Business start-up resources and education

I know many of the folks on here are small business owners (even GRM itself!). For a few years now I have been jotting down ideas and financials, etc. for a business I want to pursue. I am finally ready to formalize everything for a business plan and hopefully take the first steps in getting startup funding.

What are some of the resources you have used when you started your businesses?

I have been reading a lot on the American Express websites; I have a couple of books, etc. I also know a few successful entrepreneurs that I am going to hopefully try and meet up with and pick their brains.

Thanks in advance!

Are there any small business centers or incubators near you? In my town there is one that has a large warehouse/office building where they have the office equipment and space needed for small businesses and let them stay there for a year or so while they get off the ground.

Mostly the school of hard knocks.

Kudos for seeking input from entrepreneurs. The more you ask, the more you'll get.

What kind of business? What kind of info are you looking for? I have never seen the AMEX site, but I would imagine it would be focused on "traditional" approaches and issues, not ultra creative or risky approaches. Sometimes good.

Make sure you have a good accountant.

SVreX wrote: Make sure you have a good accountant.

And Lawyer, can be the same person.

Mrs. Oldtin used/uses cash flow from my job to promote her art/portait business.

http://www.catchfirefunding.com/
http://www.guidantfinancial.com/
Gain access to the funds in your 401k to fund your own business without penalty.

In short, your 401k is invested in stocks (companies.) This program allows for you to re-invest that 401k money into a different company; your company (even if it is a new company.)

In reply to jrw1621:

Thanks for posting those links. I never knew about that approach. I like it a lot - just need to work on a business idea now.

No debt. Clean up your own debt first. While you're doing that, you can read this.

http://www.quitterbook.com/

EDIT: Sorry, didn't expect it to be that big.

Your local small business administration shoumd have classes, there are night classes at your local community college, books are great i have a couple hundred myself, but in my opinion the best education is sitting down and really talking to successful small business owners. Anybody you know or can be introduced to, offer to take them out to lunch and then pick their brains. You will gain a lot of valuable insight from these people!

Make sure your wife has health care that covers you.

All the small business owners I know made good money, but gave up working for themselves because of the cost of health insurance. Most of them also had wives who wanted to take care of the kids at home and the costs sky rocketed.

PHeller wrote: Make sure your wife has health care that covers you. All the small business owners I know made good money, but gave up working for themselves because of the cost of health insurance. Most of them also had wives who wanted to take care of the kids at home and the costs sky rocketed.

Good point.

I have insurance that is not tied to my current job, thanks to all of you and Uncle Sam. I have no debt other than about $12k I owe on my WRX. I'll track down that book.

T.J. wrote: I have insurance that is not tied to my current job, thanks to all of you and Uncle Sam.

Must be nice.

Sell your WRX, invest that in your business. Will you need a car for your business? If not, use a bicycle. If so, buy a more practical car.

Ann Arbor SPARK

oldtin wrote: Mrs. Oldtin used/uses cash flow from my job to promote her art/portait business.

Mrs Snorklewacker does the same for her business. It cuts into my tire budget considerably and is an ever present reminder of my keen ability to restrain myself for the sake of my children.

PHeller wrote:

T.J. wrote: I have insurance that is not tied to my current job, thanks to all of you and Uncle Sam.

Must be nice. Sell your WRX, invest that in your business. Will you need a car for your business? If not, use a bicycle. If so, buy a more practical car.

Lol irony.

Why?

My insurance is tied to my job, and my debt is in student loans, not in a car. I'm also not starting my own business.