Calling all Entrepreneurs! I need some advice

[shootingstar]

I'm interested in starting my own business, but I'm totally freaked out about going into BIG debt to get it going.

How did you get over this?

I think I have a really good idea and have talked with some important people in my life who agree with me. I think my parents might be interested in investing in me which makes things a little easier, but they are approaching retirement age and I don't want to put any monetary pressure on them...

I need some advice!!!

Have you tested your product/service on others? Or you have several years of expertise in a certain area? Or if you don't, could you team up with a biz partner or mentor?

Does it require you to invest money heavily in equipment, lease, etc.? Can you work from home with this biz venture?

Might be useful to write down at least a business plan for yourself which would include in 1-2 sentences your product/service purpose. Your target customers, main biz goals that you would like to achieve. Does your state offer some govn't programs/services to advise on setting up your own biz?

Do you belong to any trade/professional associations to build network of contacts, keep up on the industry? etc.

Let us know when you start up your biz blog. You can show us.

My partner's biz which is linked in the blog below (under ABOUT page), well I've witnessed up close what is required.

That's great you have thought of your parents' need for retirement finances. It's brutal reality, when costs of elder care come up later.
You sound excited about your idea.