Wondering what steps you have to take to get a new business started? What should you do first? What next? This startup checklist can help you determine the steps you need to take to launch your business the right way.
The business startup checklist below is meant to remind you of the tasks you may have to perform when starting your business. The checklist includes items that apply to many different types of startups. Many of the tasks need to be done for legal reasons, even if you’re starting a business with little or no money.
Not every small business will have to complete each step. For instance, you may decide not to register your trademark with state or federal officials before you launch the business. Or, you may not be required to publish a notice of intent to do business.
Since laws vary by state and by type of business, be sure to check with local authorities to determine if there are any additional legal steps you need to take. Small Business Development Centers and local SCORE chapters are both excellent, free resources that can help you identify local regulations as well as help you with other startup and small business questions.
- Choose a business based on your skills and interests
- Research the business idea
- Research competitors
- Write a business plan
- Write a marketing plan
- Choose a business name
- Determine if there are any patent restrictions
- Check trademark registrations to verify your right to use your chosen name
- See if the business name is available as a domain name
- Register the business name and get a business certificate
- Register your business domain name even if you aren’t ready to use it yet
- Register for your own trademark for your business name
- Choose a location for your business or make space in your home to run it
- Check zoning laws
- File partnership or incorporation papers
- Get any required licenses and permits
- Determine if there are health or safety laws with which you must comply
- Register copyrights for business intellectual property
- Apply for a patent or provisional patent for inventions
- Have a business phone line installed if you’ll be working from home
- Order phone, internet, and any utility services needed for a business location that isn’t home-based
- Get appropriate business insurance for your business
- Arrange for health insurance coverage if needed
- Talk to an accountant about your tax obligations and record keeping requirements
- Apply for a state sales tax number if needed
- Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) if needed
- Inquire about workers compensation insurance and unemployment insurance if you’ll be hiring employees
- Open a bank account in the business name
- Set up an accounting system or accounting software for the business
- Setup your funding and create a budget for starting the business
- Have a logo created
- Order business cards, envelopes, and stationery for the business. Alternately, print them yourself, if you have the capability.
- Order business checks with the name imprinted
- Order inventory
- Purchase needed equipment and supplies
- Order signage
- Order fixtures
- Find a website hosting company or cloud-based storefront provider and set up your business website
- Set up a business email address (preferably using the business domain name)
- Set up social media pages for the business
- Start building a permission-based customer email list for newsletters and promotions
- Prepare brochures, flyers, and other handouts. Print or order a small quantity to promote your business opening
- Send out publicity releases
- Decide where and how to advertise your business
- Contact friends, family, and acquaintances and let them know you’ve started your business
- Plan and implement low-cost business promotion tactics to market your business
Disclaimer: The content on this page is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.
