Nine steps for turning your idea into a business

KIM PRESTON

Rural Enterprise Assistance Project director

Center for Rural Affairs

You have a great idea for a new small business. Congratulations! Now, what do you do to turn that idea into a legitimate business? To celebrate National Small Business Week, May 5 to 11, here is a checklist with step-by-step actions to get you started.

1. Choose and register your business name. Check with the secretary of state's office where you plan to set up shop.

2. Decide on a legal structure: Sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, s corporation, etc. You may want to consult with an attorney and accountant r...