Starting a small business can be a complex, stressful process.  The homework that I have done so far has been limited to talking to other businesspeople and seeking out potential mentors.  However, there are plenty of other resources available at your fingertips.  A May 2, 2007, Article in the New York Times, “Small Business 101: How to Get Started” by Barbara Whitaker, provides some good advice for the budding entrepreneur.  A sobering statistic: a new business only has a 50-50 percent chance of surviving 5 years.   So, how do you start a successful new business?  Whitaker has simple advice from the experts: education, careful planning and adequate cash flow.  She recommends checking out the following websites for advice on operations, business plans, start-up costs, and understanding of your particular industry:

• www.sba.gov (Small Business Administration )
• www.work.com (how-to segments on issues facing small businesses)
• www.e-venturing.com (topics ranging from finance/accounting to humand resources and operations)
• www.startupNation.com (video segments and entrepreneur forums)
• www.bplans.com (has over 100 sample business plans).

Whitaker also recommends going to the Census Bureau and Fedstats for business plan information on demographics, income, and economic indicators in the area where you plan to open your business.  The overall advice: plan, plan, plan in order to maximize your chances that your business will succeed.