Starting a Business

Business Center

Business Plan Templates - Quickly search through a catalog of high quality business plan templates for businesses across various industries. Templates are available for download. TIP: Enter business keywords in 'Search within series' search bar for instant browsing.
(PDF format/338K)

City of Fort Collins Multicultural Business & Entrepreneur Center - The Multicultural Business & Entrepreneur Center (MBEC) is a free bilingual (English & Spanish) center that provides business owners and entrepreneurs startup assistance and resource expertise related to city permit and licensing questions. Contact the business & nonprofit librarian for more information.

Colorado Business Guide - Online Handbook - A comprehensive, up-to-date tool for starting a business in Colorado. Topics you will find include business entry options, legal structure, registration, taxes, creating a business plan and more. Navigate the publication and find live links to other relevant websites embedded within each topic area.

Colorado State University Venture Validator - The Venture Validator Program is free, and open to all aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to test the viability of a new business idea. Upcoming cohort dates and registration details on their website.

Doing Business in Fort Collins - For Fort Collins-based businesses - find the New Business Roadmap PDF guide with information for brick-and mortar, general and home-based businesses.

Larimer Small Business Development Center - Sign up for free specialized business consulting services with consultants of various expertise areas. Schedule a personalized consultation or register for online trainings, browse upcoming events and find additional informational resources - all on their website.

Small Business Legal Guides - Browse the highly-valued and accessible NOLO Online Legal Reference books. NOLO guides cover legal topics around starting a business, choosing business structures, buying/selling a business, business accounting, sales, marketing and more. Access from home with your library card.

US Small Business Administration Resource Guide 2024 Edition - This guide provides a ten-step guide with detailed information on how to start your business as well as embedded links for finding local resources across the US. You will also find information on financing options and government contracting.