Starting a Business Checklist
Starting a business checklist is an important part of learning how to start a business. When you start your own business, you need to be more disciplined than when you are working for another business.
Now that you've determined how to start a business and what business you'd like to be in, there are many steps to take before you can really start your own business.
The following is a starting a business checklist of typical start-up items that you will need to consider. The list is a guide for you and depending on your business, this starting a business checklist may not include unique requirements pertaining to your industry.
General Starting a Business Checklist:
- Draft your personal business plan - what are your strengths and weaknesses, your personal goals in starting a business, your financial resources.
- Research forms of business organization (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, LLC, etc.)
- Start a draft of your business plan. Review draft with Small Business Development Counselor.
- Select a lawyer and accountant to help you determine the best form of ownership and to start your business off on the right foot.
- Seek trademark/service mark protection for your business name/product if applicable.
- Decide on business location/obtain lease or determine space needed if home office location.
- Create your business (register name, incorporate business, etc.)
- Obtain patent if you have an invention.
- Register copyrights (if applicable).
- Select a domain name, verify and register name online.
- Review local business. codes for requirements specific to your business.
- Obtain federal employer identification number if applicable.
- Obtain state employer identification number if applicable.
- Obtain seller' s permit if applicable.
- Obtain business phone (or extra residential line). Consider using a service like e-fax for receiving faxes.
- Set-up other utilities/business services as appropriate.
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