Help:Running list of questions that we can use to map

Probing questions

• Q: Where are you in the process of starting up your business? --> R: List of steps
• Q: Does your business idea require specialized training or certification? --> R: List of types of certifications (can also link to Q: how to get certification, if it makes sense, or general procedure, like "find org, call person, set up... etc.")

Meta

• How do I find reliable information?
  • For procedural stuff like how to start a business --> start with filtering by .gov domains

Step 1: Conduct Market Research | (more accessible version??)

• How do I learn about my (potential) customers?
  • R: Find/brainstorm existing organizations or communities that relate to your potential customers
  • R: Find consumer/business sales leads for mailing lists to sell your product or service
  • R: Places to learn about consumers and their buying preferences
• How do I learn about potential collaborator and/or competitor businesses?
  • R: Google query pattern: "<region> <business type>"
  • What are the trends in my industry?
    • e.g., growing/contracting?
  • Where are my local competitors located?
  • What are my local competitors' sales?
  • How do my local competitors differentiate themselves?
• How do I do market research?
• Where can I get data about potential customers or competitors?
  • deepening question
    • even deeper contextualized question

Step 2: Write Your Business Plan

• What is a business plan? --> how to
  • R: Example business plans
• How do I write a business plan?

Step 5: Choose a Business Structure

• What type of business structure is right for me?

Step 8: Get Federal and State Tax IDs

• What is a business EIN and where can I find it?

Step 9: Apply for Licenses and Permit

• How do I know what licenses/permits I need?
• How do I obtain a business license?

 * Where can I find "special" federal licenses and permits?
   * Where can I find my local offices for inspections, permits, and licenses? (by county)

• What do I need to know about conducting business across state lines?

Step 10: Open a Business Bank Account

• Do I need a business bank account?

Other/Unclassified

• How do I make a contract for goods and/or services?
• How can I get my business on the stock market?
• Do I need business insurance?

 * Is business insurance different from personal insurance?
 * What types of business insurance can I get?

• How do I set up / deduct taxes from my employees?