Before starting a business, you should examine your idea and your resources carefully.
- Why do you want to start a business?
- Is there a demand for the product or service you plan to offer?
- Are you a risk-taker who is ready and able to commit a lot of time and money to a business?
- Do you have a “support system” of people you can turn to for advice and help?
Free personalized counseling is available for potential entrepreneurs from a variety of sources, including the GTCC Small Business Center, SCORE, and THRIVE High Point (see the Contacts tab for contact information).
Take a quiz created by SCORE to assess your Entrepreneur Readiness.
If you intend to apply for financial support, check your personal creditworthiness by requesting a free credit report, either online at www.annualcreditreport.com, or by calling 877.322.8228. You can also download a request form from www.annualcreditreport.com/manualRequestForm.action, print it out, and mail it to Annual Credit Report Request Service, PO Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.