Available courses are identified by topic. You can learn about the specific courses by clicking, “About these Courses.” In general, the courses are all self-paced and should take about 30 minutes to complete. Most of the courses require a brief online registration.

Visit this helpful resource:

http://www.sba.gov/services/training/onlinecourses/index.html

Many factors must be considered when choosing the best form of business ownership or structure. The choice you make can have an impact on multiple aspects of your business, including taxes, liability, ownership succession, and others.

* Forms Of Ownership

The pros and cons of different types of ownership, including sole proprietorship, partnering, corporations, and limited liability companies.

* Basic Structures

Brief descriptions of common business ownership structures.

* Special Structures

Some structures are only available in some states.

* Business Structures

If one of your employees causes an accident, can an injured person sue you and take your house, car, or savings account? Are you paying more taxes than you should on your business income? These are important questions that many small business owners ignore, yet the answers depend on the business' legal structure.

For mor information, visit: http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/start/chooseastructure/index.html

Business insurance is frequently a necessity, not an option. As a business owner, you will have many choices, some far better than others. Becoming an educated business consumer about insurance will pay big dividends.

* Insurance
Find the type of insurance that fits your business.
* Insurance FAQs
Answers commonly asked about insurance; includes worker's compensation and surety bonds.

For more information, visit: http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/manage/getinsurance/index.html

There is more to naming your business than just coming up with something that sounds good and you happen to like. Thought must be given to state and local requirements and making sure you don’t infringe upon the rights of someone else’s business name.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is a great resource for naming your business:

http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/start/nameyourbusiness/index.html