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How to Start a Small Business in 10 Steps

Learn how to start a small business from scratch with expert guidance. Get essential tips and steps for launching your dream journey successfully.

Brett Grossfeld, Product Marketing Senior Lead

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How to Start a Small Business FAQs

The first steps to starting a small and medium-sized business (SMB) typically involve conducting thorough market research, developing a comprehensive business plan, securing initial funding, choosing a legal structure, registering the business, and obtaining the necessary licenses and permits.

A business plan serves as a roadmap for your future. It outlines your goals, strategies, market analysis, financial projections, and operational details, helping to secure funding and guide decision-making.

Small businesses can secure startup funding through various avenues, including personal savings, loans from financial institutions, government grants, angel investors, venture capital, crowdfunding platforms, and lines of credit.

Important legal considerations for starting a small business include choosing the correct legal structure (for example sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation), registering your business name, obtaining federal and state tax IDs, and securing all required licenses and permits.

A new small business should focus on key marketing strategies such as building a strong online presence (website, social media), utilizing content marketing, implementing email marketing, using local SEO, and customer reviews and referrals to attract and retain clients.