Business Planning

In General

Do's and Don'ts - Starting a Business Lists basic issues to consider when starting a business. (FindLaw)
Glossary - Terms Relevant to Starting a Business Defines common business terms. (FindLaw)
How to Get Started in Business From The Upstart Small Business Legal Guide. Covers business plans, permits, licenses and more. (Dearborn Financial Publishing, Inc.)
Legal Limitations to Consider When Starting a Business Covers legal restrictions on professionals, zoning, and surety bonds. (FindLaw)
Life Advice About...Starting a Business Offers advice about starting a business and provides information regarding different business structures. (MetLife Consumer Education Center)
Starting a Business in Michigan Covers business plans, business name registration, taxes, licenses, financing, and more. (Michigan Economic Development Corporation)
The Facts about...Starting a Small Business (U.S. Small Business Administration)

Business Plans

Business Plan for Home-Based Business (U.S. Small Business Administration)
Business Plan for Small Construction Firms (U.S. Small Business Administration)
Business Plan for Small Manufacturers (U.S. Small Business Administration)
Business Plan for Small Service Firms (U.S. Small Business Administration)
Business Plan for the Small Retailer (U.S. Small Business Administration)
Contents of a Written Business Plan Lists the essential items to include in a written business plan. (FindLaw)
Creating Business Plans Lists what a good business plan will accomplish and provides an outline for creating a business plan. (Dearborn Financial Publishing, Inc.)
How to Write a Business Plan (U.S. Small Business Administration)
Planning Your Business Covers preparing, writing and using a business plan. (CCH, Inc.)
Starting the Right Business Your business should have a solid chance at profitability -- but it should also suit your particular skills and strengths. (Nolo Press)
Strategic Planning for the Growing Business Covers developing and implementing a business plan. (U.S. Small Business Administration)
The Business Plan - Road Map to Success (U.S. Small Business Administration)
The Essentials of a Business Plan All business plans must show two things: a winning idea and a clear shot at a profit. (Nolo Press)
Why You Need to Write a Business Plan Learn why writing a business plan is important -- even if you're not trying to raise money. (Nolo Press)
Will Your Business Make Money? Before you prepare a business plan, you should figure out if your business will break even. (Nolo Press)
Writing an Effective Business Plan Offers a summary of the key sections of a business plan. (Deloitte & Touche LLP)

Business Names

Can You Believe...? Interesting Facts About Trade Names and Trademarks Features trivia of famous business trademarks. (FindLaw)
Choosing and Registering a Domain Name How to pick, register and protect your website's unique address. (Nolo Press)
Do's and Don'ts - Business Name Offers tips on choosing a business name. (FindLaw)
Do's and Don'ts - Trademark Rights and Business Names Offers tips on registering and using a trademarked business name. (FindLaw)
Make Sure Your Proposed Business Name Is Available Find out if your desired business name is free for you to use. (Nolo Press)
Pick a Winning Name for Your Business Here's how to choose a legal business name that will qualify for trademark protection and help identify your company's products and services. (Nolo Press)
Pros and Cons - Business Name Choices Offers evaluations of sample business names. (FindLaw)
Registering Your Business Name After you've chosen your business name, you may need to register it with the local, state or federal government -- especially if it's considered "fictitious."(Nolo Press)
Top 10 Reasons to Register Your Trademark Covers business and legal reasons for registering a trademark. (FindLaw)
Trade Name Chronology Features steps needed to register your business name. (FindLaw)

Finding and Renting Space for Your Business

Choosing a Successful Location for Your Business Here's how to choose affordable space for your business that suits your company's needs. (Nolo Press)
Dealing With Zoning Problems If you've found a spot that's perfect -- except that it lacks the zoning you need -- you may be able to work the situation to your favor. (Nolo Press)
Factors to Consider: Lease or Purchase of a Facility Covers issues to consider when deciding whether to lease or purchase a facility. (FindLaw)
Glossary: Commercial Lease Provisons Defines common terms found in commercial leases. (FindLaw)
Negotiating the Best Commercial Lease Terms Negotiating a good lease can save you money. Learn where landlords are willing to make concessions. (Nolo Press)
Pick a Legal Location and Avoid Zoning Trouble Be sure your chosen location allows your type of business. (Nolo Press)
Top 10 Reasons to Consult an Attorney About Business Location Lists services an attorney can provide during a search for a business location. (FindLaw)
Types of Leases Provides an overview of different types of property leases. (FindLaw)
Understanding Commercial Leases Before you rent space for your business, be sure you understand these basic facts about commercial leases. (Nolo Press)

Home Businesses

Hobby Business Rules Be ready to prove your hobby is a business if you want to write off your hobby expenses. (Nolo Press)
Insuring Your Home Business Be sure to treat your home business like a business -- including obtaining appropriate insurance for it. (Nolo Press)
Ten Things to Think About: Operating a Business Out of Your Home Covers business and legal issues to consider when running a home-based business. (FindLaw)
The Home-Office Tax Deduction Running a business from home can save not only the cost of renting a separate office, but it can also save you tax dollars. (Nolo Press)
Zoning Rules for Home Businesses Municipalities have the legal right to establish rules about what types of activities can be carried out in different geographical areas. (Nolo Press)

Buying a Business

Buying a Business Thinking about purchasing an existing business? Here are some things you should know before you take the plunge. (Nolo Press)

Law Knowledge Base Articles

Effect of Affirmative Action Decision on Small Minority-Owned Businesses David B. Sand
Health and Welfare Changes: Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Carolyn S. Nestingen
How To Select The Correct Form Of Doing Business Law Office of John Du
Is an S Corporation or Limited Liability Company Right for your Business?
S Corporations: An Overview Law Office of Ray R. Goldie
Taking Care of Business: Legal & Business Considerations of a Theme Restaurant Barry A. Brooks
Think Before You "Inc" Lentz, Cantor & Massey, Ltd.

Attorneys and Law Firms

Find a Business Organization Lawyer or Firm in Your Metropolitan Area