Tips and Resources for Starting a Business

Rows of lightbulbs with dollar signs. Representing tips and ideas to help you start a business.

Kody Wirth

6 min. read

Updated April 30, 2024

Your startup journey will be different from every entrepreneur. Sure, you’ll follow the same big steps to get up and running but that’s where the similarities end.

The ideas, customer interactions, big wins, and hair-pulling challenges will all be unique. But that doesn’t mean you’re on your own.

While your business journey is your own, there are many seasoned entrepreneurs who have come before you to learn from.

That’s what you’ll find in this guide. A selection of resources curated by experienced business owners, covering:

Finding work-life balance as an entrepreneur
Setting your new business up to grow
Starting your business in unique scenarios
Additional tools and resources to help you start

If you’re just starting out and need additional guidance, check out our complete startup guide for detailed steps. Otherwise, jump in and start learning!

How to find work-life balance

How to be a business owner and have a life

It’s a busy life as a business owner—but that doesn’t mean you should accept feeling constantly overwhelmed. Here’s how to find balance and actually have a life.

How to manage the stress of starting your own business

Throughout your career as an entrepreneur, you’re going to need to prioritize healthy stress management. By tackling that part of your well-being, you’re increasing the chances of being able to thrive under pressure.…

How to prepare for startup postpartum

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How to find the right business mentor

Some of the most common advice for new entrepreneurs is to “find a mentor.” It’s understandable—after all, it’s good advice; having a mentor relationship is often a dream come true. A mentor…

How to make your business successful

Are you starting a business? You’ll need more than a good idea. Check out these expert-driven tips for starting a business to improve your chances of success.

Common reasons businesses fail and how to avoid them

Just half of new businesses survive for the first five years and only one-third of new businesses are able to survive for 10 years. Understanding reasons your small business could fail will help you avoid them.

Possible pain points when starting a business

Owning your own small business can be hugely rewarding, but there are inherent challenges that you’ll have to face. Here’s how to navigate them successfully.

How to reduce risk when starting a business

I understand that many of you are in startup mode or still contemplating whether to embark on the risky business of becoming an entrepreneur. My goal for the next few years is to encourage waverers to start their own bus…

How to keep your new business on track

You’re up and running, but there are some key aspects of your business to keep in mind as you move through your first few years in business, in order to lock down your long-term success.

How to start a business with no money

Is it possible to start a business with no money? Check out this proven process to get your business off the ground without spending a dime.

How to start a business from scratch

It is possible to start a business from scratch; in fact, most businesses do. Learn what it means to bootstrap your business and go from an idea to first sale.

How to start a business while employed

“I quit!” Don’t those two magic words sound like music to your ears if you have been dreaming of starting a company? You bet. But for anyone considering quitting their job to start their own company, th…

How to start a new business after bankruptcy

All set to start a business after bankruptcy? Here’s how you can rebuild your credit, plan for the future, and start a new business.

How to start a business during a recession

Starting a business during an economic crisis seems risky, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are 8 tips to successfully start your business in a recession.

How to start a business when you’re drowning in debt

If you feel like debt is taking over your life, you need only take a look at household debt statistics from the New York Federal Reserve to see that you’re not alone. Student loan debt stands at more than…

Pros and cons of starting with friends

You’re going into business with your best friend—what could go wrong? Take note of the pros and cons and how to protect the business and your friendship.

Tips for mothers to start a business

Starting a business can be an exciting and sometimes intimidating prospect, especially when you’re a mom. As you navigate the world of being a business owner and juggling the demands of home and family, here are a few …

Is it too late to start a business?

I’m almost 29, is it too late to start a business or to build a startup? It’s Monday again and you’re back at your desk at work, wondering why you still haven’t started your own business; why you&…

Lessons to learn before starting a second business

So you launched your first business and found success. Now you’re ready to start another. Just be sure you consider 4 things before you do.

Essential resources to help start your business

These are the tools that we know, love, and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend—many of them we use ourselves. Use them to propel your startup into success and growth.

Best free online business tools

As we head toward the new year, you’re likely thinking about setting goals and getting things organized. To help you prep, I’ve collated a list of tools—for both web and mobile devices—that have h…

Essential books to read when starting a business

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How SBDC’s can help your small business

Starting a new small business? Looking for some professional consulting to help you think through your business plan or your strategies for growth? Your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) can help. Here are t…

What these experts wish they knew before starting a business

While it’s generally good to be forward thinking and avoid dwelling on the past, most of us have made a few key, crucial mistakes that we’d reverse if we could. The same is true for small business owners. In …

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Kody Wirth

Kody Wirth is a content writer and SEO specialist for Palo Alto Software—the creator's of Bplans and LivePlan. He has 3+ years experience covering small business topics and runs a part-time content writing service in his spare time.

Tips and Resources for Starting a Business

How to find work-life balance

How to be a business owner and have a life