What is a corporation? -- Why should I incorporate? -- Profit vs. non-profit corporations -- Choosing which business entity is best for you -- Sole proprietorship -- General partnership -- Limited partnership -- Limited liability company -- C-corporations -- S-corporations -- Comparison of business entities -- Incorporating -- Checklist for incorporating -- Choose a corporate name -- Choose a business structure/type of corporation -- Choose the state in which you will incorporate -- Prepare and file key documents for incorporating -- Request Federal Employer Identification Number (IRS form SS-4) -- If necessary, prepare shareholders' agreement -- Organizational meeting -- Open a bank account -- If S-corporation is formed, File Form 2553 -- Organize corporate records -- You're ready to operate your corporation -- Running your corporation -- The role of directors and officers -- The role of bylaws and corporate minutes -- How to run your corporation -- Hold corporate meetings -- Special issues for one-person corporations -- Learning basic accounting and finance -- Financial statements -- Ratio analysis -- Managing your business -- Accounting systems -- Basics of the double-entry system -- Why keep records? -- A business checkbook -- Getting help from an accountant -- Filing taxes -- Accounting year -- Accounting method -- Tax professional -- Forms to file -- Minimizing taxes -- What is deductible? -- Liability -- How to prevent your corporate shield from being pierced -- Alternatives to law suits -- How to find a good lawyer -- Raising capital -- Local, state, and federal money programs for your business -- Funding your business through loans -- Funding your business through venture capital -- Creative alternatives -- Summary -- Managing employees -- Planning for employees -- Where can I look for employees? -- Other hiring considerations -- Offering benefits to your employees -- Health insurance -- 401(k) Retirement plan -- IRA retirement plans -- Fringe benefits -- Exit strategy -- Labor and employment law -- Title VII -- Equal Pay in Employment Act -- Age Discrimination in Employment Act -- Title I and V of the Americans With Disabilities Act -- Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 -- Rights Act of 1991 -- Other laws and acts employers need to be aware of -- Summary -- Appendix -- State specific information -- Articles of incorporation -- Don't be intimidated by your articles of incorporation -- IRS Form SS-4 and instructions form -- IRS Form 2553 and instructions form (S-corporation election) -- Bylaws template -- Minutes of annual meeting of shareholders -- Minutes of annual meeting of board of directors -- Sample business plan.