Finding the right small business to meet your individual strengths, needs, and goals has two components.

• What kind of business should you start? Many people who want to start a small business have a pretty good idea of what type of business they want to own. But some only have a general idea, while others don't have any idea at all.
• Should you buy an existing business rather than build from the ground up? A business or franchise that's already operating can save time and, sometimes, money.