This handbook is intended to provide supplementary instruction on basic business techniques for adult minority students in business education. Relevant information on how to start a business is provided by means of actual business situations and problems encountered in 30 recent minority business ventures. Focusing on business procedures and practices, each problem area is illustrated with specific experiences drawn from these case studies of 30 businesses, of which half failed. A broad spectrum of small businesses were selected, including retail sales, services, construction, and manufacturing. Although discriminatory social attitudes are highlighted, problems which may not be derived solely from this identity issue are also discussed. This government publication covers topics such as financing, recordkeeping, insurance, and customer dealings. Advice from the 30 minority businessmen is given to assist aspiring minority entrepreneurs. (AG)