Where do we begin? (Idea, now what!)

I have read a couple of threads and found some to be quite interesting. I recently joined this forum and my motivation for doing so was that i found that many persons have various business ideas but lack the guidance necessary. Starting a new business (small) can be very intimidating but with the right people around you willing to give sound advice and guidance, it could be a lot easier (i think). I have visited other sites looking for information on specific business ideas but the results are so vague with absolutely little or no benefits for a first timer. Let me put this in perspective. Lets say i want to start a laundry mat, obviously one would need a location, machinery, electricity to run these machine, water and lots of it, just to mention a few. Now there are no hard and fast rule (then again, are there?) as to how one sets up this kind of business but for a first timer having an idea of what the basic outlay or suggestion would be invaluable. [B]Example:What would be a suggested minimum square footage, minimum units/machine need for that area, type of machine required, washer only, dryer, others or a combination and best layout. Arriving at a price/costing for service provided. Any other tips which can assist the individual in getting the best start possible. I believe armed with these basic ideas/requirements (Which is alot more that just the idea that one would like to start a laundry mat.) the individual can expand on them. Am i making sense ?. I hope so. I want to say thanks for the opportunity to express my veiws in this forum and look forward to the begining of great partnership. Thanks