. LLC: A Comparison

Sole Proprietorship vs. LLC: A Comparison

Carolyn Young

Published on October 11, 2021

When you decide to form your own business, the type of business entity you choose is an absolutely crucial decision. The first step is to educateyou ...

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Single Member vs. Multi Member LLC

Single Member vs. Multi Member LLC

Carolyn Young

Published on November 4, 2021

A limited liability company (LLC) is a U.S.-specific business entity with a structure designed to benefit its owner with tax advantages and, yougues ...

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Common LLC Questions

What is an LLC?

What is DBA?

What is a Resale Certificate?

What Is a Certificate of Good Standing?

How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC?

How to Check if a Business Name is Taken?

What Is a Multi-Member LLC?

What Is a Single-Member LLC?

LLC Formation Services

If you decide to hire a service to help you set up your LLC, here are some popular LLC formation services that can help you.
Best LLC Formation Services
ZenBusiness Review: Features, Cost, Pros & Cons

ZenBusiness Review: Features, Cost, Pros & Cons

Carolyn Young

Published on May 30, 2022

If you’re starting a business, the business entity formation process is one of the first hurdles to cross. This step can be terribly complex andti ...

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Northwest Registered Agent Review: Features, Pros & Cons

Northwest Registered Agent Review: Features, Pros & Cons

Coralee Bechteler

Published on September 5, 2022

Starting a business brings a set of complex tasks, one of which is forming your business entity. Given the intricate nature of this process, manyent ...

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LegalZoom LLC Review: Features, Cost, Pros & Cons

LegalZoom LLC Review: Features, Cost, Pros & Cons

Carolyn Young

Published on September 5, 2022

When you’re in the initial stages of setting up a business, creating your business entity is one of the primary and most critical challengesyo ...

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About Us

Our mission is to educate our readers to make smart, informed business decisions and achieve their business goals.

Step by Step Business was founded by Daniel Javor. Daniel is a serial entrepreneur who has acquired, managed, and scaled dozens of online businesses over the past decade.

Step by Step Business has a team of professionals with diverse experience and knowledge, dedicated to expanding the entrepreneurial community by providing the best information and resources available.

We understand that small businesses are the backbone of our economy and seek to support their formation by providing:

  • The most accurate, comprehensive, and popular online source for anybody looking to start and develop their own business
  • Industry insight and expertise to put you on the path to success
  • Simple step-by-step guidance through the business formation process

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