ENTREPRENEURS

Dodging the doubters: how to get rich despite the sceptics

Alexandra Cain Like many young entrepreneurs, Jack Delosa faced a huge amount of scepticism from friends and family when he bailed out of a commerce/law degree aged 18 to buy into his first business.

The ultralight start-up: how to launch a business without clout or capital

David Wilson Launching a start-up is easier than ever. But, because entry barriers verge on non-existent and everyone wants to be the next Facebook, Twitter or Dropbox, competition is fierce.

Zumba isn't just exercise, it's big business

Alberto Perez started out as a street performer, today he stands at the centre of the Zumba exercise craze, having helped transform Zumba Fitness into a rapidly growing fitness empire.

TECH

Website or app: what should start-ups build first?

Alexandra Cain Apps are becoming so popular that some start-ups are bypassing a website in favour of developing their own smartphone tool.

WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM?

Finding the right manufacturer

Whats Your Problem Q. I am starting a business selling shoes I have designed myself. How do I find manufacturers?

From fart to fab: start-up app development secrets

David Wilson The apps market can be hugely lucrative. Consider the happy fate of the New York-based social game developer OMGPOP, maker of the smart phone art game Draw Something.

A guide to avoiding the start-up's typical mistakes

Mark Harbottle Mark Harbottle gives a few hints on how to survive your first year in business.

Create a clear vision then take the plunge to go solo

Miriam Steffens How to quit your job and start your own business, with Rohan Gamble.

Start-up out to show Wyngle is no wangle

Christopher Niesche Damien Cantelo is preparing his retail website for launch in the US market with a name change and a push for more investment.

iiNet's growth a testament to 'giving it a go'

Adam Cooper Michael Malone often finds himself talking more about the garage days than those in the corner office.

Crunch time: making money from a medieval extreme sport

David Wilson Bathurst-based entrepreneur Rod Walker promotes what the History Channel calls “the most dangerous collision sport in history”

START-UP

Ditching the worksuits for a piece of Bali bliss

Larissa Ham Many of us have returned from an idyllic holiday location and dreamt of shifting our lives there permanently. It seems like an easy concept in fantasy land, but how hard is it in reality?

High-tech Aussie lands multimillion-dollar deal

Asher Moses Firemint founder Robert Murray is Australia's newest high-tech millionaire after selling his app company to US game giant Electronic Arts for an estimated $20-40 million.

Growth

How to grow an idea

David Wilson There is no formula for hot ideas. You have to learn to recognise them - and learn how to act on them, says start-up guru, John English.