START A BUSINESS

A promising idea is a strong start, but building a business requires more than an idea. You need to understand the problem you will solve, who your customers are, why they will choose you, how you will reach them, and what you must complete before you launch. Our free Business Startup Assessment helps you evaluate your readiness, identify potential gaps, and determine practical next steps.

Answer 18 practical questions to evaluate your readiness across six important areas. After completing the assessment, you will receive:

• An overall startup readiness score
• Scores across six readiness areas
• Identification of your strongest area
• The area that may need the most attention
• Practical recommendations for what to address next

There is no cost or obligation, and the assessment takes only a few minutes.

PURPOSE AND PERSONAL READINESS

Clarify why you want to start a business and whether you have the commitment, capacity, and support needed to move forward.

BUSINESS IDEA AND CUSTOMER NEED

Evaluate the problem your business will solve, the customers who need the solution, and the evidence of potential demand.

OFFER AND COMPETITIVE POSITION

Define what you will offer, the value it provides, and why customers may choose your business. 

MARKETING AND SALES

Determine how you will reach prospective customers, communicate your value, and convert opportunities into sales.

FINANCIAL READINESS

Consider startup costs, pricing, break-even needs, available funding, and your ability to support yourself while the business becomes established.

LAUNCH AND OPERATIONS

Review the legal, administrative, operational, delivery, and launch preparations needed to begin serving customers.

The assessment cannot predict whether a business will succeed. It can help you recognize important questions, uncover gaps, and make better-informed decisions before investing significant time or money.

The Start a Business pathway is designed for:

• People considering entrepreneurship
• Professionals turning their experience into a business
• Second-career or second-act founders
• People developing a side business
• Early-stage founders preparing to launch

If your business already has customers and consistent revenue, the Grow a Business pathway may be more appropriate.

Identify where you are prepared, where gaps may exist, and what deserves your attention next.