A small business is one that is independently owned and operated and is not dominant in its field of operation. The definition of a small business varies from industry to industry. The Small Business Administration develops and recommends small-business size standards. Consult the table of size standards to determine the classification of your organization.

Some experts define a microbusiness as a firm with four to 19 employees, and a small and emerging business as a firm with 25 or fewer employees or less than $500,000 in annual sales revenue. Read SBA's full definition.

Starting Out

• Should I start a small business?
• How do I start a small business?
• What business should I choose?

Training and Assistance

• Where can I get assistance to start a small business?
• When are training events and workshops?

Legal Issues

• Where and how do I register a name for my new business?
• Where do I obtain an employee tax identification number?
• What legal structure should I choose?

Permits and Licenses

• Do I need any permits or licenses?
• Will I need special food licenses?
• Will I need special liquor licenses?

Money Matters

• What will my startup costs be?
• Where can I obtain financial assistance?
• Where can I get information related to grants?
• What are my tax obligations?
• Where can I get basic information about SBA loans?

Planning and Strategy

• What is a business plan and do I need one?
• How can a small business expand globally?
• What is a market analysis?
• What is a feasibility study?
• Where can I get information about procurement?

Special Interests

• What organizations offer assistance geared toward women entrepreneurs, veterans, Native Americans, minorities and young entrepreneurs?
• What organizations offer assistance in other languages?
• Where can I get training assistance?