Sample Forms:

Financial Reports:
Cash Flow Worksheet
My Financial Plan V6
WRDF Cashflow-Use
Capital Sources & Uses Worksheet
ABC Company Startup Projection Financials
RCI - Sample Profit & Loss
RCI Sample Cash Flow
RCI - Sample Balance Sheet 

Sample Legal Agreements (for legal advice please consult an Attorney, these are only samples):
Partner Agreement - Short version
Partner Agreement - Medium version
Partner Agreement - Long version

Templates/samples:
My Business Plan
TLF Client Interview and Service Form

Other useful tools:
RCI - Glossary
Business calculators - http://www.dinkytown.net/business.html

Floral operations with industry standards, etc. http://www.safnow.org

Native Arts & Crafts http://www.madeontherez.com/

Business planning, financial statements, etc. http://sba.gov/

Census Data

To search for demographic data, start with the US Census Bureau. Here you will find detailed data on private population demographics, and a variety of business statistics such as, how many and what type of business are located in a particular community area.
Link: quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/index.html

What is OSHA? - Work place safety

The U.S. Department of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency that oversees workplace safety. All employers are required to provide a safe and healthy workplace and are subject to safety and health inspections by OSHA without prior notice. Employers with more than ten (10) employees are required to maintain a record of injuries on the OSHA 200 form, which must be made available for inspection for a period of five years. For more information about workplace safety and OSHA requirements, contact the South Dakota Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration at 303-844-1600, 1999 Broadway, Suite 1690, P.O. Box 46550, Denver, Colorado 80201-6550. For OSHA's web site goto www.osha.gov, which provides specific links to a variety of regulations and compliance information.

Do I need special insurance for my business?

It is wise for any business to possess a general business insurance policy, which includes liability and other standard coverage. Your place of business, if you own it, should be insured; and if you rent, you still should possess your own coverage. Don't rely on the landlord's insurance.

If you have one or more employees, you are required to have worker's compensation insurance. Depending on your industry -- for example, food service requires product liability insurance -- you may need additional types of insurance. If you already have insurance coverage, begin investigating coverage options and requirements with your present agent. Obtaining quotes from several agencies is also recommended, being sure to compare both coverage recommendations AND price.

The State of South Dakota Department of Insurance, protects consumers by administering and enforcing the insurance laws and in the most responsive and cost effective manner to ensure the financial reliability and responsibility of all regulated entities. Contact and other agency information may be viewed at www.state.sd.us/dcr/insurance/.

Do I need to register the name of my business? If so, how do I go about it?

If you are doing business under any name but your own, you are required to register with the Secretary of State. This requirement enables people to identify who is operating a particular business. For information on how to register your name, visit the Secretary of State's website at www.sots.state.ct.us, for an index of forms. You can also call 605-773-3537. The South Dakota Secretary of State's office is located at Capitol Building, 500 East Capitol Avenue Ste 204 - Pierre, SD 57501-5070.

What is a Tax I.D. Number? Do I need one?

A Business tax I.D., also referred to as a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), is issued by the Internal Revenue Service for the purpose of identifying employers. If you have employees, you will need an EIN. EIN's are not issued by the State. Many small businesses obtain a tax I.D. for use in purchasing merchandise and supplies at wholesale prices.

Here is more information about obtaining an EIN, or you can refer to IRS publication: Starting a Business & Keeping Records, (page 3).

There are several methods to easily obtain an EIN, you may either apply by mail or phone using Form SS-4, or you may be eligible to apply online.

The IRS provides online access to most IRS forms, including forms and publications for small business. You may also call your local IRS office (refer to your phone book) or contact your CPA or tax preparer's office.

Do I need a license to operate my business?

Obtaining a license to operate a business depends on the type of business as well as the location of the business. To learn if your business requires a license, visit the local town hall to learn what the requirements are. The State also requires that certain occupations and businesses be licensed. For more information visit www.state.sd.us/dcr/boards/boardhom.htm.

Small Business Environmental Resources
South Dakota Department of Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 E Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501
phone: 605-773-3151
fax: 605-773-6035
http://www.state.sd.us/denr/denr.html

Works to manage the state's diverse natural resources for a sustainable quality of life.
Contact: Steven M. Pirner, P.E., Secretary

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA)
999-18th St. Suite 300
Denver, CO 80202-2466
phone: 303-312-6312
toll-free: 800-227-8917
http://www.epa.gov