Tips about getting started gleaned from a meeting with TiE, a U.S. association that promotes entrepreneurship and innovation.

1. You don't have to be a twenty-something MBA to start a company. Many entrepreneurs are mid-career professionals aspiring to run their own businesses.

2. There are many sources of funding, including regional development organizations with money to share.

3. It's OK to go solo. Co-founders are sometimes essential, but not always.

4. Seek advice from experts in a variety of disciplines - finance, marketing, etc.

5. Know your intellectual property. Ultimately, investors want to know what it is that makes your company special.

6. Bring structure to your company early in the process. Articulate job responsibilities, expectations, and ownership sooner rather than later.

7. Make adjustments. Don’t be too focused on your original game plan or inflexible.

9. Ownership is relative. Founders lose up to 50% of the company to investors with each round of funding. But the size of the pie is more important than your slice of it.

10. Network like crazy. Attend events where can get beyond these basics.