According to 2017 data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), companies with fewer than 10 employees make up 70 to 95 percent of all global businesses.
Whether you have an inventive product that will help others or want to pursue a tried-and-true business idea, starting a small business is a dream for many. You could have the opportunity to create your own job, build a business and put others to work.
Being successful can take more than a strong desire or work ethic, although those are important. Having a clear understanding of the steps involved in opening, financing, running and marketing a company could help you determine if you’re ready to be a business owner, and whether your idea could be a success.
Is Starting a Business Right for You?
Learn what it takes to start a business: the important first steps and the keys to success that can distinguish profitable businesses. Learn more
Creating a Business Plan
Learn how to turn your idea into a business plan. Your plan will be a roadmap for your business's future and a tool you can use to raise money. Learn more
Creating a Business
Registering or incorporating your business with the government can make your company more official. More importantly, it can offer you tax benefits and legal protections. Learn more
Financial Basics
Understanding business budgeting, saving and financing is critical if you want to run a successful company. Learn more
Put your business skills to the test. Whether you’re just learning the basics or want to polish up on a wealth of knowledge, we’ll direct you to expert resources based on your results. Get ready to take your skills — and business — to the next level.
Having an idea is usually the first step of starting a business. Once you’ve settled on an idea and have considered the risks, you can move forward with practical next steps like getting funding and creating a business plan.
Having an idea is usually the first step of starting a business. Once you’ve settled on an idea and have considered the risks, you can move forward with practical next steps like getting funding and creating a business plan.
The overall purpose of a business plan is to create a roadmap for your business. It helps you communicate basics about your business, where you want your company to go and why your idea has the potential to succeed.
The overall purpose of a business plan is to create a roadmap for your business. It helps you communicate basics about your business, where you want your company to go and why your idea has the potential to succeed.
The first step of saving funds for your business is to create a budget and stick to it. This plan will help you outline areas where may need to spend less; then you can begin to research the best type of account for you.
The first step of saving funds for your business is to create a budget and stick to it. This plan will help you outline areas where may need to spend less; then you can begin to research the best type of account for you.
When it comes to budgeting, fixed expenses stay the same from month to month. Some examples of fixed expenses are rent, salaries and insurance.
When it comes to budgeting, fixed expenses stay the same from month to month. Some examples of fixed expenses are rent, salaries and insurance.
Self-funding, loans and investors are all ways to raise money for a new business. An important part of starting a business is determining which option, or combination of options, is best for you.
Self-funding, loans and investors are all ways to raise money for a new business. An important part of starting a business is determining which option, or combination of options, is best for you.
Your Score
You really know your business basics. Check out these resources to help take your mastery, and your venture, even further.
You have a good foundation of business knowledge. Check out these resources to learn more tips and skills that will help seal your success.
There are many details to manage as a new small business owner. Start with these resources to master the basics and get on the road to success.
5Questions
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Turning an idea into a business is no simple task, but the risks you take to become a business owner can be personally and financially rewarding.
Short page description: For business owners, managing your finances clearly and precisely offers many benefits. Mastering financial basics like…
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This site provides general information related to creating and running a business. The content of this site is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal, financial or tax advice or opinions. The contents of this site, and the viewing of the information on this site, should not be construed as, and should not be relied upon for, legal or tax advice in any particular circumstance or fact situation. No action should be taken in reliance on the information contained on this site, and Visa Inc. disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law. You should contact a solicitor to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal or tax issue or problem, including those relating to your current or potential business.