The Business Startup Model is intended as a guide focusing on significant issues that all entrepreneurs must consider when creating a viable business. The Model, designed as a series of individual "steps" within broader-themed "stages," may be used one of two ways:

A la carte: Selectively consult information within the Model when you need it. Simply use the seven Stages displayed on every page's navigation curve (below, page bottom) as chapter headings to locate the guidance required.
 
Linear fashion: Take the steps in order, one by one, through the seven Stages. We recommend this process for first-time entrepreneurs, as it takes the process through a logical progression, each step building on the last. Begin with the first step in Stage One, read the base Concept and the more detailed information in What You Need to Know, then continue with the further research or action items suggested by the Related Resource links. Only when you have answered the Critical Questions to your satisfaction (and, preferably, the satisfaction of a consulting influence, such as the Central Ohio Small Business Development Center, at (614) 225-6910) should you proceed to the next step and subsequent Model Stages. This is a comprehensive process involving careful thought and action and may require many months of research and consulting, so use your browser's Bookmark function to keep track of the Stage and Step you are on.

A note on site navigation: Selecting one of the Stages from the site navigation curve on every page (below) will always take you to the first Step within that Stage. For example, selecting the Strategies stage—the second point on the nav curve—will link to Step 5, Set Marketing Strategies. From each Step, you'll be able to navigate to any other Step within that Stage.
 
If you're proceeding linearly, let's begin at Step One.