There's Tons Of Business Startup Support Available

Historically, economic downturns are one of the best times to start a business. A recent article in USA Today confirms that 16 of the 30 businesses that comprise the Dow industrial average were launched during a recession or depression. This includes familiar firms such as Procter & Gamble, Disney, Microsoft, Whole Foods, J.Crew, Costco, and Applebee's. Individuals who are unemployed and under-employed become more entrepreneurial during recessionary times. In fact, business startups launched during a recession create new jobs that help move the economy back on track. Understandably people are nervous and wonder whether starting a small business is the right choice. Although some people are born with an entrepreneurial streak many others acquire the skills and personal attributes necessary run a successful small business. If you find yourself wondering whether you should go into business for yourself one of your concerns may be how you will transition from a great idea to a ! successful small business launch. You may also wonder how exactly to go about launching your career as a small business owner.

Some of the ways people go into business for themselves are taking over a family business, inventing a product they wish to market, purchasing a franchise business, or starting a network marketing business. Some start a business from scratch, using skills they acquired at the workplace after losing their job. All of these methods offer their own benefits and challenges. For example, inheriting a family business may mean that you were trained at a young age, however you may also inherit problems you are ill-equipped to handle.

Whatever path leads you into entrepreneurship there is sure to be a myriad of choices and challenges. In fact, business development is an industry unto itself, partly due to the large number of small business owners in need of guidance and support. There are a plethora of resources available to new business owners. Some starting points may be your local library, Chamber of Commerce, SCORE (The Service Corps of Retired Executives), friends or family members who operate their own small business, small business consultants, or books on starting a small business.

Additionally, you may be able to take advantage of seminars, e-books, coaching programs, tele-seminars, and webinars geared towards new business owners and entrepreneurs. One caveat to the small business owner is to try to stay focused. With so much information available and so much to learn it is very easy to get distracted and never take the necessary action steps required to launch your business.

As you do your research and prepare to start your small business keep in mind you may need legal advice, marketing tips, sales training, advice on locating capital, or good old-fashioned business strategy. It is essential to find the appropriate resource that will help you address your particular small business needs.