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Small Business Development Services

Starting a Business Toolkit

Getting started in business is an exciting event in one’s life, a transformation from consumer to supplier. It's an opportunity to create, produce and provide a Servicese or product for the community.

Before you begin to embark on this journey, we recommend certain steps to improve your chance of success and to determine if your idea is feasible. It will guide you in thinking about whether owning your own business is right for you, and if so, in completing the necessary steps to be taken in order to ensure that informed decisions could be made.

For more assistance, please contact the Small Business Development Team to guide  you with the following tasks: 

Self-Assessment

A careful analysis of yourself is the first step to be considered. Do you have what it takes? Have you identified your available skills? Do you know your strength and weakness?

• Have you define your business vision?

• Have you identified available skills, information and support?

• Do you have what it takes?

• Have you reviewed available personal financial resources?
     Personal Financial Statement Download

• Have you checked your credit?
     Request A Free Credit Report

Define the Business Opportunity

Is there a demand for your product or Servicese? Who are your customers? Define your competitive advantages, determine your market niches, and evaluate potential risks and rewards. It also helps you to confirm your decision to proceed.

• Have you defined the market?

• Who are your customers?

• Have you identified competition?

• Have you defined your competitive advantages?

• Have you determined your market niche?

• Have you evaluated potential risks and rewards?

• Have you confirmed your decision to proceed?

To help define your business opportunities, please download market analysis forms.

Write the Business Plan

A well thought out and constructed plan is crucial to starting business. A business plan precisely defines your business startup expenses and ongoing cash requirement. It is a road map that describes weakness and strength as well as the vision and opportunity. It also determines the financing you will need and how you will get it.

Business Plan Development Resources: Download a Business Plan Template (Adobe PDF File) Online Business Course How to Write a Business Plan Business Owner's Tool Kit CT-Clic - Registering & Licensing Your Business In Connecticut IRS- Online Application - Form SS-4, Employer Identification Number (EIN) City of Hartford Licensing and Permits (Contact Staff)