Home Based Businesses

What do Apple Computer, Hershey Chocolate, Mary Kay Cosmetics, and the Ford Motor Company have in common? They all started out as home based businesses. Over half of all U.S. businesses are based out of an owner's home. Starting a home based business has many rewards and challenges. This guide provides resources that will help you learn more about working out of your house, starting a home-based business, and managing your business within the law.

Before You Begin

• Small Business Start-Up Assessment
  Are you ready to start a business? In less than 5 minutes, this assessment tool will help you understand your readiness for starting a small business.
• Can You Live Where You Work ... And Work Where You Live?
  Find out what's like to live and work in the same space, and read about experiences of other home based business owners.
• Home Based Business ... Is it For Me?
  Learn about several factors to consider when starting a home based business.
• Starting a Business in Your Home: Weighing the Pros and Cons
  Consider these factors before you begin a home based business.

Starting a Home-Based Business

• Small and Home Based Business Virtual Resource Library
  Get resources to help you start, run and manage a home based business.
• How to Set Up a Home Based Business
  Checklist of things to do when starting a home based business.
• Business Plan for Home Based Businesses
  Provides a comprehensive approach to developing a business plan for a home based business.
• Zoning Laws for Home Based Businesses
  Learn how your local government's zoning ordinances may affect your home-based business.
• 10 Steps to Starting a Business
  Learn common steps required to start a new business.

Buying a Work-at-Home Franchise

Home based franchises are becoming more common, but buyer beware! Some "work at home" franchise opportunities are schemes to get your money.

Visit the Franchises and Business Opportunities Guide for more information about evaluating and buying into franchises and related work-at-home business opportunities.

Marketing a Home-Based Business

• Home-Based Business - Market Your Product
  Learn how to successfully market your home based business.

Tax Information

• Small Business Self-Employed One-Stop Resource
  Official IRS gateway to tax info for small busines owners.
• Business Expenses and Tax Deductioins
  Learn how to deduct business use of your home on your federal income tax returns.
• Home Based Businesses FAQ
  Answers to frequently asked tax questions.
• Social Security Guide for the Self-Employed
  Information on how to report your earnings.

Greening Your Home Office

• Get Energy Saving Tips and Resources
• Learn about Energy Saving Office Equipment
• Calculator Your Energy Savings
• Learn How to Market and Sell Green Products
• Read about Successful Green Businesses