Entrepreneurship is the processes leading to any new venture creation. A new venture is a response to a new business opportunity, for example, the creation of a new company to exploit business opportunities in an emergent market.

Be sure to check the Industry Information and Marketing & Advertising tabs on this guide for more information on those aspects of Entrepreneurship.

A business plan should include these six elements:

• Executive Summary
• Description of the Company and Mission Statement
• Goals and Objectives
• Description of the Product/Service
• Human Resources
• Industry and Market Analysis

The Small Business Administration - provides sample business plans and step-by-step guides for developing and writing a comprehensive business plan.

Entrepreneur.com - provides a similar resource page that answers a variety of question about entrepreneurship and business plans.

PACE - Program for Acquiring Competence in Fourth Edition Entrepreneurship provides the tools you need in order to develop a concrete strategy for planning and operating your business.

Writing a business plan - This streaming video, produced by Inc., features how to write a business plan.

The Lucy Scribner Library also carries many helpful books on the subject of creating a business plan: search the library catalog using the keywords: <business plans>

• The US Small Business Administration is the "voice of small business on Capitol Hill".
• The American Association of Franchisees & Dealers is a non-profit association that provides information and support for home-based business operations.
• Better Business Bureau collects and reports information to help prospective buyers make informed decisions dealing with both businesses and charitable organizations.
• The National Federation of Independent Business is the largest advocacy organization representing small and independent businesses in Washington D.C. and all 50 state capitals.

Many sources provide funds to help kick start entrepreneurs and start-up companies.

Start-up businesses may require federal, state and local permits. A list of industries that require federal permits can be found on the U.S. Small Business Administration website. The website's Pemit Me! tool can be determine state and local permit requirements.

• More information about New York State Permits can be found on the New York State Online Permit Assistance and Licensing website. This website allows you to choose a business type and search permits required for that specific business.
• Search the Saratoga Springs City Government website for information on local permits.

The Small Business Survival Index ranks policy environment for entrepreneurship across the nation.

For access to the most recent report (2014), click here.

Use these databases to acquire information about business competitors.

What is Form D? The Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulation D provides an exemption from the SEC registration requirement for the issuance of "private placements," meaning the issuance of "limited offerings" or securities. Regulation D also exempts these companies from issuing a prospectus. Companies qualify if they plan to raise under $1 million in a 12-month period or plan to seek funding under $5 million. Investors must be "accredited by meeting specific net work requirements. The number of investors is limited to 35.

For more information, see: CFR Title 17 Sec 230.504, CFR Title 12 Sec 230.506, SEC Rule 503

Access Form D here.

Search Form Ds of existing startup companies here.

Valuation is "the process of determining the worth, or value of an asset or business... Investment bankers determine a valuation on a company using standard industry comparisons." --Webster's New World Finance and Investment Dictionary

Both the above book and ValuationResources.com are excellent sources for information on valuation.