Start-Up Kit
Business Start-up Resources

Basics
Business Plan
Buying And Sellng A Business
Creating A Business
Exporting
Financing
Franchising
Legal & Accounting Resources
Marketing
Patent
Resource Partners 
SBA Resources  
Taxes & Insurance 

 


BASICS

What business do you want to start?  
Start up Basics from SBA
Check your personal credit Score
Factors that shape your credit score
FREE ON-LINE COURSES:  SCORE      SBA

BUSINESS PLAN

Planning templates from SCORE
The Startup Checklist
Business Plan Outline 
Demographic Information from the Census Bureau
Typical costs and ratios for your business
Read Sample Business Plans
Attend A SCORE Seminar and Workshop 
Send for Getting Started Packet from City Of Houston's One Stop Business Center

BUYING/SELLING A BUSINESS

Buying A Business - Complete Guide
Buying Business – Checklist
Selling Your Business

CREATING BUSINESS

THE START-UP CHECK LIST
SCORE Data Sheet - Important Numbers & Information 
How to select the correct legal structure
Assumed Name or DBA (Harris County); County Clerk Locations  
Business Legal Structure Forms(Texas) 
(CAUTION: If you have a partner(s), you must haveby-laws/Co.Agreement)
Licenses and Permits

EXPORTING

Export Promotion Resources
Export Trade Leads - Governmental
Export Trade Leads - Non Governmental

FINANCING

SBA Product Guide  
SBA Resource Guide  
Financing & SBA 
Micro-loans (Community Express Loans of less than $50,000)
What do the banks look for when you:
     Start a new business
     Buy an existing business
     Expand/Restructure
Loans - Certified Dev Corp - Checklist
Loans - Certified Dev. Corp - Program Description
Loans - From People You Know
Loans – Raising Money
Loan Amortization Schedule

FRANCHISING

Franchise Check List
Franchise Terms
Franchising - Complete Guide

LEGAL &ACCOUNTING RESOURCES

Richard Alderman.jpgThe People's Lawyer Website
Send an email to Richard Alderman
Online Legal Forms
Legal issues affecting small business
Partnership – Considerations
Partnership Agreement Checklist

Find a Bookkeeper (put your zip code to narrow search)
Find a CPA

MARKETING

Marketing Plan Worksheets  Simple Worksheet    
Increase Sales and develop marketing message 
Demographics information by zip code from Census Bureau

PATENT

Patents – 10 Common Myths
Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights 
Trademark – Registration

RESOURCE PARTNERS

  • SCORE (get help from SCORE counselors nationwide)
  • Houston Business Development, Inc. (alternate lender)
  • ACCION Texas (alternate lender)
  • One Stop Business Center (resource for information on permits, licenses, etc.)
  • Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (Small Business Certification, Networking) 
  • Small Business Development Center 
  • Executive Service Corps of Houston (ESCH) - for Non profits 
  • SBA:

     SBA (Small Business Administration)  
    Government Contracting 
    Contract Surety Bonds - where to get them
    Special Purpose Loans such as SBAExportExpress; International Trade; Export Working Capital Program
    Small Business Certification

     TAXES & INSURANCE

    Federal Taxes
    Franchise Taxes
    Sales and Use Taxes ... For Sales Tax Exemption Certificate, visit 7011 Harwin #186; or call 713-777-1881

    Determine Your Insurance Needs 
    Find an independent Insurance Agent