Starting a successful business takes dedication, concentration, and a fair amount of courage. It also requires a commitment to completing the necessary steps that build a great business. If you’re wondering how to start a business, follow these initial steps to give yourself a stable foundation for the future.

Research and refine

Before you make any moves to start your business, hop online and do some research about the industry. Learn what companies already exist in your field and if anyone is already offering a version of your business idea. By knowing what current brand leaders are doing, you can find ways to make it better or deliver the same services for a lower price. This small amount of research can help you refine your business plan and give your blossoming business a strong “why” from which you can build.

Outline a business plan

That business plan is the blueprint that will guide your company through its start-up phase and into an established business. Without a business plan, it is all too easy for a new company to run into costly mistakes that they could have easily avoided. The exact type of business plan you need depends on your type of business and its needs. If you will be looking for financial support from a financial institution or investors, you will need a traditionally long and thorough business plan to show them. If you aren’t seeking additional support, you can work with a simpler business plan that is made just for your use.

Plan your finances

You don’t need to be a billionaire to start a business, but you do need to make an initial investment. As about 82% of businesses fail because of cash flow problems, you will also need to be sure that you have enough funds to cover the ongoing expenses that come up before you’re able to turn a profit. Prepare for all of these fees by putting together a spreadsheet that estimates the startup costs of your business and what you’ll need to keep it running. From those numbers, you can start constructing plans for obtaining loans and grants to get your business off the ground.

Learning how to start a business certainly isn’t an easy task, but it is possible. With well thought out plans, good tech entrepreneur advice, and trusted partnerships, you can soon realize your dreams of starting a new business.