Your business dream starts with a great idea. Make sure that it solves a problem for your future customers, and that you can articulate what that pain point is.

Show where you’re starting from, where you want to go, and how you’ll get there. Include what you will sell and to whom, how you will finance your business, and how you will grow.

Will you operate as a sole proprietors, partnership, or LLC?  You’ll need to register your business, obtain the appropriate licenses, and secure the right insurance.

Will you finance your business with a loan, from savings, or by bootstrapping? Don’t forget other funding sources like grants and crowdsourcing. Set yourself up for financial success with the right tools to track your income and expenses.

The Small Business Administration, America’s SBDC and even the IRS have a wealth of information on their websites. Learn from the Hiscox Side Hustle to Small Business podcast, which features entrepreneurs who’ve turned their side gigs into full-time businesses.