Small Business

All the information and resources you need to start and run a successful small business -- from bookkeeping to hiring independent contractors to sales and marketing tips and strategies.

Start Your Own Business: 50 Steps

Use Nolo's checklist to learn what you need to do to start your business

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Start Your Own Business: 50 Steps
Contract With Independent Contractor
Form a Partnership
Will My Business Make Money

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Articles & Information

Starting a Business Learn More

Business Formation: LLCs & Corporations
Sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, or corporation. Information to help you choose the best business form for your business venture.

LLCs (Limited Liability Companies)
All the information you need on LLCs, including how to form an LLC in your state, how LLCs compare to other business entities, and how to properly run your LLC.

Name, Location & Licenses
Learn how to register your business name and don't open your doors for business until you have the proper licenses and permits.

Running Your Business Learn More

Business Contracts
Learn about contracts, including enforceability, boilerplate provisions, and common contract mistakes.

Consultants & Contractors
Lots of helpful information on preserving independent contractor status, paying taxes, entering into contracts, and complying with legal and IRS tax requirements.

eCommerce
Find out all you need to know about conducting business online, from advertising to licensing content to selling products and paying taxes.

Buying or Selling a Business
There's a lot of work you need to do to get ready to buy or sell a business. Learn how to get the most out of any transaction you enter into.

Business Litigation
Find out what options you have for resolving a dispute with or without an attorney. Also, learn how to avoid legal complications in the first place.

Business Plans & Financing Learn more

Will My Business Make Money?
Learn how to create a break-even analysis before you do a business plan.

The Lowdown on Business Loans
Before you try to borrow money for your business, make sure you understand the basics about a business loan.

Accounting & Bookkeeping Learn more

Cash vs. Accrual Accounting
Before you pick an accounting method for your business, learn the difference between the two principle methods -- cash and accrual -- so you choose the one that is best for your business.

Bookkeeping and Accounting Basics
Proper bookkeeping and accounting is essential for a successful business. Make sure you understand the basics.

Sales & Marketing Learn More

Define a Target Market for Your Small Business
Every business should know how to identify its target market or niche.

Doing Market Research
Learn how to tackle primary market research easily and inexpensively.

Cash Flow Problems & Bankruptcy Learn More

How to Create More Cash Flow for Your Business
Learn how to get more cash out of your business.

How Small Businesses Can Hoard Their Cash: 9 Ideas
Some cash-saving ideas for your business that you won't want to overlook.

Going Out of Business Learn more

Checklist for Closing Your Business: 20 Things You Need to Do
Closing a business can be more complicated than starting one. Don't neglect these important steps.

Notify Your Creditors to Limit Your Liability
Notifying creditors you're going out of business can protect you from later liability.

How to Liquidate Your Business's Assets
Learn how to identify, classify, and sell your own assets -- or get someone to help.

File Your Final Tax Returns and Pay Your Taxes
The worst thing you can do is not to pay your payroll taxes when you go out of business.

Resources & More from Nolo

State and Federal Small Business Resources
Links to federal and state small business resources, including Secretary of State offices, state tax agencies, and license and permit information.

Nolo's Small Business Legal Blog
Get helpful tips and insights on tax, law and financial issues affecting small business owners.

Legal Updates on Business Law
Get updates on changing laws that affect our articles and products.