Thinking About Starting a Business

Explore if owning a business is right for you and gather tools to help you get started.

Take a Personal Assessment

1. Do I have what it takes?

   In business, there are no guarantees. There is simply no way to eliminate all the risks associated with starting a small business, but you can improve your chances of success with good planning, preparation, and insight.

2. What are the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs?

   Learn the characteristics and habits of creative, successful entrepreneurs. Learn what these are and what you can do to improve upon your own.

3. What are the pros and cons of owning your own business?

   As a small business owner, you're going to have less time for your personal life and you'll probably be using much of what you own as collateral to raise money for the business. If you are willing to make those sacrifices, then let's move on to some of the advantages and disadvantages of owning a business.

4. What does my personal financial statement look like?

   Fill out this form (592 KB) provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration to see what your personal financial statement looks like.

5. Do I have good credit?

   Request your FREE annual credit report. It is quick, easy and secure.

Choose a Business Idea

1. What should I initially consider?

   As you explore what business to start, begin by thinking about yourself. What skills, education, and experience do you have? How much money can you invest in your business? It is important to select a business idea that you can finance at the level needed to succeed.

2. How to further research your ideas?

   Finding an idea that suits you is important, but you cannot stop there. Market research is critical. Will enough people buy what you want to sell? Can you identify needs that are not being met by your competitors? Is the niche large enough to support your business?

3. What type of entry strategies exist?

   Consider how you will get started. You might want to start a business, buy an existing business, or invest in a franchise.

4. What resources are available to assist with choosing a business idea?

   It is critical that you consider all of the available resources when choosing a business idea. Here are a few helpful sources for you to consider.

   60-second guide to coming up with a powerful business idea - You're ready to start a business. You have the drive, the desire, and the commitment to make it work. You lack just one thing - an idea for the business itself. Don't worry. Even successful entrepreneurs sometimes have difficulty deciding their next move.

   Choosing a business to start - So you've decided to start a business. Maybe you have a brilliant idea, and you're trying to figure out if it's viable or not. Or maybe you're out of work, or just fed up with your current job, and looking for an alternative. How are you going to decide?

   Find the resources that can help you choose a business idea - The Resource Navigator is a FREE service that can get you connected to more than 400 organizations that are ready to help you build your business!

5. What resources are available for buying an existing business?

   The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses.

6. What franchise resources are available?

   Business franchising offers many opportunities. This form of ownership has helped many entrepreneurs get started in business and succeed.

7. Are franchise consultants available?

   There are several franchise consultants to choose from. Here are a few to consider when you are thinking about starting a business.

   The Entrepreneur's Source - For over twenty years, the Entrepreneur's Source has been the premier source for self-employment options, franchising information, education and training. The Entrepreneur's Source is the first place to look for guidance, training, and straight talk about franchise and business opportunities, with no obligation or risk.

   FranChoice - FranChoice provides a FREE franchise consultation service to individuals considering franchise ownership. FranChoice can help you find a franchise business that is your "perfect match."

Determine the Feasibility of Your Business Idea

1. What initial assessments are available for a start-up business?

   Complete the initial assessment form for start-up or existing businesses to analyze your business and determine the next steps.

   • Start-up business assessment
   • Existing business assessment
2. What initial assessments are available for inventors?

   Complete the Initial Assessment for Inventors form (32 KB) to analyze your invention and determine the next steps.

3. How can I determine my new product's market potential?

   Complete the Analyzing Your New Product form (52 KB) to determine your product's market potential.

4. What resources are available to access the feasibility of my business idea?

   The Resource Navigator is a FREE service that can get you connected to more than 400 organizations that are ready to help you build your business!

5. What "Start Your Own Business" workshops are in my area?

   Kansas offers many educational events to assist with the business plan development, taxes, government procurement and more.

Register Your Business

1. How do I determine if a business name is available?

   The name used by a business can become a valuable asset. Great care should be taken in selecting and protecting a suitable business name. You should not begin using a business name until you are certain that it is available for use. It is helpful to check telephone, business or trade directories, and other sources for business names that are confusingly similar. Ultimately, a business should rely upon the advice of its legal counsel before adopting a business name.

2. How do I reserve a business name?

   Name reservation is not required by Secretary of State, it just provides the ability to reserve a particular name or multiple names, so that name will be available when you are ready to officially file your Business Entity Formation documents.

3. How do I choose a business structure?

   One of the first decisions a new business owner faces is choosing a structure for the business. Businesses range in size and complexity, from a self-employed plumber to a large corporation, and can be organized in a variety of ways.

4. How do I form a partnership, corporation, or limited liability company?

   The following provides you the ability to file your business entity formation documents online.

5. Where can I file my business tax registration?

   The following allows you to file your initial business tax registration online.