Prepared to assist American Indians in initiating entrepreneurial activities, this booklet offers practical guidance on starting and operating a business. Section I defines the term "entrepreneurship," and provides a self-evaluation checklist focusing on the qualities needed by entrepreneurs. Section II briefly discusses four forms of ownership (i.e., sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and franchises) and presents a set of questions to help determine the best site for a business. In section III, financial considerations are reviewed, including ways of financing a business with personal savings or loans, records management, personnel records, and the use of personal computers. Section IV outlines key factors in market planning, identifies information sources, and discusses issues such as pricing, promotion, serving, and exporting. Section V lists the key elements of a business plan, and offers a sample plan for Native American Seafood, Inc. Finally, section VI offers brief sketches of several successful Native American enterprises. A list of publications and organizations that can serve as resources is attached. (AYC)