Starting out

[Dobick]

I have put on my flame retardant suit, and thickened up the skin...

I have a few specific questions concerning the advice that I found

http://www.texasonline.com/guide/index.jsp

more specifically

STEP 1: Choose a Business Structure - Learn about the seven primary business categories and select the one most appropriate to your endeavor

In reading one of the threads back when Coby was still a member here, he seemed to advocate at least starting as a sole proprietor along with some pretty strong arguments as to why.

Does anyone know of local places/resources that offer free advice on how to determine what business structure to choose?

I appreciate the direction that you can provide

[CFord]

Start with your local SBA office. Great resource and they can offer help with filings and other start up issues.

http://www.sba.gov/localresources/district/tx/

[jgrindal]

Originally Posted by CFord

Start with your local SBA office. Great resource and they can offer help with filings and other start up issues.

http://www.sba.gov/localresources/district/tx/

Seconded. The SBA is a great resource not only for resources like this, but also how to attain a small-business loan, hiring people, etc.

[Dobick]

Originally Posted by CFord

Start with your local SBA office. Great resource and they can offer help with filings and other start up issues.

http://www.sba.gov/localresources/district/tx/

Thank you,

Do you know if I need to have a formal business plan prior to meeting with them?

I am nervous as hell about getting it right.

[CFord]

If you don't already have one they can help you develop one as well as review one you bring in. You pay taxes to Uncle Sam. You might as well get as much as you can out the services he offers. I would also recommend speaking with a local attornery and a cpa as you will probably be using their services. The PPA is another excellent resources targeted specifically towards photographers but I don't know how local they are to you.

[Dobick]

Thank you very much for the rapid responses.