Free, practical guides for people starting and running a small local business: plan, register, get licensed, set prices, get found on Google, collect reviews and get customers. Every guide answers the question first, cites official sources and was checked in October 2026.
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How to use these guides
Start where you are. If you're still deciding on an idea, begin with the start guides: validate the idea, write a one-page plan and count your costs. If you're registered and preparing to open, use the licenses, permits, bank and insurance guides, then the industry playbook for your type of business. If you're open and want more customers, the marketing guides cover Google, reviews and website improvements, and the owner questions section answers 216 common questions in short, sourced answers.
Every guide lists the official sources we checked and the date we checked them. Rules, fees and forms change, so confirm details with the agency or provider before you act. Nothing here is legal, tax or insurance advice.
What's inside
| Section | What you will find |
|---|---|
| Start a business | Ideas, plans, costs, names, structures, registration, EIN, licenses, banking, insurance and timelines |
| Industry playbooks | 23 industries with 12 practical guides each |
| Food truck deep dive | Permits by state and city, commissaries, menus, catering and launch |
| Costs and comparisons | Website, domain, booking and ordering decisions |
| Get found and get customers | Google Business Profile, reviews, service pages and measurement |
| Owner questions answered | 216 questions in 36 short guides |
| Local guides | Florida, Texas, Miami, Orlando, Houston and Dallas |
| Supplier guides | Where to buy, what to ask, no paid listings |
Tell us about your business
A short form. A real person reads it and replies by the contact method you choose.
Common questions
Who writes these guides?
The Cheap Cheap Websites team, using official sources checked on the date shown.
Is this legal or tax advice?
No. Confirm requirements with the agency or a licensed professional.
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