Business Startup

How to Start a Business: Checklist

Wondering how to start a business? Are you going to form an LLC or have you chosen business incorporation? EZonlineFiling.com understands small businesses and the challenges they face. Because we want to be your partner from the very beginning, we thought it would be helpful to have a checklist that could help you navigate how to start a business.

Things will never be busier than when you are starting a business. During these critical, early weeks and months you will make decisions and take actions that affect your business for years to come. Each step you take must be carefully considered, especially in the areas of your business where you are not an expert. Let’s face it, you cannot be the pro in marketing, banking, accounting, legal, customer service, collections, financing, insurance, etc. Get the picture? The list never seems to end! You can be an expert where you have extensive experience, but you should find talented, experienced, partners and employees to help you with the rest.

This checklist on how to start a business is designed to give you a broad view of just some of the items you need to consider. It is not all-inclusive. Make changes. Consult with experts in each area. Remember, you are building your future right now.

• Do Research! This is often overlooked, but may be the most important item on the list.
  1. What will you sell/do
  2. Is it legal/does it require special licensing
  3. Who will be your customers
  4. How will you make a profit
  5. How much can you sell your product or service for
  6. How long will you need to work before you make a profit
  7. Will you benefit from a website
• Write a complete business plan
• Write a marketing plan
• Select the professionals you will work with. Each of these should have his or her own list of items you must complete.
  1. Attorney
  2. Accountant
  3. Banker
  4. Insurer
• Write a budget…at least one year.
• Choose a name for your business and verify that you can legally use it
• Decide on a legal structure for your business
• Choose the location you will operate from
• Check local laws for zoning and business licensing
• File the appropriate incorporation paperwork. Remember to include the necessary State and Federal forms, as well as the forms required by the IRS. Local jurisdictions will likely also require licensing or permits
• Open the business bank account
• Set up your method of record keeping
• Develop a day-to-day management plan
• Reserve the appropriate URL for your business
• Design your website, get email accounts, web hosting, etc
• Interview and hire employees
• Have business phones installed
• Have business cards and stationary prepared
• What equipment or supplies will you need/Order inventory
• Will you accept credit cards? Select a Credit Card Processing company
• Have sales brochures, fliers, etc prepared