AAAmaury Abreu

Free self paced program

Do you want to start a business?

We show you what people in your state need, we walk you through each step of setting up your business, and we connect you with money when you are ready. It is free and you go at your own speed.

Yes, start step 1 now

New here? Step 1 is typing your name and email. It takes about a minute.

Coming back? Pick up where you left off.

Or look at business ideas in your state first

  1. 01

    Join the program

    One email, no cost, no application. Save your place so you can pick up where you left off.

  2. 02

    Business opportunities

    See government data on where demand looks strong for a state and a set of industries.

  3. 03

    Idea to entity

    A plain language walk through validating an idea, forming an LLC, and setting up bookkeeping.

  4. 04

    Next step

    When you are ready, connect with Amaury about financing or growth support.

Step 1: Join the program

There is no set schedule. Work through it whenever you have time.

There is no admission decision and nothing to complete on a schedule. Joining just saves your place, so if you come back on a different device your progress is still here.

Business opportunities

What the data says about your state.

Every signal below is computed from U.S. Census Bureau and USAspending.gov data, cited with its source and period. This is a starting point for research, not investment, legal, or tax advice.

Loading signals...

Idea to entity

The basics of forming and running a business.

This is general education, not legal, tax, or investment advice, and requirements vary by state. Confirm details with your state's filing office, the IRS, or a licensed professional before you rely on them.

  1. 01

    Check the idea against the data

    Compare what you want to build against the business opportunities for your state. A gap in the data is a reason to look closer, not a guarantee, talk to real potential customers before you spend money.

  2. 02

    Choose a business structure

    A sole proprietorship is the default if you do it nothing, simplest to start but offers no separation between your personal and business liability. An LLC (limited liability company) separates your personal assets from business debts and is the most common choice for a new small business. A corporation adds more formality and is usually built for outside investors.

  3. 03

    Form your LLC

    Every state has its own filing process and fee, usually through the Secretary of State's office, along with naming a registered agent. A registered agent is a person or company that accepts official legal mail for your business. The U.S. Small Business Administration keeps a state by state guide with the right link for each state.

    SBA: Register your business
  4. 04

    Get an EIN from the IRS

    An Employer Identification Number is free directly from the IRS and takes a few minutes online. Never pay a third party site for something the IRS gives you for free.

    IRS: Apply for an EIN online
  5. 05

    Check the name

    Before you commit to a name, do a quick search to see if it conflicts with an existing trademark. This is a manual check, not legal clearance, a trademark attorney can give you a real opinion if the name matters to your brand. A trademark is a name or logo that the law lets only one business use for its kind of products.

    USPTO: Trademark Search
  6. 06

    Open a business bank account and start bookkeeping

    Keep business money separate from personal money from day one, it is the single most common bookkeeping mistake new owners make. Track every dollar in and out, and bring in a bookkeeper or accountant once the volume outgrows a spreadsheet.

    Wave: Free accounting software

Next step

When you are ready, bring the plan to Amaury.

Amaury Abreu is a business and commercial real estate loan broker, not a CDFI or a direct lender. He places loans through a network of lending partners and connects entrepreneurs to his team's website, marketing, and automation support. Referral partners earn a share of the broker fee on financing they refer.

CDFI:
a community lender, certified by the U.S. Treasury, that serves people and places banks often miss.
Broker fee:
the payment a broker earns for finding and setting up a loan for you.
Discuss financing Explore growth servicesComing back? Pick up where you left off.
  • No cost to use the incubator
  • No obligation to work with Amaury
  • Bring your own numbers, this is not financial advice