Browse Starting Your Business Articles

Trademark and Patent Scams: What to Watch Out For

"Guaranteed patent or your money back!" "Renew your trademark for half the government filing fees!" "Make millions with your invention!" Sound familiar? You may be dealing with potential intellectual property scammers that can drain your wallet with promises that are too good to be true. more...

Stephanie Morrow - Jun 2012 - Trademarks
Thinking of Starting a Nonprofit Organization?

Going down the nonprofit path can be rewarding on many levels. But like any other business, a nonprofit organization requires dedication and perseverance. If your dream is to use your passion to help make a difference, first ask yourself these questions. more...

Bilal Kaiser - Mar 2012 - Starting Your Business
Do You "Own" Your Business Name?

Small business owners sometimes think the only thing they have to do to protect their business name is to register it with the state. While this may work in your state, in the Age of the Internet, registering your name with your state is simply not enough. What follows is a short how-to guide to ensure the ownership of your business name is rock solid. more...

Michelle Fabio, Esq. - Sep 2011 - Starting Your Business
Doing Business in Canada 101

Sure, we share a border and the primary language of English, but doing business in Canada is a whole new ball game. Before you set your mind on expanding your venture into the land of our northerly neighbors, here’s a quick primer on where to begin your research to start a business in Canada. more...

Lionel Perez, CorporationCentre.ca - Aug 2011 - Starting Your Business
Getting Financing for Your Startup: Types of Investors

For some entrepreneurs, outside investment is the only way to keep their business idea alive. Before soliciting investors for your startup, it’s a good idea to do your homework first and know the difference between the three most common investor types. more...

Tim Berry, Palo Alto Software - Aug 2011 - Starting Your Business
How to Avoid Putting Your Personal Assets at Risk

Small business owners often use their personal bank accounts, credit cards or even equity in their homes to finance the operations of their business, especially at the beginning. But doing so can actually be detrimental for both business and personal credit. Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corp, the leader in business credit management and credibility solutions, discusses the steps that can be taken to protect your business and personal credit, while providing guidance on how to build your business credit and avoid personal guarantees, a common request by lenders and other programs. more...

Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corp. Staff - Jun 2011 - Starting Your Business
Business Credit and Credibility

When it comes to building a business, business credit and credibility are closely intertwined. Without making both part of your overall business strategy, you risk not being able to expand and attract new customers. Besides having a high-quality website, Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corp. recommends four essential ways to ensure you are consistently building business credibility—so you turn prospective customers into repeat customers. more...

Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corp. Staff - May 2011 - Starting Your Business
Business Credit 101

Having good business credit is critical for growing your business. Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corp., the leader in providing business credit solutions, provides a primer on business credit. Find out more about what business credit is along with the five key steps for building business credit, including the importance of creating a business credit profile, how to build strong business credit, and how to monitor your company’s credit profile. more...

Judy Hackett, Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corp. - Apr 2011 - Starting Your Business
Small-Time Start-Up Goes Big Time with Gourmet Mushrooms

While the first year of a start-up business can be rocky, it’s also a dynamic and exciting time. For two college friends who started their business through LegalZoom just over a year ago, their success is nothing short of amazing. As they take their first big step of expanding into a bigger space, they share some of their story here—how they came up with their idea, what elements have made them successful, their “green” business strategy, and more. It’s not often you get to hear about a company in the making. more...

LegalZoom Staff - Apr 2011 - Starting Your Business
Judge Zooms Online to Create His New Law Practice After Last Gavel

After serving 21 years on the bench as a California Superior Court judge, Rodney Walker retired—then decided to go back into the practice of law with his son, Barry. When they went to start their law firm, they turned to LegalZoom to file for incorporation. Find out why they used LegalZoom, what it is like for this father-son business duo to work together, and some helpful tips for entrepreneurs from the former judge. more...

C. Yoder - Mar 2011 - Starting Your Business