Read when you’ve got time to spare.
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An “aha” moment. A hole in the market. A creative breakthrough. Every business begins with a single idea, but the decisions entrepreneurs make after that are what determines whether that idea becomes a profitable business.
As the content director at Create + Cultivate, I preoccupy myself with how to help people transform their big ideas into businesses that make a positive impact. And in doing so, I spend a lot of time online researching the ins and outs of putting down entrepreneurial roots—and am excited to share some of the most essential resources I've found.
This curated list of articles and guides will help you navigate specific obstacles as you prepare to launch the business that only you can launch. Because whether you want to open an Etsy shop, go freelance, or bootstrap your big idea, it’s an exciting time to strike out on your own and invest in yourself.
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Ali Finney: “Market research is an invaluable skill for any founder. Knowing your audience will help you deliver them the very best product, so channel your inner student and start learning.”
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AF: “It may sound complicated, but putting together a tech stack really just means choosing the platforms that will help your business run day to day. Here, a seasoned business owner shares the four tools that make the biggest impact for her brand.”
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AF: “Jaclyn Johnson, the founder of Create + Cultivate, can help you hone in on exactly how to craft your business pitch—in just four easy steps. Seriously.”
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AF: “Like people, brands have personalities. Make sure yours has a good one right from the start.”
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AF: “You have something great to offer—you just need customers. Discover the meaning of inbound marketing and how to reach buyers by mapping out your channels and tactics.”
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AF: “Posting. Tweeting. TikToking. They’re all part of running a successful venture in 2023. This little guide will keep any new founder from feeling overwhelmed by social media.”
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AF: “Women-founded companies captured 6.9% of U.S. venture capital in 2022—the highest percentage in a decade. However, there’s still work to do. Here, women entrepreneurs offer their best fundraising tips and tricks.”
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AF: “Need money, time, and/or mentorship to make your idea a reality? These accelerator and grant opportunities offer those resources in spades—so start applying.”
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AF: “There’s a general process to follow when starting a business, but most entrepreneurs will agree a standard rule book just doesn't exist. These nine surprising insights will help you skip a bump or two on the road to success.”
Ali Finney is the Senior Content Director at Create & Cultivate, where she oversees the brand’s content strategy across the website, social media, email, and podcast.