Let's come back from the year 1474 to 2008, a long journey, we (Developing Countries Asia-Pacific Region) have advanced in every field. However, there is more to learn and unlearn, in order to make your start-up a successful venture, to make your share holders pleased with their dividends and of course to boost your balance sheets.

If today is a world of optimizing time and streamline goals; then filing “Patents” is the only solution. There is a lot we can get from filing patents.... probably get some peace of mind, you would know, that you have an important asset to fall back on. These patents can be licensed and cross-licensed to other companies in order to fetch revenue, further licensing of patents to different firms can help you understand that bit, which start-ups have always be ignoring. You get to know the current market trend; you understand different strategies that your start-up needs to implement in order to survive and thrive. All you need to do is to understand the importance of “patents” a techno-legal document.

I am sure; the budget part is what causes hiccups for a start-ups. Shelling out $5,000 to 10,000 isn't an easy goal. Well, attract VCs with your patentable ideas and there will be no end to funds, this is a fact. Moreover, “everything under the sun is patent able” Source - Anonymous.

In order to file patents all we need to know is “how to unlearn” things we have learnt, “how to unfold” what we know and “how to see” what others cannot see. This is all that you, as an “entrepreneur” need to know.

More on Patent Intelligence to come soon.

In order to get the most out of your SBA experience, it is best to approach them with a rough draft of your business idea. Do not expect them to write a business plan for you but if you need help in writing your first draft look to the Small Business Administration's website for help and educational courses on how to start. 

Once you have a business outline, no matter how rough, contact them and they will provide a mentor to assist you in setting up your business and in getting an SBA Loan Grant. The SBA also offers an additional mentorship program, which will match you up with a retired businessperson to help during the startup phase of your business. This is a great program for those people who are starting a business for the first time.

In addition to the SBA, you can find mentors by networking local business organizations, reading industry magazines, and working with your local chamber of commerce.

The Global Resource Network for Business and SCORE are both cost free websites which offer help and resources on a national and state level for small businesses. Both also offer sources for finding a mentor in your state.

Creating a new business is hard work; it takes time, money, and effort to succeed. Increase your chances of success by using the free services of the SBA, by networking with other business organizations, and by finding a mentor. When going out to start your business take these words of wisdom from a great business mentor, Jack Welch, “Good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion.” Become a business leader today and remember to mentor someone else in the future.