Many people at one time or another dream of owning their own business. In especially unpredictable economic times, record numbers of people, either by choice or necessity, decide to use their skills and knowledge to start up their own businesses. This practical volume addresses all the major aspects of establishing and managing a small business, including choosing a business, how to legally structure your business, financing, recruiting employees, small business insurance, keeping business records, marketing your business, and more. All the major aspects of establishing and managing a small business are covered here, including choosing a business, how to legally structure your business, financing, recruiting employees, small business insurance, keeping business records, marketing your business, and more. Useful appendices provide statistical detail on growth industries, practical forms including a sample business plan, employment agreement, application for a business loan, and lists of contact information, including a directory of State Departments of Labor and much more. The Legal Almanac series consists of over 75 handy guides for the lay person on all aspects of the law. Each volume includes an overview of the topic followed by chapters on the major issues in that subject. Each volume contains an Appendix containing several primary source documents as well as practical forms and checklists. A Glossary defines any technical terms used in the text.