Starting a Business

What type of business you start may be the single most important decision you make  regarding your new business venture.  Every type of business comes with its own set of legal and financial considerations. Make sure you have a basic understanding of the rules and regulations you'll be dealing with before deciding what your new business venture will be.

Nolo has books, forms, and online applications to help you create and run a successful business--whatever that business may be. For a complete list of Nolo's small business products, see the Small Business Products page.

From insurance to accounting to taxes, learn what you need to do to start a business.

The cost to start a business can vary widely from one company to the next.

Getting your business started with no money is easier for some businesses than for others.

Here are the key initial steps to set up your online business for long term success.

Prepare a "break-even analysis" to get an idea of whether your business will succeed.

When you have an idea for a business, it's crucial to map out your vision. A business plan will help you and others see the potential in your idea and help you prepare for the road ahead.

Starting a cleaning business for offices or homes in the State of New York has its own set of legal considerations.

Starting a restaurant in New York has its own set of legal considerations that are specific both to the restaurant industry and to New York State.

Starting a day care or child care business in New York involves a particular set of legal considerations that are specific both to the type of business and to New York State.

Starting a dog walking business in the State of New York can give you an opportunity to work outdoors with some lively companions.

Starting a catering business in New York has its own set of legal considerations.

Working as a consultant in the State of New York can be a flexible and profitable way to earn a living or supplement other sources of income.

If you want to open a new clothing store in the State of New York, you should keep in mind certain legal considerations.

Before you start a home-based food business in New York, you need to consider some basic legal issues.

Starting a cleaning business for offices or homes in the State of Texas has its own set of legal considerations.

Starting a consulting business in Texas can be a flexible, profitable way to make a living.

If you want to open a new clothing store in the State of Texas, there are certain legal considerations you should keep in mind.

Read about important legal issues before you start a dog walking business in Texas.

Starting a catering business in Texas has its own set of legal considerations.

Learn the rules before starting a home-based food business in Texas.

Starting a daycare or child-care business in Texas involves a particular set of legal considerations that are specific both to the type of business and to the State of Texas.

Here's an overview of important legal and financial considerations if you're thinking of opening a restaurant.

Thinking of starting a cleaning business? Start here for an overview of important legal and financial considerations.

Legal issues you should understand before you decide to open a consulting business.

Make sure you understand the basic legal issues involved with opening a child care business in California.

What you need to know before you decide to open a restaurant business in California.

Thinking of starting a cleaning business in California? Make sure you understand these important legal and financial issues.

Key legal issues to think about before you start a catering business in California.

Key legal issues to consider before you start a consulting business in California.

Know the rules -- the cannabis industry is highly regulated and requires more licenses than most businesses.

Empower Yourself: DIY Products by Nolo

Sidestep the lawyers with do-it-yourself books, documents, and software.

Manage the legal and tax affairs of your LLC with this set of books. Form and operate your LLC with Nolo's LLC Handbook. Understand LLC taxation with Tax Saavy for Small Business.
Use this pair of Nolo’s bestselling business books to answer your routine legal questions and guide you in filling out the forms, documents, and contracts needed to run your day-to-day operations.
Our form provides everything you need to establish the internal rules of your limited liability company.
Building Your Business is Expensive. Launching Your LLC Shouldn't Be.

Nolo offers hundreds of consumer-friendly, do-it-yourself legal products for all types of legal situations. Browse our full product list.

More Legal Issues

Click below to view more legal issues. Our extensive collection of legal topics ranges across different areas of practice.

Learn About Our Team

Learn About Our Team

Our editors have over 100 years of combined experience practicing law. These professionals have worked in a wide range of legal areas, from estate planning to criminal law to business formation and beyond. They’re experts at explaining complicated legal issues in easy-to-understand terms.

Learn more about the team that manages Nolo’s articles, books, and DIY tools.

Need a Lawyer? We Can Help

Find an experienced, local attorney in three easy steps. Our process is designed for ease and simplicity.

01

Describe Your Case

Briefly tell us about your case, and provide your contact information.

02

Get Connected

We find and instantly list attorneys that can best handle your case.

03

Hire an Attorney

Choose the attorneys you would like to work with.

Integrity and Expertise You Can Rely On

Get Professional Help
Talk to a Business Law attorney.
There was a problem with the submission. Please refresh the page and try again
Full Name is required
Email is required
Please enter a valid Email
Phone Number is required
Please enter a valid Phone Number
Zip Code is required
Please add a valid Zip Code
Please enter a valid Case Description
Description is required
How It Works
  1. Briefly tell us about your case
  2. Provide your contact information
  3. Choose attorneys to contact you