When searching online for information to start a business you will find as many different recommendations to get started as you can imagine. Here are a few links to help you along.

This is a checklist that covers the more technical and compliance aspects of starting a business. It is written from the perspective of a federal government department which is good but this list will not help you with your marketing, sales, and making your business more competitive. You will need a business plan for that, I will send you my free ebook on writing a business plan, just send me an email (gregbd@gmail.com) or you check out the workshop writing an effective business plan at Canada One.

Here is some good advice from smallbusiness-start.com Unfortunately, they do not say who the author is nor is there not any type of disclosure as to who they are - so take everything there with a grain of salt. I liked this:

First you must offer something that has a demand. You must also be able to find business despite existing competition.

Second, you must be able to deliver against your promises. You must have the technical know-how, or be able to hire technical persons. You must also arrange delivery procedures.

You must also have marketing know-how, or hire marketers.

Finally, you must have the minimum resources to get by till your business begins to pay. From Small Business Start

• Small Business Event in Calgary, October 18, 19
• In Toronto Oct 19

If you go to any of these events, let me know and share your thoughts on whether it was worth your time and what you learned.