Before starting your business 

You want to start your own business, but have you done your homework? Think about what kind of a business you want, and whether you want to partner with someone. Will you buy an existing business, or build one from the ground up? Do you have a sound business idea and data to back it up? Doing proper research and planning will help you get ready to take the plunge.

• Is entrepreneurship for you?

  Find out if you are suited to become an entrepreneur and learn about the benefits of being your own boss.

• Developing your ideas

  Make sure you can turn your idea into a profitable business model.

• Business planning

  Find out how to write a business plan, and access templates, sample business plans, market research information and statistics.

• Market research and statistics

  Learn more about market research, how to conduct it and where to find free information and statistics to support your market research project.

• Buy a business or start your own?

  If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you may want to investigate the pros and cons of buying an existing business versus starting one from scratch.

• Corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship?

  Find out which type of business structure is right for your business: incorporation, a partnership, a sole proprietorships or a cooperative.