Starting a Business

Sure, you can start your own bank. Well, you can as long as you have enough money. And a solid business plan. And the courage to make it through the byzantine startup process.

By Patrick J. Kiger

If you're starting a business of your own you'll need to find out how to get a business license to legally operate it. We'll show you how to get a business license.

By Dave Roos

Ever had a friend try to get you to sell Mary Kay, Rodan & Fields, Pampered Chef, jewelry, oils or some other product from home? How much can you really expect to earn doing these?

By Dave Roos

Mike Marts, the AfterShock editor-in-chief and co-founder, looks back at the diverse roster of titles and genres published by the new company.

By Christian Sager

No child needs a lemonade stand to make money, these days.

By Dave Roos

In the past, you practically had to get an MBA to learn how to write a business plan. But investors today value plans that are sharp and to the point — and you can easily figure it out online.

By Gerlinda Grimes

From Disney and Mattel to Apple and Amazon, countless U.S. business staples have started in someone's home. The Internet only makes this feat easier. Could your home be the incubator for the next big online company?

By Gerlinda Grimes

Is it true that online businesses have lower startup costs than traditional companies? Sometimes. Etsy shops are fairly cheap, but it'll be a different story if you're trying to launch the world's next great technology.

By Gerlinda Grimes

Licensing seems so arbitrary — why do you need a license to catch a fish, for example, but not to be a parent? Sometimes, though, you need to follow the rules and get one. Is selling things online one of those times?

By Gerlinda Grimes

Some dot-coms were flat-out terrible ideas, while others were simply ahead of their time. What's the story behind these online companies with real-world failures?

By Alison Cooper

The idea of an incubator sounds like something forged in the dot-com boom of the late 1990s, but the business incubator concept dates back to 1959. Could a tech incubator be better than starting your business alone?

By Dave Roos

If you've had to work for someone to earn your weekly paycheck, the idea of being your own boss may seem incredibly liberating. Thanks to the rise of e-commerce, it's easier than ever to start your own business — as long as you have a few skills.

By Patrick J. Kiger

You have a great idea for the next disruptive technology, but you sure could use some cash and advice in order to attract a big-pocket investor. Could an accelerator be the answer?

By Dave Roos

Congratulations, you're opening your own small business. You'll face many decisions along the way, and one of the most important is determining the best business structure.

By Julia Layton

Forming a limited liability company (LLC) for your business -- a popular option -- may be to your tax advantage. Find out whether it is right for you.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Late one night, it finally hits you -- the idea that's going to make you rich! But first you want to incorporate your company to limit your personal liability. What does incorporation mean, and how do you get it done?

By Todd Walls

If you love dogs and would like a job with flexible hours you might be interested in learning how to start a dog walking business. Learn about how to start a dog walking business in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

You really would like to help recovering addicts get on their feet and you'd like learn how to start a recovery house. Read this article to help you learn about how to start a recovery house.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

You'd like to start a title loan business because you heard that it can be very lucrative. It's not that easy to start one, but here's how to start a title loan business.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

You'd like to start a tree service, but are not sure how. Once you've read this article about how to start a tree service, you'll be ready to go.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

You'd like to know how to start an animal sanctuary for the increasing number of abandoned and homeless animals in your neighborhood. This article will show you how to start an animal sanctuary.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

If you know how to start fish farming you can have a profitable aquaculture operation. Learn about how to start fish farming in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

If you're interested in buying items wholesale and selling them to the public, you will have to get a wholesale license. Learn about how to get a wholesale license in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

If you are imaginative or creative, then learning how to start a gift basket business may the right thing for you. In this article you will learn how to start a gift basket business.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Playing bingo is a favorite pastime for many people and a legal way of gambling, but starting a bingo hall is not as easy as you may think. In this article we will tell you how to start a bingo hall.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors