HowStuffWorks Small Business & Real Estate Guide  Tags: businesses economics economy howstuffworks money business marketing advertising real_estate house mortgage investing small_business  

C-corporations, S-corporations, limited liability companies, sole proprietorships, partnerships... These are just a few of the legal structures utilized in the business world, and each one has different legal and financial ramifications.

What does it take to put together a nice and effective e-commerce Web site? Is it a lot of money? Sometimes. Is it a lot of skill? Many times. Is it a lot common sense and lot of patience? Always!

A freelancer in need of creative space? The boss of a new business? Either way, you need of place to put your desk.

Want to be your own boss? Franchising gives you the opportunity to own your own business while skipping some of the more detailed steps. Learn all about franchising and how you can become an owner.

Marketing plans are a must if you want your product or service to reach a broad audience. Learn about positioning, placement, and everything else that goes into a professional marketing plan.

When you're starting a business, capital is the long and short of it. You've got to spend money to make money, but before you can spend it you have to acquire it.

In order to make sure you're on the path to success you need to have all of your business forms and documents in order. Check out our collection of business forms you can use to help get your business in order.

Business ideas require a great deal of planning in order to bring them to life. Do you know what it takes to start a successful business? Learn about business ideas and how to turn a business idea into a working business.

Now that you've decided you want to start your own business, you need to figure out a play of how to cover all of your bases before you take the plunge. A good business plan can help you organize your new business. Find out how to create a business plan.

Venture capital is the first step to setting up a new business. Learn about venture capital and how to acquire it.