Startup resources to help you get started

For some entrepreneurs knowing how to get started as a business owner is one of the toughest phases. There are so many things to consider that it can be overwhelming. Fortunately there are a lot of startup resources available, for free, that can help you make sense of what to do next. As always, you should check with your own professional resources before you use some of these startup resources. Particularly those that are legal document templates.

Startup Resource #1 — The Business Model Canvas

I’ve talked before about the importance of completing a Business Model Canvas (BMC). If you need a copy of the template you can find it on Strategyzer’s website.

A BMC is important because if forces you to condense your thoughts on some key questions that you should be asking yourself before you launch your solution out into the marketplace. That includes things such as how you will market your product or service, what distribution channels you will use, how your revenue model looks, and more.

I do feel like there are some key questions missing from the BMC. Particularly questions that you should be asking even earlier in your business planning process. So, I created the SouthFound Startup Business Model Planner to help you think through the even higher level questions. Such as what your mission is for your startup.

Startup Resource #2 — Thank you Mr. Blank

Steve Blank is an experienced startup founder and advisor. I first learned about the “Steve Blank documents” back in 2010 when I was creating GoGrabLunch.

His website lists more startup resource links than I can digest for you. So, my suggestion is that you head there yourself and browse through the information yourself. Suffice it to say that you can find resources ranging from market research to funding.

Startup Resource #3 — Y-Combinators SAFE agreement

Y-Combinator is one of the most popular accelerators in the U.S. Not only are the great resource if you are looking to apply to their programs, but they also piloted the concept of the Simply Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) agreement. This topic is so popular, that up until last week my video on SAFE agreements was my most watched video on Youtube.

In short, a SAFE agreement is similar to a convertible note and can be used to raise early venture capital funding. It is often used before a true valuation of your startup can be established.

If you think your startup will need capital in the early stages but you aren’t sure what type of agreement to use then you might want to consider the SAFE. Y-Combinator has posted the document for use here.

One note — Just because it is free doesn’t mean such an agreement is always right for entrepreneurs. I recommend talking to your attorney before using the SAFE agreement.

The Final Startup Resource — StartBiz.com’s templates

Much like Y-Combinator and others, StartupBiz.com has posted a variety of free startup resource templates that can be downloaded for free. They range from legal entity formation documents such as by-Laws, NDAs, joint venture agreements (which can be a great way to fund a startup’s growth), and more.

As I said earlier, be cautious with any resource that you can download for free. Since they are templates they are designed to work for generic situations. You should always have an attorney review any document you plan to execute.

In the queue

In the next article I’m going to share with you some of my favorite startup podcasts to try.