On the money

Starting a small business involves a fair amount of pre-planning. Several good workbooks and guides can help a small-business entrepreneur sort out the start-up process road map:

“The Small Business Start-Up Kit, 4th Edition” by Peri H. Pakroo, Nolo Press, 2006 ($24.99), is a step-by-step legal guide that covers a wide range of topics, from selecting a marketable name to small-business laws, taxes and contracts.

“Steps to Small Business Start-Up, 6th Edition” by Linda Pinson and Jerry Jinnett, Kaplan, 2006 ($22.95), discusses business models, finding the right business and legal considerations.

“Start Your Own Business Workbook” by Gina Marie Mangiamele, Adams Media Corp., 2002 ($9.95), provides worksheets on how to choose a business, marketing and financial planning.

“SBA Loans; A Step-by-Step Guide, 4th Edition” by Patrick D. O’Hara, Wiley & Sons, 2002 ($27.95), covers how to navigate the small-business loan process.