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How Would You Start A Business?
Cosine Jeremiah asks: "I'm interested in starting my own business, but I'm not sure where to start concerning legal and tax issues. Sure, I suppose I could go ask a lawyer, but I want to know what to expect before I have to put down any money. And I'm not sure I can trust just any lawyer I accidently end up with to give me the whole truth, such as what all of my options are and all of the pros and cons of each. Should I create a corporation? What kind of corporations are good options? Or should I make the business an at-risk venture? And which special tax forms do I need for each? Right now I don't really know the difference. Surely there are many people out there that have gone through this and can share their experiences, and just as surely there are many more people than me wondering about this stuff?"
Go see an accountant instead. They know the ins and outs probably better than a lawyer will anyway, and will most likely be able to give you a free consultation before you sign them up.
But make no mistake about it - starting a business costs money. There are various ways to get that money (don't even think of VC's right now), such as government initiatives. You local government may also have a small business bureau of some sort - go and speak to them - that's why they are there.
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Check the government section of the phone book for small business support services. There will usually be a department or institution that will give you an information package on the legal and administrative hoops involved.