The Business Startup Guide. Download your copy to use while planning your business.
321 Sun LLC
Business Checklist
Business Checklist
Starting a business can seem like a daunting journey if you don’t know where to start. This checklist will was assist you as you plan, strategize, and make vital decisions for your business.
Here are 7 components to starting a business:
THINGS TO DECIDE
◦ □ Decide if you will work part time in business while working a job or full time.
◦ □ Take time to compare your intended business with similar businesses.
◦ □ Weigh the pros and cons of your intended business.
◦ □ Look at your experience in your business industry. Do you need additional training or education?
◦ □ Determine if the intended business is based in something you enjoy doing.
◦ □ Decide how you will test your product or service.
◦ □ Decide if you will work alone or in a partnership.
◦ □ Is your product or service unique or specialized?
◦ □ Find successful people in your industry that you can consult with.
PLANNING OUT YOUR BUSINESS
◦ □ Do your research and collect data for your business plan.
◦ □ Write out how the business will be structured and managed.
◦ □ Decide the length of time for plan to cover (1 year, 5 years, etc.).
◦ □ Describe your service or product.
◦ □ Describe your marketing plan and strategy.
◦ □ Write out how your plan for business funding if applicable.
◦ □ If needed, have someone else to review your business plan.
◦ □ Revise your plan if necessary.
FOR HOME-BASED AND FREELANCE BUSINESSES
◦ □ Determine if you will start business while still working a job.
◦ □ Look for any conflicts there may be with your business and job.
◦ □ Decide on how you will keep record of your books. Gain knowledge of accounting and cash flow.
◦ □ Determine if you will need help operating your business.
◦ □ Set a limit on how much money you will invest.
◦ □ Plan for the discipline required. Make sure to keep home and work life balanced.
◦ □ Create a work space.
◦ □ Check local laws and licensing requirements for your home-based business.
BUSINESS FINANCING
◦ □ Determine how much money you need for your business.
◦ □ Figure out if you will save the money to start your business.
◦ □ Decide if you need financing options.
◦ □ Research loans and grants for small businesses.
CHOOSING A BUSINESS LOCATION
◦ □ Determine what sort of space you need to operate your business.
◦ □ Decide whether you will rent or buy a space for your business.
◦ □ Take your time when reading leases and make sure you understand all terms.
◦ □ Make sure to have all agreements in writing.
◦ □ Have a lawyer to review leases or purchase agreements when necessary.
BUSINESS ORGANIZATION
◦ □ Check your business name for availability.
◦ □ Register your business
◦ □ File for federal and state tax id numbers
◦ □ Register your business name as a trademark if desired.
◦ □ Secured copyright and patents for your goods and services if needed?
◦ □ Design your business logo
◦ □ Create business cards, marketing materials, and documents.
LICENSES AND PERMITS
◦ □ Acquire all necessary certifications and licenses required for your business?
◦ □ Determine if any special training, education, or equipment is required by the
for your business?
◦ □ Apply for sellers permit if needed.
◦ □ Prepare yourself for collecting sales tax if necessary.
OPEN YOUR BUSINESS BANK ACCOUNT
◦ □ Find a financial institution that fits your needs.
◦ □ Gather your tax and business documents.
◦ □ Decide what type of account is best for your business.
◦ □ Decide what amount is needed to open your account.
Starting a business can seem like a daunting journey if you don’t know where to start. This checklist will was assist you as you plan, strategize, and make vital decisions for your business.
Here are 7 components to starting a business:
THINGS TO DECIDE
◦ □ Decide if you will work part time in business while working a job or full time.
◦ □ Take time to compare your intended business with similar businesses.
◦ □ Weigh the pros and cons of your intended business.
◦ □ Look at your experience in your business industry. Do you need additional training or education?
◦ □ Determine if the intended business is based in something you enjoy doing.
◦ □ Decide how you will test your product or service.
◦ □ Decide if you will work alone or in a partnership.
◦ □ Is your product or service unique or specialized?
◦ □ Find successful people in your industry that you can consult with.
PLANNING OUT YOUR BUSINESS
◦ □ Do your research and collect data for your business plan.
◦ □ Write out how the business will be structured and managed.
◦ □ Decide the length of time for plan to cover (1 year, 5 years, etc.).
◦ □ Describe your service or product.
◦ □ Describe your marketing plan and strategy.
◦ □ Write out how your plan for business funding if applicable.
◦ □ If needed, have someone else to review your business plan.
◦ □ Revise your plan if necessary.
FOR HOME-BASED AND FREELANCE BUSINESSES
◦ □ Determine if you will start business while still working a job.
◦ □ Look for any conflicts there may be with your business and job.
◦ □ Decide on how you will keep record of your books. Gain knowledge of accounting and cash flow.
◦ □ Determine if you will need help operating your business.
◦ □ Set a limit on how much money you will invest.
◦ □ Plan for the discipline required. Make sure to keep home and work life balanced.
◦ □ Create a work space.
◦ □ Check local laws and licensing requirements for your home-based business.
BUSINESS FINANCING
◦ □ Determine how much money you need for your business.
◦ □ Figure out if you will save the money to start your business.
◦ □ Decide if you need financing options.
◦ □ Research loans and grants for small businesses.
CHOOSING A BUSINESS LOCATION
◦ □ Determine what sort of space you need to operate your business.
◦ □ Decide whether you will rent or buy a space for your business.
◦ □ Take your time when reading leases and make sure you understand all terms.
◦ □ Make sure to have all agreements in writing.
◦ □ Have a lawyer to review leases or purchase agreements when necessary.
BUSINESS ORGANIZATION
◦ □ Check your business name for availability.
◦ □ Register your business
◦ □ File for federal and state tax id numbers
◦ □ Register your business name as a trademark if desired.
◦ □ Secured copyright and patents for your goods and services if needed?
◦ □ Design your business logo
◦ □ Create business cards, marketing materials, and documents.
LICENSES AND PERMITS
◦ □ Acquire all necessary certifications and licenses required for your business?
◦ □ Determine if any special training, education, or equipment is required by the
for your business?
◦ □ Apply for sellers permit if needed.
◦ □ Prepare yourself for collecting sales tax if necessary.
OPEN YOUR BUSINESS BANK ACCOUNT
◦ □ Find a financial institution that fits your needs.
◦ □ Gather your tax and business documents.
◦ □ Decide what type of account is best for your business.
◦ □ Decide what amount is needed to open your account.
Business Startup Checklist |