Being your own boss starts with the decision to make the big leap.
If you’ve found us here, you’ve already taken that crucial first step. Congratulations! Now you’re ready to learn how to start a business from scratch. But where do you begin?
Whether you already have a brilliant product idea or you’re just looking to build a future on your own terms, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through starting a business from pre-launch marketing to first sale.
Browse hundreds of business ideas. Explore helpful tools to manage your day to day when opening an online store. And bookmark this guide as a reference to return to as you build.
Let’s get started.
How to start a business in 11 steps
It all begins with an idea. To narrow in on that idea, it’s important to know what kind of business and lifestyle you want to have. Are you looking to sell existing products as a low-lift side gig? Do you want to go all in on an invention that will change the world? Or is your social media audience the perfect place to launch your personal brand’s merch? Try fleshing out your idea to see how engaged you are with the idea. You can use a free business plan template to help you.
If you’re stuck, start with our big lists of low investment, small business ideas, online business ideas, and popular business opportunities to get inspired. Next you’ll decide how to bring that new business idea to life: make, manufacture, or resell?
Million Dollar Ideas Start Here
Learn how to build an online business from the ground up with Shopify's new free course, First Day to First Sale. You'll develop a winning product, build a brand, launch a marketing strategy, and more.
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You may decide to make a product with your own hands or develop one in partnership with a manufacturer, print-on-demand company, or private label partner.
🦘Want to sell something that’s ready to go? Jump to: Selling an existing product