https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mistystutsmanfox_most-entrepreneurship-programs-werent-built-activity-7397619766972030976-10k3?utm_medium=ios_app&rcm=ACoAAAg0mroBRYkD8ga1pTyi1tdRq_TDPWZ7p9w&utm_source=social_share_send&utm_campaign=copy_link

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: Enjoyable read or audible book. Funny and sets perspective in life. How to Win Friends and Influence People: Classic and great to teach about communication with people. Nail it Then Scale it: Great business book for nailing the business model then scaling. Buy Then Build: Is a good book if you are looking to purchase an existing business. Crossing the Chasm: Tech based but can be for a company hitting flat sales after a successful launch. The 4-Hour Work Week: Are you looking to escape your W-2 job and start an owner absentee model? (I have more but these were my favorites this year)

I want to start a business but I I don't know how to start. I need some help

Post here and tell us about yourself and your business. It is okay if you are just in the idea stage. We have people on the platform who can mentor you. Ex: Hi, I'm __________, my business/idea is/does __________________. My outside interests are ___________. Here is mine: "Hi, my name is David, I'm retired Army. I've launched 8 businesses over the last 21 years in hospitality, logistics, residential/commercial real estate, and business consulting. I've got 4 kids and love anything outdoors like hiking or riding my dirt bike. My favorite sports are hockey and football. If you know anybody wanting to sell a self-storage facility, I'd love to speak to them." How-to Videos about this group platform: (Part 1) Watch an intro video here to learn more about the platform and how to navigate the Community Chat and Classrooms. https://www.loom.com/share/4957d0310f47456887688e986181eb28?sid=86b33f7c-8e65-421e-8344-2ce2cf5004be (Part 2) Continued learning about how to message people, search for content/people, leveling up, and how to use the map. https://www.loom.com/share/901cc344870f43bfa847d525813c877a?sid=16eb8553-b174-4796-9491-2c8b965dfcaa (Part 3) https://youtu.be/jFhwhsJ4l0o Learn more about the VBOC (Veterans Business Outreach Center) and how we help veteran entrepreneurs start and grow their companies. Veterans Business Outreach Centers: Public Service Announcement

As I’ve been developing my small business, finishing my business plan, acquiring equipment, and securing insurance. I’ve discovered there are a number of additional requirements I hadn’t anticipated. To become an approved subcontractor for major firms like Suffolk, Gilbane, and Turner, you’ll need to prepare the following items alongside your other start‑up tasks. I’m gathering and organizing these now while I await my SAM.gov certification. Just wanted to share what I have found for the group. Pre‑Qualification Document Checklist 1. W‑9 (or local tax‑form equivalent)– Completed IRS Form W‑9 (or country‑specific equivalent) certifying our tax status. 2. Underrepresented Business Enterprise (UBE) Certification– State of Massachusetts UBE certificate (VBE category) and any related DBE documentation. 3. Safety Rating Verification– Experience Modification Rate (EMR) letter or equivalent (WorkSafe BC, WISB, etc.). 4. Historical Safety Data– Three years of OSHA‑recordable incident logs or EMR history summary. 5. Safety Program– Written safety manual, policies, training records, and toolbox‑talk examples. 6. Current Financial Statement– CPA‑prepared balance sheet & income statement (most recent fiscal year). 7. ESG Program (if available)– Overview of environmental, social and governance policies and initiatives. 8. Published Environmental Targets (if available)– Any publicly‑stated goals (e.g., emissions, waste reduction, recycling rates). 9. Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Statement (if available)– Company policy or statement on preventing forced labor and trafficking. 10. Business Ethics Policy (if available)– Code of conduct, anti‑corruption and gift‑policy documents. 11. Banking Information– Letter from our bank verifying an unused line of credit (amount & date). 12. Surety Information– Letter from our surety provider detailing single‑project and aggregate bond limits. 13. Insurance Information– Sample certificate of insurance plus Additional Insured endorsement forms.