Startup Roadmap

The Startup Roadmap outlines each step in starting a business with information and resources on the most difficult tasks. It also contains tips for working with your mentor on each topic.
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Each module of the Startup Roadmap contains:

Steps to Success

A series of steps you complete to move on to the next module. Each step contains concrete, actionable tasks to complete, along with information to help you. Some steps include recommended homework; your mentor may recommend additional work.

With Your Mentor

This section provides suggested topics you can discuss with your mentor. This might include questions you can ask or recommendations on what types of mentors might be best to help you with the current topic. 

Resources

Information and resources, including tools, templates, and online workshops, to help you learn more or complete the steps in that module. 

To reach your destination faster, work on the Startup Roadmap with a SCORE mentor.

Like an experienced tour guide, your SCORE mentor can point out things you might otherwise miss, offer insider suggestions and shortcuts, and help you make the most of your journey.

If you dream of business ownership and want clear directions to reach your destination successfully, start the SCORE Startup Roadmap today. And if you work with a SCORE mentor, you don’t have to travel alone.  

The Startup Roadmap includes these 12 modules, but you choose to complete the ones that make sense for your business.

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Starting Your Journey

Congratulations on taking the first step towards starting your business! Even though many steps lie ahead, our Startup Roadmap can guide you along the journey.

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Are You Ready to Start a Business?

In this module, you’ll conduct a thorough self-assessment to confirm that you have what it takes to start a business.

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Defining and Validating Your Idea

In this module of the Startup Roadmap, you’ll define your business idea in more detail.

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Business Plan or Business Model Canvas?

In this module, you’ll create a business plan that maps out a more detailed blueprint for achieving your goal of owning a business.

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Finding Funding

In this module of the Startup Roadmap, you’ll assess your startup capital needs.

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Setting Up Your Business

In this module, you’ll take the first, exciting steps toward making your business plan a reality.

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Accounting, Insurance, and Legal Considerations

In this module of the SCORE Startup Roadmap, you’ll establish your startup’s administrative and operational structure.

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Marketing Your Business

This module of the SCORE Startup Roadmap details how to market your business.
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Pricing, Sales, and Distribution

In this module, you’ll fine-tune your pricing and set up a distribution system for your product or service.

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Setting Up Your Physical Location

In this module of the Startup Roadmap, you’ll learn how to stake your claim on a location for your business.

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Staffing Your Business

In this module, you’ll think through the costs and benefits of hiring workers and if you should hire employees, independent contractors or both.

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Open for Business

In this module of the Startup Roadmap, you’ll prepare for your grand opening and learn important steps to keep your new business running smoothly during its first year of operation.

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