This is a great time to start an innovative geo-based small business. First of all, the occurrence of geologic and hydrologic hazards around the world is rapidly increasing, requiring creative thinking and the rapid development of new useful tools and methods, for which a small startup is well suited. Secondly, technologies that could form the basis of a geo-based company are now booming, such as geospatial technologies, drones, and software tools such as point cloud processing, finite element modeling, and web tools. Thirdly, it has been shown that AI can reduce the funding required to produce a working proof of concept (POC), meaning that a small business can get to market much quicker and with less capital investment by integrating AI in various ways. In this Jahns talk I will discuss what geo-based companies do today, what they could do in the future, and the overall climate for geo-based startups in the next few years. I will then talk about some entrepreneurship basics that include startup valuation, equity splits, raising capital, and making an effective pitch. I will encourage students to take an entrepreneurship class if such a class is available at their college or university. I will also discuss some strategies for partnering that are important in building a successful team. I will give several examples of successful geo-based startups, including my own experience with the two startups I have been involved with, along with a pitch for the newest company I am starting.