{"id":5186,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:58","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/first-steps.html"},"modified":"2026-05-26T09:59:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T14:59:00","slug":"first-steps","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/first-steps.html","title":{"rendered":"First Steps To Start a Business"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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First Steps To Start a Business<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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The first steps to starting a successful business are to conduct thorough market research, develop a viable business idea, create a sound business plan, and choose the right business name and legal structure.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Starting a business<\/a>\u00a0is never easy, and success isn\u2019t guaranteed. While confidence is important, so is market research and a business plan<\/span>. A clear understanding of the legal aspects of entrepreneurship and a realistic expectation of how your business will make money will set you up for a successful business<\/span>.<\/p>\n

This FindLaw article takes you through the important legal steps and questions to ask when you start your small business.<\/p>\n

We make business formation EASY.\u00a0<\/strong>Click here to start your free LLC.<\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Is Entrepreneurship for You?<\/h2>\n

Not everyone has the characteristics required to be a successful business<\/span> entrepreneur<\/span>. Before you quit your day job, read the article\u00a0Is Entrepreneurship For You?<\/a>\u00a0It\u2019s an opportunity to think realistically about your work style, strengths, wants, and needs.<\/p>\n

Here are some key questions to answer before you get serious about running a business:<\/p>\n