Apply for your Trademark:
https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/apply
A trademark is a design, word, slogan, symbol or combination of any of those elements that helps consumers identify your products or services from those of the competition. A trademark plays a key role in building brand loyalty and a strong customer base. Therefore, prioritizing trademark protection is just as important for the solo entrepreneur as it is for the enterprise business.
Register your business with Dun and Bradstreet
https://learning.dnb.com/register
Capital Resources
Additional resources
Shopify. Many entrepreneurs don’t have a formal education, they took the leap and made it up along the way. This is why it’s important to build intentional learning into your business practices. Shopify offers free entrepreneur resources, including courses and video resources, you can use to build your skills and knowledge and reach your goals.
Small Business Administration. Get information and resources to help start your small business. You can also find SBA-guaranteed loans.
SCORE. SCORE helps you find a mentor so you can get free counseling and advice, in person or online. Its mentors are successful entrepreneurs looking to help other small businesses owners become stronger and more successful.
Small Business Development Centers. Tap into the expert advisers for free at SBDCs to help you with starting and growing your business. Contact your local SBDC for no-cost business consulting and training.
Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center. Can’t forget about paying taxes! Stay compliant with the IRS with the latest tax news and forms for your business.
FindLaw Small Business Center. Find legal forms, get answers to legal questions, and find small business lawyers on this site.
International Franchise Association. Entrepreneurs don’t always start a business from scratch. The International Franchise Association (IFA) helps you find franchises for sale.
SeedInvest.Find potential investors for your business using SeedInvest. You’ll discover angels who will invest in your business in exchange for equity.
Groups
-
- Shopify Entrepreneurs. Shopify Entrepreneurs is a free Facebook group consisting of over 100,000 Shopify store owners, developers, and service providers. You can find discussions about everything from Shopify app recommendations to marketing and sales questions, as well as tips for improving your Shopify store.
- Entrepreneur’s Organization. The Entrepreneur’s Organization is a global support network with over 14,000 entrepreneurs and leaders. The EO offers mentorship and networking opportunities perfect for new entrepreneurs.
- Vistage. Founded in 1957, Vistage is a mentoring membership program for CEOs and business owners. It has 24,000+ members globally and offers coaching and peer advisory services to entrepreneurs.
- Startup Grind. Startup Grind is a global community built to educate, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs. The group hosts many events that bring over 3.5 million entrepreneurs together to connect, learn, teach, build, and belong.
- Young Entrepreneur Council. This group offers support from vetted entrepreneurs aimed to help overcome challenges and grow your business. While it has tight restrictions to get into the community, it’s a good place to network and find potential business partners.
- International Council for Small Business (ICSB). The ICSB was the first non-profit membership program dedicated to small business growth worldwide. It brings together educators, researchers, and practitioners from around the world to share insights through programs, workshops, training sessions, and more.