I live in MO, and am very intersted in opening my own pastry business, but I have no idea what to do first, or how to do it. I have read websites on sole proprietorships but I don't know if that is what I need. How do I get funding for my business? How do I get my license? How do I find a location for my business? What materials do I need for the business? I am completely clueless, but any information will help. Thanks

HI,
Start with the basic decisions.
Start with you local city hall and see what is allowed. Are you going for a store front or in home.
Visit other pastery shops and try to talk with the owners if they are willing.
Take a class at a local college or through SCORE.org and get an outline of a plan going. You can learn most of the basics in the SCORE class. They will also set you up with an advisor if you want one.

After that it just depends on which way you want to go.

Read this web site from top to bottom. There is tons of info here from lots of people with experience.