Are you ready to venture into business? Operating a small business is not just about working for yourself, it's also about having the necessary management skills, industry expertise, technical skills, finance and of course a long-term vision to grow and succeed.

At the outset it's important to consider whether you really understand what's involved and whether you're suited to business and self employment. Examine these issues:

• reasons for getting into business
• your goals and skills
• income your business will need to generate
• advantages and disadvantages of establishing your own business.