Use a free sheets and calculators

No matter how much thought you've given your business, you're bound to forget some start-up item unless you use a comprehensive sheet or workbook. Did you figure in a cost for transportation and installation of fixtures, for example? How about decorating or remodeling the space? Outdoor signage? Ads in the Yellow Pages?

I recommend: The Better Business Bureau, FindLaw for Small Business, BusinessKnow-How and StartupJournal.com have detailed sheets and workbooks to help calculate your costs. Or order this book: "Adams Streetwise Small Business Startup".

Buy specialized software

Programs will walk you through the startup process and send you off with a customized business plan.

I recommend: Palo Alto Software and Clearly Startup can get you started.

Figure the tax implications

You'll need to choose a tax year, a business structure and prepare for employee payroll deductions among other steps.

I recommend: Get advice on how to meet your obligations from the IRS.

Don't forget legal fees

You will likely need the services of a business lawyer who can walk you through the paperwork needed, whether it be incorporation papers, fees, permits, etc. Don't forget to calculate legal fees in your start-up costs.

I recommend: The American Bar Association has a Lawyer Referral and Information Service that can link you to lawyer referral services in each state and Canada. You can also find a lawyer through Martindale-Hubbell.

Include calculations for Web site development

A Web site is a necessity for most businesses. It can give you the air of a long-established business and bring customers to your door. Don't forget to include a calculation for design and development in your start-up costs. Some software packages can help you set up a Web site relatively inexpensively.

I recommend: You can calculate costs for simple web development by researching Yahoo! Web Hosting and Ken Evoy's Siteuild It! System.