Often it is the simplest of ideas that can take entrepreneurs off on a ground-breaking adventure. Yet before the idea can take off business leaders must make important investments and commitments of time and money. Starting a business involves thinking, planning, making financial decisions, and meeting legal and regulatory requirements. Use our recommendations to guide you along the process.

Key steps for starting your business:

Are you ready?

• Take this self-assessment from the Small Business Administration

Get local assistance and training:

• LAEDA, Inc.: a non-profit economic development organization dedicated to assisting all emerging entrepreneurs and small business owners to start and grow their businesses in Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, Atlantic and Cumberland counties in New Jersey.
• LAEDA Women's Business Center: providing aspiring and existing women business owners access to necessary resources including quality financial and business education.
• NJSBDC New Jersey Small Business Development Center : free, comprehensive start-up and management counseling & affordable training.  Call 856 225-6221
• Southern NJ Score:  free counseling and mentoring.
• UCEDC:  helps by making loans, training and mentoring business owners, helping businesses obtain government contracts, and providing accurate and relevant business information.
• Burlington County Department of Economic Development and Regional Planning

Write a business plan:

• Business Plans Handbook:  Browse through hundreds of templates & samples from our online eBook library.
• Small Business Reference Center:  Your comprehensive online library for starting and running a business, including basics for entrepreneurs and new owners, hundreds of business videos, guides for every US state and much more.

Register your business:

• NJ Business Registration

Choose a business location:

• Burlington County Department of Economic Development and Regional Planning
• New Jersey Site Selection Assistance

Learn about financing options:

• Burlington County Small Business Loan Program
• New Jersey Business Financing and Incentives
• SBA Financing Resources
• UCEDC

Keep it legal

• New Jersey Licenses & Permits
• SBA’s Business Law (US government compliance)
• US Employment Law (US Department of Labor)
• SBA’s Patent, Trademark, and Copyright

Featured sites:

1. New Jersey Business Action Center: “One-stop” shop for information about starting and running a business in New Jersey. Goal is to help attract, retain and grow businesses in New Jersey.
2. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a government agency committed to providing support services to small businesses across the nation.
3. Burlington County Business Workforce and Development Government and other local resources for businesses in Burlington County