business plan

What’s in a name?

What’s in a name? When it comes to naming your business, the better question might be “what’s not in the name?” After all, the company we know as Apple is Apple. Not Apple Computers. Not Steve Jobs’ Apple. Microsoft? Again, just Microsoft: not Bill Gates’ Microsoft. Many other companies follow...

Your Business, Your Responsibility?

You decide to start your own small business. You’ve done the necessary research, and answered these fundamental questions: What to name your business? What products or services will you offer? Who are your customers? Who are your competitors? Will the business be a sole proprietorship? You even created a business...

Step Right up to Your Business Pitch

Learn what type of pitch you need for what occasion, as well as where to find resources to develop your own pitch. Also, practice your pitch within the Dallas entrepreneurial community. Find opportunities with local partner organizations.

Visions, Missions and Goals–Oh My!

How do you define a Vision, Mission and Goal? Do you use them interchangeably? Learn the difference between these terms, and find resources to help you develop your small business' vision and mission statement.

Cost of Business: The Burden of Business

Here are four common ways that small and micro-businesses find funding for starting up. Learn the basics about loans, grants, venture capital and angel investors or whether or not you should borrow money from your friends and family.

Finding Your Customers, Knowing Your Customers

Are you intimidated by using data for business or marketing plan? Are you not sure how to get started with market research? The Office of Economic Development has relevant small business resources available to you.

Business Structure Basics

There are various business structures to choose from, and before selecting a business structure, entrepreneurs should consult an attorney and accountant in order do understand the distinctions between the structures in regards to tax, liability, management, continuity, transferability of ownership interests, and operations.

Doing Business As: A County Clerk Story

Where is the county clerk and what does it have to do with my starting my business? In addition to numerous other responsibilities, the Dallas County Clerk is where you register your Doing Business As, DBA or Assumed Name Certificate.

It’s Time for Your Business Plan

Are you serious about that startup idea? Take the next step by creating your business planning one step at a time. A well researched business plan will be your best tool to starting off on a strong business foundation.