Janet Attard

Business Start Up Checklist

Business Start Up

• Choose a business based on your skills and interests

• Research the business idea

• Research competitors

• Determine if there are any patent or trademark restrictions

• Write a business plan 

• Write a marketing plan

• Choose a business name

• Verify your right to use you 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

• 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 a trademark for your business name

• Register copyrights for business intellectual property

• Apply for a patent or provisional patent for inventions

• Have a business phone line installed if you will be working from home

• Order phone, Internet, and any utility services needed for a business location that isn’t homebased

•  Get appropriate business insurance for your business 

• Arrange for health insurance coverage if needed

• Talk to an accountant about your tax obligations & record keeping requirements

• Apply for a sales tax number if needed

• Apply for an FEIN if needed (Federal Employer Identification Number)

• Inquire about workers compensation insurance and unemployment insurance if you will 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 cloudbased storefront* provider and set up your site

• 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, fliers 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 you business

• Plan and implement low-cost business promotion tactics to market your business

• Other: