Start a Business Center

Looking to start a business? Get the tools, information and products you need to take on your small business journey with confidence.

Improve your ability to interact with and meet the needs of customers

Tax basics for small businesses

As you launch your business, you’ll develop plans for hiring, marketing and making your first sale — but taxes, often overlooked by new entrepreneurs, are equally important to consider. By not immediately tending to them, you can potentially get yourself in trouble. Plan for business taxes from day one to ensure accuracy and reduce the risk of tax penalties down the line.

What is a point of sale system and how to choose one for your small business

The point of sale (POS) is where your customers pay for goods or services, but today’s POS systems are far more than just a modern cash register. Nowadays a POS system includes hardware, software and support that allows it to function as a central data hub.

Know the rules before hiring your first employee

The decision to hire a full-time employee can be exhilarating or nerve-wracking. Or both.

Running a business

Cash flow management basics for small businesses

Managing cash flow — how much money is going out the door versus how much is coming in — is essential for every business. It’s especially important for small businesses, which often operate on a very lean budget.

Payroll service options for your small business

If your business has employees, you'll need a system to handle payroll, either in-house or externally.

How to research benefit options for your employees

If you’re a business owner with even a small workforce, providing benefits beyond a salary is key to attracting desirable employees while remaining competitive. If you don’t offer benefits, be certain other employers will.

Building a more resilient business

If there was one overriding lesson for small business owners over the past few years, it was to prepare for the unexpected. Staying ready to weather economic disruption and take advantage of new opportunities is not only the key to survival but also a way to help your business thrive.

Growing a business

Financing options for small businesses

Whether you run an established small business or are just starting out, you may need outside funding to pursue new opportunities or endure a period of uncertainty. The type of financing that best suits your company will depend on how much you need and whether that need is short- or long-term.

Guide: Growing a business

The skills and tools needed at the growth phase are different from the ones you learned in the startup phase. We created this guide to provide the essential information to help you take that next step in growing your business.

Factors that impact loan decisions (and how to increase your approval odds)

As your business grows, you may want to pursue opportunities that require more funds than you have on hand. If you are considering applying for financing to close the gap, it is important to understand what lenders look for when evaluating a loan application.

How to do market research for your business

Market research is a valuable tool that helps small business owners make decisions about new products, emerging customer needs or new markets to enter.