Limited resources are a constraint on most businesses, but a start-up company most likely has tighter constraints than an established one. However, there is one resource that is almost unlimited, and that is information. The problem is that much of it isn't helpful for your situation, and it can be difficult to know where to find the right information.
There are so many available resources that it can actually be overwhelming to think about them all. One good place for many people to start is by looking through books on the subject. There are also government agencies with a mandate to help small businesses succeed. Making use of these resources should be your first step. Finding a mentor or hiring a consultant can also be a big help, if you find the right person.
Every year there are many new books published on topics related to starting a small business. Some of them include location specific details showing nuances you should be aware of when you start a small business in that location. An example of this would be a book about how to start a business in the state of New York.
For the entrepreneur with a tight budget, many of these titles are available from the local library or can be borrowed from other libraries in your state through an inter-library loan program. State university libraries can be an even better resource if your state allows residents to access them. If you can't find what you're looking for in a library, or if you want to have the book handy as you go through the process, you may be better off finding a book at a local bookstore or ordering it online.
Not everyone likes to learn from books, and searching to find the right information in the hundreds of titles available can take a considerable amount of time. You may be able to shortcut this by making use of the resources made available by government agencies such as the Small Business Administration (SBA.) The SBA has tons of useful information available at their website (http://sba.gov), and they have a lot of other resources available in their many local field offices.
Through the SBA you can find information about securing financing, possibly even through one of their many programs designed to help businesses. They also offer training on things including how to write a business plan, business management, and marketing. Along with these programs and training, they also hold events in many locations for training and networking.
While finding a mentor won't mean you can skip using the resources above, it can mean that you find what you need faster. You'll also gain the wisdom and experience your mentor has accumulated. Finding the right person is crucial, so you should start out by joining industry organizations or local business groups so that you can meet lots of people who run their own businesses.
Make sure you are clear about what you want, and if you have trouble finding just the right person to be a mentor, you can also look for a referral to a good business consultant. This may only be an option if your business can afford it, but it is definitely something to consider.
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