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Dear Viewer,

     The Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping businesses grow and succeed. It regularly provides practical information through articles in its monthly Business Link newsletter, through resources on its website, and through small business seminars. Nearly a decade ago, the Region's Chamber published a Business Start-Up Guide, which included a binder of information for the individual wanting to start a business in Prince William County. In 2001, the Consultants & Professional Services Business Council of the Region's Chamber began updating and expanding the Business Start-Up & Growth Guide, publishing it in a web-based format.

     Professionals with expertise in a wide range of fields, including law, accounting, strategic planning, marketing and business management, developed this new generation Business Start-Up & Growth Guide, which offers practical information both to start-up businesses and firms wanting to grow. Through the web-based format of the Business Start-Up & Growth Guide, the Region's Chamber offers the "best of the best." Each topic essential to business success is presented through narrative and/or web links to local, regional and national websites that provide comprehensive information.

     The Business Start-Up & Growth Guide is a compilation of best practices and is not intended to be all inclusive. For legal, financial or professional advice of any kind, please consult with your attorney, accountant or other professional.

BUSINESS START UP & GROWTH GUIDE TASK FORCE
Although there were many who contributed ideas and specific information throughout the development of the Business Start-Up & Growth Guide, the Region's Chamber especially thanks the following for their interest and dedication in seeing this project through to completion.

Check out the Start-Up and Growth Task Force that developed this guide!

     As you proceed, if you are considering starting your own business or have already started one, the Business Start-Up & Growth Guide will provide you with loads of "how-to" and "hands-on" information.

     If you are already a member of the Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce, you already know what a tremendous resource the Chamber is! If you're not yet a member, we welcome you to attend any of our events as a guest and check us out. You will find the Region's Chamber to be a valuable partner as you operate your business with success! As you embark on your journey, we hope our Business Start-Up & Growth Guide makes the road less bumpy!

Best of luck!

Richard Ziegler, Chair
Business Start-Up & Growth Guide Task Force

Select a Guide section:

Section I. Service/Product Strategy
Section II. Marketing
Section III. Sales
Section IV. Business, Professional and Occupational License
Section V. Operations
Section VI. Finances, Business Structures and Taxes
Section VII. Other Resources

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Business Start-Up and Growth Guide Menu:

  Select a Guide Section GUIDE COVER INTRODUCTION ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION ONE: SERVICE/PRODUCT STRATEGY A. Introduction B. Developing Your Product/Service Description C. Developing Your Competive Comparison D. Developing Your Equipment Description E. Developing Your Technology Description F. Developing a "Fulfillment" Description G. Developing a Pricing Strategy H. Developing a Description of Future Products and/or Services I. Sample Business Plans ------------------------------------------------------------- SECTION TWO: MARKETING A. Introduction: What's Marketing? B. Starting Your Marketing Program...Before You Hit the Pavement C. Researching Your Marketing Strategy D. Identifying Your Marketing Strategy E. Develop Your Marketing Plan -- Market Segmentation F. Improving Your "ROI" on Your Marketing Dollars G. Understanding Marketing Tools H. Understanding Market Segmentation I. Marketing to Consumers J. Marketing Through the Prince william Region's Chamber K. Marketing to Local Governments L. Marketing to the Commonwealth of Virginia M. Marketing to the Federal Government N. Writing Proposals O. Creating Your Marketing Materials P. Benefiting from the Small Business Administration Q. Receiving Assistance from Retired Business Executives Additional Reference Websites ------------------------------------------------------------- III. SALES A. Introduction: Sales Plan B. Targeting Customers C. Earning Consumer Satisfaction and Loyalty D. Dividing Sales Responsibilities E. Setting Sales Goals and Measurements F. Forecasting Sales G. Sales and Customer Relationship Managment Software ------------------------------------------------------------- IV. BUSINESS, PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE A. Introduction B. Registering a Trade Name or General Partnership C. Registering a Corporation or Limited Partnership D. Complying with Zoning and Building Requirements E. Application Checklist F. Information for Contractors G. Special Trade Contractor H. Worker's Compensation I. Federal Taxes J. State Sales Taxes K. Food Establishments L. Alcoholic Beverage Importation and Sale M. Peddlers and Itinerent Vendors N. Pawn Shop Owners and Dealers of Special Metals and Gems O. Professional Registration License ------------------------------------------------------------- V. OPERATIONS A. Introduction B. Building Management Team and Staffing C. Choosing a Business Location D. Minimizing Utilities Costs E. Insuring Your Business F. Doing Business on the Internet ------------------------------------------------------------- VI. FINANCIAL A. Preparing a Financial Statement B. Business Structures C. Taxes ------------------------------------------------------------- VII. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES A. Introduction