Business Resources for Entrepreneurs

Lean Business Plan Template – SCORE You don't need an MBA to start a business. Here are free business plan templates you can use to get started.

https://www.score.org/templates-resources/business-planning-financial-statements-template-gallery

Notion Business Templates  Your entire business in one digital workspace. Track everything from client projects to revenue goals without drowning in different apps. It's like having an organized business partner who never judges your chaos. https://www.notion.com/templates/category/enterprise

Bplans Free Sample Business Plans  Real examples from real businesses and not the generic templates that sound like they were written by robots. See how other people actually explained their ideas to investors (or themselves). https://www.bplans.com/

Canva The design tool that makes everyone feel like they can actually make things look good. Create logos, social graphics, and brand materials without hiring a designer. https://www.canva.com/

Cloudflare Domain registration without the sneaky sales tactics. They tell you the real price upfront and don't try to sell you fluff you don't need. Prices for renewals are transparent too. https://www.cloudflare.com/products/registrar/

IRS: Apply for an EIN Get your business tax ID directly from the source—free and takes about 15 minutes. Don't pay some random website $200 to do what you can do yourself while drinking coffee. 

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number

Your State's Secretary of State Website Every state lets you register an LLC online. Yes, it feels official and slightly terrifying, but it usually costs under $200 and makes you a real business owner.

Please check your state's website or the local small business chapter of SCORE for guidance.
https://www.score.org/

Ask people if they'd actually pay for it before you build anything. Create a simple landing page explaining your idea and see if people sign up for updates. If you can't get 50 people interested in your free newsletter, they probably won't pay for your product.

Much less than you think. Good For You Money started with domain name. You can launch most online businesses for under $500. Don't let money be the excuse that keeps you from starting. Remember: you can always upgrade your tools as you grow.

Please don't. Too many people make this dramatic leap and then panic when money gets tight. Start as a side hustle, build some momentum, and then make the transition when you have proof your idea works. Your future self will thank you for the financial cushion. And your work retirement accounts will too. 

Freelancing = trading your time for money. Business = creating something that makes money while you sleep (eventually, that’s the dream). Both are valid! Choose what fits your current life and goals.

Often, people start as a sole proprietor and upgrade later. And if you're doing anything where someone could potentially sue you, an LLC is cheap insurance. It costs less than a nice dinner out and protects your personal stuff.

Learn about planning, making financial decisions, and taking the necessary steps to start a small business. Check out the U.S. Small Busness Administration. https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/

For most solo entrepreneurs, LLC is the sweet spot. It's easy to set up, protects your personal assets, and doesn't require you to file complicated tax paperwork. You can always change it later as you grow. If you’re not sure, you can reach out to a FREE business mentor at your local SCORE chapter. https://www.score.org/