• Find out if local zoning laws permit your kind of business at the site that you desire.

• Make sure the site has adequate public services—such as water and sewer services, trash collection, adequate drainage, and police and fire protection.

• Determine if there’s adequate, affordable transportation. Can your employees get to work? If you’re a manufacturer, are trucking services available?

• Consider the surrounding community. If you’re a high-end retailer, for example, are there sufficient high-income households nearby to support your business?

• Look at the other businesses in the area. Decide whether or not having direct competitors will be helpful.

Brought to you by SCORE, America's small business mentors, at www.score.org.