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Business FAQs

This page contains a list of pre-selected questions for our search engine. If you want to learn how to better use the features of this Web site, please click here.

Pre-Selected questions for our BIC Search Engine

This is a list of the most-asked questions about starting, managing, and running a small business. See what the collective wisdom of business owners, writers, and consultants has to say about the essential issues facing today's business owners and entrepreneurs.

Choose a category, then click on a question and the BIC Search Engine will give you a list of related articles and links from a variety of expert sources.

Money

» Where do I get startup capital for my business?

» I would like to borrow money to start or expand my business. Where do I get a small business loan?

» Where do I find venture capital firms?

» How do I find a bank or other lender that works with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)?

» Should I use credit cards or other personal credit to finance the startup or expansion of my small business?

» Does the federal government offer grants to small business owners?

» What should I do before applying for a business loan to improve my chance for approval?

» What is invoice factoring, and is it a good way to obtain financing?

» How do I raise my credit score to improve my ability to obtain business loans and credit?

Markets

» How do I develop a marketing strategy and write an effective marketing plan?

» Where is the best place to advertise my product or service?

» I would like to market and sell a product or service to the U.S. government. Where can I find help getting a federal contract?

» How do I get information about business opportunities and contracts with local government agencies (i.e., city, county, state)?

» How do I create a brand for my small business?

» How can networking help me meet new contacts and business prospects?

» How do I use e-mail to market and advertise my business?

» How do I know whether my marketing and advertising is reaching my target market?

» Should I pay for better search engine placement?

» How do I use press releases and other free publicity as an effective part of my marketing plan?

Management

» I need a powerful idea for a new business. What should I do to start?

» How do I write a powerful, effective business plan?

» What is the best structure for my business: sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or LLC?

» What factors should I consider when choosing a business location?

» What are the different types of business insurance, and which should I have?

» How to negotiate a commercial lease?

» Should I purchase an existing business?

» What are the benefits of buying and owning a franchise?

» Where do I find wholesale suppliers and business service providers?

» Should I set up and manage a payroll system for my employees or hire a payroll service?

» Should I lease or buy my equipment?

» What options does a small business have for creating a retirement savings plan?

» How do I set a price for my product or service?

» Do I need a web site to promote my business?

» How do I get certification as a small, disadvantaged, woman-owned and/or minority-owned business?

» How do I apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)?

» Should I hire an independent contractor instead of a permanent employee?

» Should I use arbitration or mediation to settle a legal dispute?

» What are the different tax effects for the form of entity I choose (corporation/partnership/sole proprietorship/LLC)?

» How do I verify that my employees are legally authorized to work in the United States?

» What do I need to do to incorporate a business?

» What type of questions are illegal to ask a job applicant?

» What steps should I follow in order to drug screen employees or job applicants?

» What steps should I take to conduct a criminal background check on a job applicant or employee?

Technology

» How do I develop an effective business Web site?

» What kind of computer system do I need for my business?

» Should I build (or have someone else build) a computer network?

» What do I need to do to accept credit card payments?

» How do I generate Internet traffic to my business Web site?

» What kind of Internet connection should my business use?

» How do I set up an e-mail marketing program?

» What is a domain name, and how do I get one?

» Should I hire a professional to manage my small business technology needs?

» What technologies will best improve my small business' productivity and profitability?

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