Where to start?

Business ownership is fun, it is also serious...er business.

How do you know if you're ready?

Here's a few tests that might help you figure it out

Forbes - Want to Be an Entrepreneur - Take the Test
Entrepreneur - Do you have what it takes to be an Entrepreneur - Take the Quiz
Quint Careers - Entrepreneurial Assessment

Every successful business or entrepreneurial idea starts with a plan. Business planning is essential to increase your chances of success.

What is the best type of business planning to pursue?

The type of business planning you choose to do is largely dictated by the type of business you are planning to create. Here's a few resources to get you thinking about the business planning process. The most important thing is to GET STARTED. Business planning properly done can help you vet a business idea and see if it makes sense and will be successful in theory. 

Here are a few resources and approaches that may help you in the process

Technori -Why  ALMOST Every Start Up Needs a Business Plan
Entrepreneur - Business Plans - A Step by Step Guide
The One Page Business Plan template (a good initial starting point)
The Small Business Administration - How to Write a Business Plan (good for more in depth knowledge)

So you've decided you WANT to be an Entrepreneur/Business Owner. Great! 

How do you get started in Maryland?
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Here's a few resources that might be helpful

Maryland Department of Commerce - How to start a Business in Maryland?
The Maryland Department of Licensing and Commerce - The SDAT Checklist for New Businesses