Starting a Business

From idea to legal entity to first employee — the complete startup journey.

Your learning path

Business plan, legal structure, licensing, funding options, and the first 90 days checklist.

Tax implications, self-employment tax savings, pass-through taxation, and when to elect S Corp status.

Who needs an EIN, how to apply for free from the IRS, when it is required, and the difference between EIN and SSN for business.

Executive summary, market analysis, financial projections, and what investors and lenders actually look for.

Common deductions, quarterly estimated taxes, home office, vehicle expenses, retirement contributions, and audit triggers.

General liability, professional liability, workers comp, property insurance, and cyber liability explained.

Path complete!

After finishing all 6 guides, you'll have a strong foundation in starting a business. Ready to go deeper? Ask Dave anything.

Get answers tailored to your situation from Dave and 4 other expert advisors.