How to Start Your Business in 10 Steps
The SmallBizWorks Starter Course

Starting a business doesn't have to be overwhelming — when you have a roadmap.

The Small Biz Works Starter is a practical, no-fluff e-book course that walks you through every stage of launching your business, from validating your idea to opening the doors. Written by Paul Zacharias — 15-year small business owner and small business advisor.

Get Started

The Small Biz Works Starter is a $197 self-paced e-book course covering all 10 steps to starting a small business.

Written by Paul Zacharias — 15-year business owner and small business advisor — delivering expert guidance at your own pace.

Covers business validation, LLC formation, licensing, business planning, finance setup, marketing, and launch.

Upgrade to the Launchpad ($497) to add a personal 90-minute strategy session with Paul.

What Are the 10 Steps to Starting a Small Business?

The 10 steps to starting a small business are:

1. Validate your business idea

2. Research your market and competition

3. Choose your business structure — such as an LLC or sole proprietorship

4. Register your business and obtain an EIN

5. Secure the necessary licenses and permits

6. Write a realistic business plan

7. Get your business financed

8. Build your brand and online presence

9. Develop your customer acquisition and marketing strategy

10. Launch and measure your results

The Small Biz Works Starter course breaks down all 10 steps in detail with guidance from an experienced small business owner and advisor.

What You'll Learn in the SmallBizWorks Starter Course

Step 1

Validate Your Business Idea: How to test your concept before investing time and money. Market research basics, customer validation, and identifying your competitive advantage. Will this idea succeed, or is it pie-in-the-sky?

Step 2

Know Your Market: Understanding your target customer, analyzing the competition, and identifying your niche.

Step 3

Choose Your Business Structure: The real differences between an LLC, S-Corp, and sole proprietorship — and how to choose the right one for your situation.

Step 4

Register Your Business: How to register your business, file your LLC, obtain an EIN, and get legally established.

Step 5

Licenses, Permits, and Compliance: What you need before you open — and what could happen if you skip this important step.

Step 6

Write a Simple Business Plan:A functional business plan framework you can actually use — not a 40-page document nobody reads.

Step 7

Get Your Business Financed: Understanding startup funding options — from personal savings and SBA loans to investors, lines of credit, and grant funding.

Step 8

Build Your Brand and Online Presence: Logo, website basics, Google Business Profile, and social media — what actually matters for a new small business.

Step 9

Market Your Business: Low-budget customer acquisition strategies that work for local and online small businesses.

Step 10

Launch and Measure: Your pre-launch checklist, how to set measurable goals, and what to track in your first 90 days.

Do You Need an LLC to
Start a Small Business?

You are not legally required to form an LLC to start a small business, but it is strongly recommended for most entrepreneurs.

An LLC — Limited Liability Company — separates your personal assets from your business liabilities, meaning your personal savings and property are protected if your business faces a lawsuit or debt. An LLC also adds credibility, may offer tax advantages, and is required by many landlords and lenders.

Filing an LLC takes about 20 minutes. Most entrepreneurs put it off for months because they're afraid of making a legal mistake. SmallBizWorks walks you through every step — so you get it right the first time. The Small Biz Works Starter course covers business structure selection in detail. LLC formation is available as an add-on service through Small Biz Works via our partnership with CorpNet, handling business formation in all 50 states.

Is the SmallBizWorks Starter Right for You?

The Starter course is ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs with a business idea who are ready to take action, career-changers exploring business ownership for the first time, and anyone who wants a structured, expert-guided roadmap they can work through independently.

If you want personal guidance alongside the course, the Small Biz Works Launchpad adds a 90-minute one-to-one coaching session with Paul for $497. The session can also be split into two 45-minute sessions.

Ready to Form
Your LLC?

Small Biz Works partners with CorpNet to offer business registration and LLC formation in all 50 states. Once you've completed the course and chosen your business structure, Paul can coordinate the filing on your behalf. LLC formation is priced separately based on your state.

FORM YOUR LLC

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Starter course take to complete?

The Small Biz Works Starter is a self-paced e-book course — you work through it at your own speed. Most entrepreneurs complete it over 1-2 weeks, though you can take more time if needed. There are no deadlines or expiration dates.

What's the difference between the Starter and the Launchpad?

The Starter is the complete 10-step e-book course on its own — ideal for self-directed learners. The Launchpad includes everything in the Starter plus a personal 90-minute strategy session with Paul, where he reviews your specific situation and gives you a personalized action plan.

Is the course available immediately after purchase?

Yes. The Small Biz Works Starter e-book course is delivered digitally and available immediately upon purchase. You can begin working through it the same day you enroll.

Can I upgrade from Starter to Launchpad after purchasing?

Yes. If you start with the Starter and decide you want personal coaching, you can upgrade to the Launchpad. Contact Paul at [email protected] and the Starter purchase price will be credited toward your Launchpad.

About The Author

Written by Paul Zacharias, small business advisor and founder of SmallBizWorks. Paul has 15 years of experience as a small business owner and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs start, plan, and launch through consulting, coaching, and advisory work. Learn more at smallbizworks.co.