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How to form a Startup? (for college students)

Hello! Long story short: I'm a college student that wants to form a start-up. With a business plan in mind, my main concern is getting financial support and launching it in the future.

Unsure if there's startup pros here, but anyone have any tips for:
How to start a start-up?

Background:
Political Science - College student - no background in Business (Marketing or Admin), no background in Tech - Have a partner, but it's only 2 members (me + co-partner).

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david’s Answer

Starting a business can be fun, but it can also severely interfere with college studies, so I encourage careful time planning. I think what you're looking for are venture capitalists. I can't provide those, but these articles should help in doing the legwork prior to approaching those who might provide the funding you need:

https://www.startups.com/library/expert-advice/how-to-start-a-startup
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/how-to-start-a-business/
https://www.thehartford.com/business-insurance/strategy/how-to-start-a-business/startup

This can be a long road, so I do encourage patience. I wish you the best.
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Doug’s Answer

If you've already outlined a business plan for your intended enterprise, it should detail the costs associated with starting up. This implies that you've formulated a product or service idea and researched its market potential, which forms the revenue part of your plan. Your estimates for product development, operational expenses, and sales projections must be grounded in reality.

In the beginning, most startups are self-funded, a process known as bootstrapping. This is unless the founders have supportive family or friends willing to invest. However, external investors require a convincing business plan and must believe in your ability to succeed. They're investing in the entrepreneurs behind the idea as much as the potential financial return from the product or service.

It's important to note that the majority of startups don't make it, often due to a poor product-market fit, lack of essential business skills, or insufficient funding. All investors are aware of this risk, making them cautious about funding entrepreneurs.

A practical method to gauge your business's market appeal and potential attractiveness to investors is through crowdfunding. You'll need to craft a persuasive pitch explaining why people should invest in your product or service—and you. If you receive a positive response and attract numerous investors, these funds can be used to kickstart your business. As your revenue and market share grow, other types of investors may show interest.

Doug recommends the following next steps:

Pitch your business to some non-related people to see how supportive they are. This isn't about asking for investements, just feedback about your idea. A lack of support doesn't mean that you don't have a good idea, but it may indicate that you adjust your idea in some way.
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Pedro’s Answer

Start with your business plan get it down on paper with your partner. Guide yourselves with corporate formalities meeting regularly document your meetings have action items to address and accomplish that can be reviewed on your next meet. Break down your business into sections such as finance operations planning administration etc. Take your ideas to the local SBDC for guidance then once you’ve got something established you may qualify for grants loans and other small business preferences. Look into business incubators in the area if it fits your plan.
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Katherine’s Answer

The book EntreLeadership by Dave Ramsey might be helpful for what things to make sure to do and in what order.
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