Would like to open up a teenage grouphome, any advice/Trademark?

In NY of FL. Are there organizations out there that offer to write your business plan and grant proposals? Any info on training would also help.





Also, are trademark and servicemark the same thing?Would like to open up a teenage grouphome, any advice/Trademark?
You've got several issues here; let's tackle them one at a time.





RE: Business Plans





I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal %26amp; Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.





Research, research, research 鈥?this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:





* Writing a Convincing Business Plan by Arthur R. DeThomas Ph.D., Lin Grensing-Pophal


* The Definitive Business Plan: The Fast Track to Intelligent Business Planning for Executives and Entrepreneurs (2nd Edition) by Richard Stutely


* The Complete Book of Business Plans: Simple Steps to Writing a Powerful Business Plan (Small Business Sourcebooks) by Joseph A. Covello


* The One Page Business Plan with CD-ROM by James T., Jr. Horan





There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.





RE: Non-Profit Business





Here are some book titles that are relevant:





* Starting and Running a Non-Profit Made Easy by Entrepreneur Press, David H. Bangs


* Starting and Running a Nonprofit Organization by Joan M. Hummel


* The Nonprofit Handbook: Everything You Need to Know to Start and Run Your Nonprofit Organization by Gary M. Grobman


* Starting %26amp; Building A Nonprofit: A Practical Guide by Peri Pakroo





Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.





There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.





RE: Starting a Business in NY or FL





The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.





I posted links for you in the source box pertaining to starting a business in your state.





Here are some book titles:





* How to Start a Business in Florida by Entrepreneur Press


* How to Start a Business in Florida, 7E by Mark Warda


* How to Start a Business in New York by Paul W. Barnard, Mark Warda


* How to Start a Business in New York by Entrepreneur Press





RE: Trademarks





Trademarks %26amp; Servicemarks are essentially the same thing in that the research process is similar, the application is exactly the same %26amp; the governing agency (USPTO) is the same. The main difference is that trademarks are used for products whereas servicemarks are used for services. A company can have trademarks and servicemarks.





For example, Nike 庐 has trademarks and servicemarks. They have trademarks for the name Nike 庐 and their 'swoosh' design for their clothing %26amp; shoe lines. They also have servicemarks for the name %26amp; logo for their retail stores %26amp; online retail stores.





Hope that helps! I wish you much success %26amp; happiness in all your ventures!