How to Start a Business in New York by Entrepreneur Press

Preface     vii
Setting Up Your Business     1
Initial Business Considerations     3
The Entrepreneurial Archetype
Some Serious Self-Evaluation
Your Experience and Motivation
Methods of Getting into Business
Research, Research, Research
Successfully Marketing Your Product or Service     19
Public Relations or Marketing First?
Define Your Key Audiences
Build a Public Relations Strategy
How to Market Your Positive Image
Your Smart Business Plan     36
Get Help Before You Begin
Essential Components of a Smart Plan
Sample Business Plan
Obtaining the Financing You Need     78
Some Factors a Lender Will Consider
Basic Types of Funding
Lending Sources
Essential Finance and Accounting Methods     93
Types of Accounting Systems
Financial Accounting
Management Accounting
Accounting Documentation
Effective Human Resources Management     109
Hiring
Alternatives to Hiring Employees
Your Company's Policies and Procedures
Employee Orientation
Monitoring Your Employees' Performance
Your Disciplinary Action Policy
Benefits Packages
Insurance Matters     133
What Is Risk Assessment?
Types of Insurance
When You Have Employees
Workers' Compensation Insurance
Shopping for Coverage
Setting up Your Office     147
Managing Your Incoming Mail
Avoiding the Telephone Traffic Jam
The Home-Based Office
Personal Information Managers
Selectthe Best Location
Operating in New York     165
Your Business Structure     167
Five Factors
Sole Proprietorship
General Partnership
Limited Partnership
Corporation
General (C) Corporation
S Corporation
Foreign Corporation
Close Corporation
Professional Corporation
Not-for-Profit Corporation
Handling Corporate Formalities
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Limited Liability Partnership
Legal Form Checklist
Business Start-up Details     188
Naming Your Business
One-Stop Center
State Licenses
Local County and City Permits
Registering to Pay Taxes
Start-up Details Checklist
Your Duties As an Employer     202
Fair Employment Practices
Anti-Discrimination Laws
Independent Contractors
Withholding Taxes
Safety and Health Regulations
Environmental Regulations
Employer Duties Checklist
Sources of Business Assistance     227
Federal Resources
State Resources
Private Sources of Help
Welcome to New York     239
Get to Know the Demographics of New York
Incentives for Doing Business in New York
Research and Development, Financing, and Support Services
Lifestyle
Forms You'll Need to Get Started     253
Federal Agency Contacts     283
State and Private Agency Contacts     291
State Loan Programs     299
Index     305