Starting a small business that fills a need can be a good idea even in times of economic recession. However, knowing how to start a small business the right way is important. If you're interested in starting your own business, collecting relevant information from many different sources can help you learn how to start a small business.

A good place to begin is at federal government websites created for people in a country who are interested in starting a small business. These types of websites are often extremely helpful as they usually include both necessary information on how to start a small business and links to licensing regulations and other legal information all in one place. For example, for those in the United States, the American government website business.gov has a comprehensive selection of learning materials and information about starting a small business. The site lists the steps needed to become a small business owner and organizes information about licenses and laws by state. Many countries have government website information available about how to start a small business in that particular country.

Disabled people and minorities who want to start a new business may be eligible for grants and/or participation in learning programs about starting a small business and these opportunities are often listed on government websites. Some banks and corporations sponsor free workshops for everyone on how to start a small business. For instance, the Bank of America's Small Business Resource Center website features online workshops that cover how to find your target customer, how to create a business plan, how to price and market your product or service and how to analyze your competition. Understanding competitors is an important consideration when starting a small business, since a new business in the same field must have a unique selling proposition (USP) that sets it apart and appeals to a target audience that will buy its products or services.

Many colleges and universities have courses that teach people how to start a small business. These classes can provide a lot of feedback on your small business idea as you can connect with instructors as well as other aspiring small business owners. Job clubs and business networking organizations in your community can also provide good information about starting a small business. Libraries and book stores have many books written especially for new entrepreneurs who want to know how to start a small business and run it successfully.