Written by Richard Luecke.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 243-245) and index.

Self-diagnosis : do you have the right stuff to start a business? -- Finding and evaluating the opportunity : is it real and large enough? -- Organizing the enterprise : which form is best for you? -- Building a business model and strategy : how they work together -- Writing a business plan : the basics -- Financing the business : where's the money? -- Angels and venture capitalists : for serious outside equity -- Going public : adventures in the capital markets -- Enterprise growth : the challenge to management -- Keeping the entrepreneurial spirit alive : the ultimate challenge of success -- Harvest time : reaping what you've sown -- Appendix A. Understanding financial statements -- Appendix B. Breakeven analysis -- Appendix C. Valuation concepts -- Appendix D. Online help when you need it -- Appendix E. Rule 144.

From the basics of writing a business plan to the challenges of developing a marketing and sales program, this is the essential resource for success with a new venture. Drawing on rich content from Harvard Business School Publishing and other sources, this concise guide is carefully crafted to provide a highly practical resource for readers with all levels of experience, and will prove especially valuable for the new manager.