clipped from www.inc.com

Before you start shopping around for a financial institution, consider why you need one in the first place. Are you looking for specialized services, such as investment help or a small business loan? You can search online for local banks that specialize in equipment loans or small business working capital

Consider also how much cash flow will be moving in and out of your business account. Is your "business" even a business yet? You will be required to have a business name and usually be registered with the state upon opening up a business banking account. San Francisco-based financial advisor Kathryn Amenta suggests using this rule of thumb: "Once someone is spending 20 hours a week on a project and counting on the revenue to make up as much as 50 percent of their personal income, it's definitely a business for financial and tax purposes," she says.