A step-by-step guide to finding government contracts and going for them.

Brian Hall, Westerville, Ohio
I’m a veteran and a minority small-business owner. How do I get more information on bidding for government contracts?

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Keith, Minooka, Ill.
I want to start a new business with a partner. Should I use my existing LLC or start a new one?

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The government can help you get cash with the SBA’s 7(a) program, but banks still hold the purse strings.

Chris Holm, LUK Industries, Chandler, Ariz.
I run an Internet retail store that has been in business for just over a year. The business is running in the black, so I want to move some of our start-up costs to a fixed-rate loan. Is an SBA 7(a) loan the right choice for us? Read more…

Orlen Bates Jr., Zanesville, Ohio
We purchased a home with five acres of land. I plan to grow fruits and nuts, and I want to start the business off as an LLC.  I will sell wholesale only. What risks are there selling to just one or two local stores?

I also see big startup costs, and I want to use cash only as I build the farm. Do we loan the money to the LLC? How long can I have write-offs before the IRS thinks I am not a real business? Read more…

Ask FSB’s experts offer advice for a wine importer starting up a new line.

I. Safdie, Miami, Fla.
I introduced a South American wine to the person in charge of importing food to his Caribbean island. He has a sample of the wine, and agrees that it’s good. I have no capital of my own, so am unable to import the product to the U.S., where I know it would do very well. I did all the research and used my personal contacts and references to get this person an appointment with the winery. This person has now offered me a finder’s fee, should the wine pass the initial compliance inspections necessary for his country, after which he will offer it for sale there. How do I validate this, and what do I charge as the finder’s fee? And if I looked into importing it myself into the U.S., what are the first steps I should take? Read more…

Ron Billiter, Milford, Ohio
I understand that setting up your corporation in Nevada can save thousands of dollars in state taxes and is a much better corporate shield. Is this true? If so, why doesn’t everyone do this? Read more…

An Indian textile business checks with Ask FSB’s experts for advice on international expansion.

Abhiram, New York City
I have a handloom and textile business in India and I would like to start an import/export business in New York City this year. Can you suggest a good book on how to get started and be profitable? I want to start with the least burden. I want insight into the problems, and also I’d like to read real-time scenarios. Read more…

Craig Hampton, Verdugo City, Calif.
I developed an award-winning product that has buyers lined up. Due to a lack of funding, I have to put our company and patent up for sale. It took 12 years and all my savings to bring this to market. I do not want to sell. Do you have any advice? Read more…

DH, Wauna, Wash.
Instead of going through all the hassles of starting a new corporation (S-Corp, LLC, etc.) what is the recommendation for pursuing a dormant corporation? If I were able to verify that the current status of said company is in good standing, then what would be the recommendation? Read more…

Anonymous, Goldsboro, N.C.
I have been trying to get a government grant and everywhere I look is mostly a scam. Do you have any info on government grants? Read more…