More Information & Resources

If you’re about to throw significant amounts of your time and money into launching your own business, it definitely makes sense to stay informed. Understanding the legal landscape, the market you’re entering, and the fundamentals of entrepreneurship can make the difference between succeeding and failing in your new venture.

Entrepreneurial Basics

Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders Lecture: Watch six short lectures by entrepreneurs about what it takes to succeed. The lecture series is compiled by Stanford Technology Ventures Program.
Guiding Principles of Entrepreneurship: If you’re having trouble discerning the core information about starting a business through all the noise out there, check out this concise guide to entrepreneurial principles.
Social Entrepreneurship Principles and Practice: These slides outline how to follow through on your dream of starting a socially conscious business.

Making a Business Plan

Sample Business Plan Template: Stuck on how to complete some part of your business plan? This template will lead you through, step by step.
Making Your Business Plan Work For You: If you’ve put the effort into crafting a solid business plan, make sure you’re taking advantage of it in the day-to-day operations of your business.
Business Plans: This presentation from the Virginia government covers all the ways you can strengthen your business plan, as well as common business plan mistakes.

Legal Issues

Business Law And Regulations: The Small Business Administration has articles on industry laws, employment laws, and legal concerns that small businesses face.
Legal Issues: Here you can find a portal of Web resources, articles, and books that cover legal issues pertinent to small businesses, courtesy of Harvard Business School.
Legal Issues FAQ: This resource provides easy-to-understand answers to common questions you may have when launching your small business.

Securing Funding

Resources For Entrepreneurs: Check out links to venture capital firms, angel investors, small business incubators, and state and government programs.
Financial Assistance: The Small Business Administration has lending programs throughout the country that provide financial assistance to small-business start-ups.