If you’re thinking about starting a small business, you should start by weighing the pros and cons, so that you can make a wise decision. The resources in this section are essentially a toolkit to guide your decision-making process.

• Is Entrepreneurship For You?  What characteristics do you need to be an entrepreneur? What does it take to start-up and succeed? This guide can help you determine if you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur.
• Do Your Market Research   Explore how to use market research to find out if there is a market for your idea. To help you build a picture of market conditions and demographics, the U.S. government also provides access to free market data and statistics.
• Find a Mentor or Counselor – Take Advantage of Free Resources   As you get started, take advantage of free training and counseling from experienced business owners who’ve already walked in your shoes. Learn about government-sponsored mentorship programs and resources.
• Follow These 10 Steps to Starting a Business   Ready to get started? These 10 steps can help you plan, prepare and get our business off the ground.