In a few years time id like to start up in business with my brother. He is at the moment an apprentice carpet fitter. Once he has finished his apprenticeship and had a couple of years experience, we would like to start a Carpet fitting and flooring business. I would do the books,bookings, deal with the suppliers etc. My brother would be out at the jobs. I understand how hard this will be, and might sound like im being naive but I spoke to my brother about it and we are both really keen on the idea. Im 25 at the moment and im currently in a job that would be impossible to do for a serious length of time. Its physically and mentally draining, also when i do decide to have family the job doesnt have the best maternity package so im just trying to think of a future that would be better for me. Ive always wanted to work for myself but have never had the confidence or knowledge to go for it. Can anyone out there tell me where i need to start? I know ill need to do night courses and alot of homework but can someone tell me EVERYTHING ill need to learn, what running a business entails, any tips, anything at all will be appreciated. Thank you.--Answer1:It sounds like a good idea. 1st thing you need is the idea (which you already have) the 2nd thing you need is something that other people want (you have that) and the 3rd thing you need is the balls to go and do it. I have met many people with ambitions like yours but dont do anything about it. Set your self some goals and get some real experience even if you have to work for free or little money.Good luck.--Answer2:The Small Business Administration (SBA), http://www.sba.gov has great free resources and information for people thinking of starting a business. They even have a couple of online classes. You may also want to check out the Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Business, http://www.step-by-step-guides.com which will give you quick bullet points of the basic start up tasks.Good luck!.--Answer3:Youll need to formulate a good business plan combined with an estimated financial forecast for your intended business. All of which should be put to a Small Business Adviser ( Bank/Job Center), they can advise you about applying for a Business Grant based around the new Industries Government Grant) this isnt much but should help you on your way, with rented premises/initial materials etc.Youll need to have all of the above in place prior to setting up your business, you need to find a good and reputable accountant, they will advise by putting you on the right road, to hopeful success.Give yourselves a time limit, on your business, looking during this time at your incoming and outgoing expenditure. It would be a foolhardy move to invest more money than what is actually being ploughed back in, but if your also going to keep a strict eye on the books personally, then you should be able to monitor any long/short term problems/defaults/good return investments.I wish you well, on this new venture, and hope that it works out for you both.Id also like to know where youll be based... so that for my next purchase of carpets I can come to YOU!!!!Good luckCaramac x.--Answer4:If youre in the UK, contact your local Business Link and go on one of their starting in business seminars. Theyre free and take you through all the things that you need to know before starting up.You need a plan of what youre going to do, where youre going to do it, for whom, how much it will cost to set up, what youll charge, what your day to day running costs are and, most importantly, how youre going to attract your customers.Id also recommend that you draw up an agreement between you and your brother about your roles in the business, what each of you puts in, what you take out and how youll resolve any disputes. There is always a point where partners in a business have disagreements and at that point its too late to try to thrash out an agreement. My husband and I have agreements for both our companies.Good luck with your plans!