For many, the “American Dream” is all about entrepreneurship. Business ownership is a way to declare personal independence and even though the COVID-19 pandemic has dampened the economy temporarily, it hasn’t quieted America’s entrepreneurial spirit. As a matter of fact, new businesses are starting despite the economic slowdown as evidenced by the recent number of EIN or Federal Tax ID applications for new businesses filed since mid-March (more than 500,000).

But startups are not where all the entrepreneurial action is. Current business owners have been busy, trying to keep their businesses running at […]

You have much to think about and many questions to answer when starting a business. One of the most fundamental considerations is what type of business structure is right for you. Often, brand new small businesses choose to operate as a sole proprietorship or general partnership. Would either be a good fit for you? You might be wondering, sole proprietorship vs. partnership—what’s the difference?

In this article, I’ll share information about the similarities and differences between the two business structures and some thoughts about other business entity types to consider. This information should […]

Are you considering starting a business as a solo owner, or will you co-own the business with your spouse? Then, you may be wondering if operating as a sole proprietorship or a limited liability company (LLC) will be the better choice.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a sole proprietorship vs. LLC business structure? In this article, I’ll highlight the potential pros and cons of each to help you in your research efforts.

Keep in mind that there are legal, financial, and tax-related implications when choosing a business structure. Therefore, I encourage you […]

If you love the outdoors and have always wanted to start a business relating to your outdoor passion, now is a great time to take advantage of the country’s desire for outside activities. Here are some outdoor business ideas and trends you need to know to get you running on the right path to business success.

Etsy has given artists, crafters, and collectors a highly visible online marketplace for selling their own-made arts and crafts, vintage items, and crafting supplies. Are you a talented, hands-on individual with a vision of offering your creations to customers across the United States or even beyond? Then you have probably wondered how to start a small business on Etsy.

I can understand why!

The number of active buyers on Etsy has increased steadily over the years, going from 9.3 million in 2012 to over 46.3 million in 2019. The number of sellers who have […]

There is nothing more fulfilling than directing time and energy toward helping others in need. If you’re passionate about a cause, you may have wondered how to start a nonprofit business.

Some aspects of starting a nonprofit organization are similar to starting a for-profit business, but nuances exist. Incorporating a nonprofit can be confusing and complicated. Let’s dive into what it means to be a nonprofit organization and explore some of the considerations and steps involved in becoming one.

Please keep in mind that the information that I’m about to provide in this article […]

You may have thought about how to start an Amazon business if you’ve been intrigued by the flexibility and income potential of selling online. According to an Adeptmind survey in 2018, almost half (46.7%) of internet users in the United States started online product searches on Amazon’s website, which is over 10 percent more than the 34.6 percent who went to Google first [1]. There’s no denying Amazon’s reach and reputation!

Starting a business on Amazon, just like launching any commercial endeavor, comes with many considerations and to-dos. In this article, I’ll discuss […]

Do you already have experience in preparing tax returns as an employee or temp for a tax agency and wish you had more control over your schedule? Or are you looking to capitalize on your math abilities and attention to detail on your own terms? Either way, you may be wondering how to start a tax preparation business from home.

With the complexity and ever-changing nature of the U.S. tax code, I don’t believe it’s a stretch to say that demand will always exist for professional tax preparers. They serve an essential need. […]