Starting a Business Archives

Seeking Investors

Investor solicitation laws and paperwork. It appears Reg D Rules 505 or 506 would be applicable to a $3 million securities offering. A comprehensive business plan is always a good starting point; however, large investor solicitations have investment risks, other purchaser disclosure, and financial information requirements.

I am interested in taking my company public. How would I go about doing this?

Starting a Business | Rick Gossett

Generally speaking, going public requires a lawyer, CPA, and investment banker. We do not know the current sales volumes and profitability, how long you have been in business, the growth potential of your business, or other details of your business; however, becoming a public company is not an overnight process and requires time (sometimes years) to prepare.

How Should I Go About Choosing a Business Entity Type?

Starting a Business | Rick Gossett

Many small businesses are structured as unincorporated sole proprietorships and General Partnerships due to their formation and maintenance simplicity and costs; however, the primary disadvantage with a sole proprietorship or General Partnership is that it is not a separate legal entity, even when it uses a trade name (also known as an assumed, fictitious business or Doing Business As (DBA) name), and the business obligations and claims of creditors are the personal obligation of the business owner.

What is the best way to go about getting a loan from the SBA?

Starting a Business | Bill Wortman

Contrary to popular belief, the Federal Small Business Administration or SBA does not provide loans but merely provides loan guarantees on loans made by its lending partners (Banks, Community Development Organizations, Microlending Institutions and other lenders). There are several SBA loan programs and the requirements for each program vary.

How do I go about forming a Non-Profit business?

Starting a Business | Matt Tarkenton

There are various considerations (legal, tax, general operational, etc.) that must be addressed when starting a nonprofit. Forming a nonprofit business first involves the determination that your planned activities will qualify for an IRS nonprofit exemption.

Forming a General Partnership?

Starting a Business | Fran Tarkenton

Doing Business As (DBA) name, assumed name, fictitious name, and trade name generally refer to the same thing, but business name registration laws and processes do vary by state.

What are some resources to meet Angel Investors for funding a business?

Starting a Business | Fran Tarkenton

Of course, the angel investor category can include family, friends, and business associates. Also, the type of business venture and amount of capital needed can influence where to look for angel investors. For example, your local accountant, lawyer, banker, or another business contact…

How do I bill my clients for my consulting services?

Starting a Business | Bill Wortman

We do not know the type of consulting services you plan to offer. However, business consultants and other service businesses have standard billing rates by staff position. Also, these billing rates are often adjusted based on the total hours of the project, competing consultant fees, and other factors.