Business Plan
CREATING YOUR BUSINESS PLAN
Your Business Startup Check List: Make sure you keep it up to date it is your progress towards being ready to start your own business.
Business Name Generator: generate a short, brandable business name using artificial intelligence https://namelix.com/
Get a Virtual Business Address: Here are some resources for you to review.
NOTE: This is not a recommendation just a resource for you to look at. Thanks to Camille for the suggestion.
Truic Business Plan Generator
Sign up for a free account here
Create a robust business plan to help navigate the early years of your business. This business plan generator will walk you through topics like marketing and financial projections so that your business is prepared to succeed in all areas. In conjunction with an AI (Artificial Intelligence) Business Writing Tool, this is an easy, pain free way to get started writing your business plan.
U.S. Small Business Administration Business Plans
Your business plan is the foundation of your business. Learn how to write a business plan quickly and efficiently with a business plan template.
There’s no right or wrong way to write a business plan. What’s important is that your plan meets your needs. Business plans fall into one of two common categories: traditional or lean startup.
Traditional business plans are more common, use a standard structure, and encourage you to go into detail in each section. They tend to require more work upfront and can be dozens of pages long.
You can use the SBA Business Plan Resources here...
THE LEGALITIES
Fictitous Business Name
In California, business entities such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, and LLCs (limited liability companies) are allowed to operate under a fictitious name, also known as a "doing business as" (DBA) name or a fictitious business name (FBN).
A DBA or FBN allows these business entities to operate under a name that is different from their registered name. The name chosen for the business can be creative and does not typically include the individual owner's surname. For example...
“Joyce Smith Catering” is not a Fictitious Business Name
“Smith’s Sweet Deli Catering” is a Fictitious Business Name.
In Marin County, the fee is $42.00 for filing a fictitious business name statement for one owner and business name, plus $7.00 for each additional owner or business name.
You can search for an existing name here...
New requests may be filed online by filling out the Fictitious Business Name Application. You may also obtain a form for filing a fictitious business name at the County Clerk's Office. To receive a form by mail, please send your request with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Marin County Clerk, ATTN: FBN, PO Box C, San Rafael, CA 94913. In order to complete your application, you must go to the County Clerk’s Office, even if you began your application online or through the mail. Read more here...
Forbes Mazazine - The Best Online Legal Services:
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/best-online-legal-services/
Most businesses need a lawyer at some point, particularly when they’re just starting out. Hiring an independent business attorney to handle all your legal needs can be cost-prohibitive, especially for those launching a new company on a budget. The good news is that many business legal matters, including business formation, can be handled via trustworthy online legal service providers.
CalGold Permit Assistance
To start a business, you may need to obtain a business license from the city where you plan to operate your business. Not all cities require a business license, so you will need to check with the city or county to find out their requirements.
You can use an online tool called CalGOLD to find the contact information for each city and to see the basic permitting requirements that apply to all businesses. To use CalGOLD, select the location and business type to find out the permitting and registration requirements from local, state, and federal jurisdictions. If your industry is not listed, you can use the "General Business Information" option for the business type. Read more here...
Resources for taxpayers who file Form 1040 or 1040-SR, Schedules C, E, F or Form 2106, as well as small businesses with assets under $10 million.
United States Patent & Trademark Office
Learn about types of intellectual property (IP) and how to protect your idea or product. https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/inventors-entrepreneurs-resources