Introduction to Business Ownership

Plan cash needs and create financial projections, capturing capital expenditures, startup costs, operating expenses, seasonal sales estimates, and a working capital reserve to determine breakeven for financing.

Learn to finance a startup by preparing the profit and loss statement, balance sheet, and cash flow, and secure funding from personal savings, banks, family, investors, and grants with projections.

Evaluate liability, taxes, ownership, and transferability when choosing business forms. Compare non separated forms (sole proprietorship, general partnership) with separated forms (corporations, LLCs) and related agreements and filings.

Identify and plan for property taxes, sales tax, payroll taxes, margin tax, and self-employment tax for your small business. Learn licensing, permits, EIN, and state ID requirements to stay compliant.

Marketing drives business success by attracting and retaining customers, shaping your brand, and communicating values through name, story, website, appearance, service, and advertising.

Set a clear marketing goal and craft a campaign around the three pillars: message, market, and media, while identifying your typical customer, competition, pricing strategy, and ongoing budget plan.

Learn to structure business operations and craft a practical plan covering location, facilities, equipment, and responsibilities for sales, marketing, finance, production, bookkeeping, and insurance.