Welcome to the Starting A Business Online Tutorial, a resource to help you start a business. This online tutorial is for anyone considering starting a business, purchasing an existing business or expanding their current business. It can help you identify the skills that you have, the resources you have access to, and provide information you need to accomplish your goals. Please note that this is general information, and that there are many specific issues to consider when starting a business. This resource is intended to primarily be a tool to help you to pull together the key information needed to develop a solid business plan. Small Business Development Center (SBDC) consultants, an additional resource, are available for one-on-one assistance for your particular business. You can locate the nearest Pennsylvania SBDC at www.pasbdc.org/where/default.asp.

Keep in mind that there are many legal and tax issues that may arise with your business. It is recommended that you establish a relationship with a tax professional and an attorney before you start your business. They will be able to address specific legal and tax issues that you need to address based upon your specific business model, and your personal situation.

Starting and managing a business takes motivation, desire and talent. It also takes research and planning. To increase your chances for success, invest the time up front to explore and evaluate your business and personal goals. Then use this information to build a comprehensive and well thought out business plan that will guide you and help you reach those goals. The Starting a Business Online Tutorial will walk you through several key areas that you need to fully understand in order to successfully manage a small business. Upon completion, you will be able to generate a copy of your work file.