How to Start a Business in Michigan [With CDROM]

Preface vii Part One Setting Up Your Business 1(164) Initial Business Considerations 3(16) The Entrepreneurial Archetype Some Serious Self-Evaluation Your Experience and Motivation Methods of Getting into Business Research, Research, Research Successfully Marketing Your Product or Service 19(17) Public Relations or Marketing First? Define Your Key Audiences Build a Public Relations Strategy How to Market Your Positive Image Your Smart Business Plan 36(42) Get Help Before You Begin Essential Components of a Smart Plan Sample Business Plan Obtaining the Financing You Need 78(15) Some Factors a Lender Will Consider Basic Types of Funding Lending Sources Essential Finance and Accounting Methods 93(16) Types of Accounting Systems Financial Accounting Management Accounting Accounting Documentation Effective Human Resources Management 109(24) Hiring Alternatives to Hiring Employees Your Company's Policies and Procedures Employee Orientation Monitoring Your Employees' Performance Your Disciplinary Action Policy Benefits Packages Insurance Matters 133(14) What Is Risk Assessment? Types of Insurance When You Have Employees Workers' Compensation Insurance Shopping for Coverage Setting up Your Office 147(18) Managing Your Incoming Mail Avoiding the Telephone Traffic Jam The Home-Based Office Personal Information Managers Select the Best Location Part Two Operating in Michigan 165(90) Your Business Structure 167(18) Five Factors Sole Proprietorship General Partnership Limited Partnership Corporation General (C) Corporation S Corporation Foreign Corporation Professional Corporation Not-for-Profit Corporation Handling Corporate Formalities Limited Liability Company (LLC) Limited Liability Partnership Legal Form Checklist Business Start-up Details 185(14) Naming Your Business One-Stop Center State Licenses Local County and City Permits Registering to Pay Taxes Start-up Details Checklist Your Duties As an Employer 199(25) Fair Employment Practices Reporting Wages Anti-Discrimination Laws Independent Contractors Withholding Taxes Safety and Health Regulations Environmental Regulations Employer Duties Checklist Sources of Business Assistance 224(13) Federal Resources State Resources Private Sources of Help Welcome to Michigan 237(18) Get to Know the Demographics of Michigan Incentives for Doing Business in Michigan Lifestyle Research and Development, Financing, and Support Services Appendix A Forms You'll Need to Get Started 255(30) Appendix B Federal Agency Contacts 285(6) Appendix C State and Private Agency Contacts 291(6) Appendix D State Loan Programs 297(8) Index 305