Break it down into manageable pieces of action or evaluation at a time

Starting a company from scratch can be daunting. Maybe that’s why the idea of being able to “turn the key” and walk into a business that’s already in full operation is so appealing. The new owner instantly gains a name, employees, vendors, customers and income. But buyer – and seller – beware. The sale of a business requires time, research and careful planning, even if professional advisors help with the process.
The TSBDC provides this and other guides for you to use at tsbdc.org/downloads.
Here is what you’ll find:
- p. 4 — Buyers & Sellers: Must dos, and the many facets of a business sale
- p. 5 — Financial Documents, Ratio analysis Business Plan & Financial Statement: Asset Management, Debt Management, Cash Flow Statement, profitability etc…
- p. 10 — Financing & Pricing a Business: Business Quality rating, asset value & interest expense etc.
- p. 12 — Buyers Personal Finances: Personal financial health is an indication of business financial behavior
- p. 13 — Loan Request: 1-2-3 Method for Loan Decisions.
- p. 14 — Purchase, Sale Agreement & Closing
📌 Access the complete guide created by the TN Small Business Development Center here.
How to make your store a showstopper

Visual merchandising (the way you display products) and design (the look of your store) work together to attract shoppers into your retail store, lead them through your displays, attract their attention to specific products, and persuade them to buy.
SCORE provides this and other guides for you to use at https://www.score.org/checklist.
Here is what you will find:
- Store Layout
- Fixtures
- Lighting
- Displays
- Signage
- Interior Design
- Maintenance
📌 Access the complete guide and other resources provided by SCORE, in connection with KIMCO reality, here.
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Move the ideas from your head to an organized clear plan.

This guide shows a step-by-step model showing you how to formulate a Business Plan: a necessity if you wish to start or are buying a business, financing or refinancing your business, or raising debt or equity capital. Enable yourself to move ideas from head to paper in an organized clear, and convincing manner, avoid the most common mistakes, and keep your focus on the key points.
The TSBDC provides this and other guides for you to use at tsbdc.org/downloads.
Here is what you will find:
- p. 6 — The Executive Summary: Contents of your business plan in about one or two pages.
- p. 8 — Business Description: Owners, Goals, industry and more…
- p. 10 — Managers and Employees: Function, employment gaps, wages and more
- p. 11 — Operations & Location: How will your business operate? How is location important?
- p. 12 — Marketing: Five Ps of marketing.
- p. 16 — Buying a Business: Questions that need answered, a checklist.
- p. 17 — Buying a Franchise: Buyer awareness, and the disclosure document. Do you know how many franchises are in your businesses area?
- p. 18 — Loan Request: How much? Repayment? Collateral? Timeline? Etc..
- p. 19 — Financial Statements: General info, Personal finances, Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow
- p. 28 — Ratios/Formulas: Profit Margin on Sales, Equity etc.
📌Access the full guide here.
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The 6 Ps: plan, product, price, promotion, place and performance …

Smart, targeted, relentless marketing is often the difference between a business that has reached a plateau and one that has reached its potential. Savvy entrepreneurs who respect the power of marketing think of it as an investment rather than an expense, and devote money, time and energy to their marketing goals.
The TSBDC provides this and other guides for you to use at tsbdc.org/downloads.
Here is what you will find:
- p. 4 — Plan: Without one, your efforts will be scattered 4 and your results not measurable.
- p. 5 — Product: Is there a demand? How will you 5 differentiate yourself from the crowd?
- p. 7 — Price: How much is too much? 7 Are sales high, but profits low?
- p. 8 — Promotion: How will you create awareness? Can 8 effective marketing be exciting, too?
- p. 14 — Place: How will you connect your product 14 or service with your customers?
- p. 15 — Performance: Measuring the effectiveness of your marketing 15 may be challenging. But it’s invaluable
📌 Access the complete guide created by the TN Small Business Development Center here.
Keep your devices, networks & data secure

Learn about tips to keep your business protected from cybersecurity threats. By implementing these cybersecurity awareness practices, small businesses can significantly reduce the risk of cyber threats and create a more secure environment for their operations.
The TN APEX Accelerator provides this and other courses for you to use at https://apex.tennessee.edu/on-demand-webinars#core.
Here is what you will find:
- What Cybersecurity Means for Small Businesses
- Common Threats and How to Spot Them
- Everyday Habits for Stronger Cyber Hygiene
- Protecting Your Devices, Data, and Team
- Free Tools and Resources to Stay Secure
📌 Access the complete course created by the TN APEX Accelerator here.
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Learn how to compellingly answer “What do you do and why should I care?”

A capability statement is a document that outlines an organization’s core competencies, qualifications, and experience. An elevator pitch is a compelling overview of a product, service, idea, or individual, delivered in the time it takes to ride an elevator. The goal is to grab the listener’s attention and communicate the key points in a clear and engaging manner.
The TN APEX Accelerator provides this and other courses for you to use at https://apex.tennessee.edu/on-demand-webinars#core.
Here is what you will find:
- What They Are & Why They Matter
- Key Elements of a Strong Capability Statement
- How to Craft a Memorable Elevator Pitch
- Tips for Customizing to Your Audience
- Tools, Templates & Practice Resources
📌 Access the complete course created by the TN APEX Accelerator here.
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A step-by-step guide to one of the most crucial steps for businessowners in TN
Attendees will learn how to register with Edison, the system you must register with to be a vendor with the State of Tennessee.
The TN APEX Accelerator provides this and other courses for you to use at https://apex.tennessee.edu/on-demand-webinars#core.

Here is what you will find:
- What is Edison
- How to navigate Edison
- Answers to your Edison-related questions
📌 Access the complete course created by the TN APEX Accelerator here.
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Market research helps you find customers for your business. Competitive analysis helps you make your business unique.

Market research blends consumer behavior and economic trends to confirm and improve your business idea.
It’s crucial to understand your consumer base from the outset. Market research lets you reduce risks even while your business is still just a gleam in your eye.
This is part of the “10 steps to start your business” series. SBA provides this and other guides for you to use at https://www.sba.gov/business-guide.
Here is what you will find:
- How to use market research to find customers
- How to use competitive analysis to find a market advantage
- Free small business data and trends
📌 Access the full SBA guide here.
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Cash is the fuel that runs your business
How much money comes into your business and how much goes out is called cash flow. Gaining financial control by understanding cash flow is crucial to your business success. Without proper cash flow, even a thriving business can fail.
The TSBDC provides this and other guides for you to use at tsbdc.org/downloads.

Here is what you will find:
- p. 4 — Trio of Financial Tools: Cash Flow Statement, Income Statement, and Balance Sheet.
- p. 6 — Maximizing Cash Flow: Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable.
- p. 8 — Negative Cash Balance
- p. 9 — Positive Cash Balance
- p. 10 — Key Terms
📌 Access the complete guide created by the TN Small Business Development Center here.
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Getting Started
Explain the first steps or key concepts your readers need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Your first important point
- Another key insight
- One more valuable tip
A simple tool to help you visualize and refine your business

If writing a traditional full business plan seems overwhelming, start with a one-page Business Model Canvas. There are a variety templates and this one, from Strategyzer’s founder Alexander Osterwalder, can help you pull together your business concept ad learn what you still need to figure out. This is a great tool to help talk about your business with an ESO (entrepreneur support organization) near you.
SCORE provides this and other templates for you to use at https://www.score.org/template.
Here is what you will find:
- A template focusing on the different building blocks of any business:
- Value Proposition
- Customer Segments
- Customer Relationships
- Channels
- Key Activities
- Key Resources
- Key Partners
- Cost Structure
- Revenue Streams

📌 Access the template created by SCORE here.
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Start writing your guide content here…
Getting Started
Explain the first steps or key concepts your readers need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Your first important point
- Another key insight
- One more valuable tip