by workdiva
follow me

Start a business with these steps

new business

• Part 1: Business Plan

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Do thorough market research on your industry/product

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Hone in on trends, forecasts, opportunity/risks, competitors, etc.

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Decide if it will be part time or full time business

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Draft the business plan

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Decide on company name

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Legally register your company

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Decide specific hours/days of operation for your company's services

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Detail your company's monthly and annual budget

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Organize ideas for company funding or raise finances

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Meet investors and consult with your bank

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Look into business startup courses or seminars to help you on the learning curve

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Part 2: Ready To Go

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Get a business license/permit & choose your legal business form (LLC, CO, etc.)

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Finalize paperwork for the legal entity

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Obtain your Employer Identification Number from IRS

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Settle on formal company contact information (physical address, email, telephone, fax, etc.)

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Open a business bank account with a trusted bank your area

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Obtain a merchant account

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Acquire a financial advisor

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Acquire a legal advisor

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Acquire business insurance

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Acquire a tax advisor and/or accountant

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Source a local notary

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Familiarize yourself with regulations and compliance requirements

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Register trademark, logos, patents, etc.

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• If functioning out of an office/store front (not home), source a real estate agent to assist with finding your business location

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Sign & finalize lease contract for office/store front

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Hire a moving company if you have much merchandise to move into your new location

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Purchase all necessary new office equipment & supplies

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Get high speed internet! Must.

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Create a floor plan for your new office

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Part 3: Up and Running

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Choose an accounting software

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Prepare a sales & marketing plan

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Finalize your customer service policies (returns & exchanges, shipments, etc.)

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Register a domain name for the new business website

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Hire full-time or freelance IT consultants

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Recruit for available positions in your new company (hiring a recruitment company, if necessary)

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Utilize payroll services if you DO have staff

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Familiarize yourself with labor laws if you DO have staff

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Source a website hosting company and design the website

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Source a website developer and graphic designer to assist in completing the website needs

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Part 4: Short Term Prep

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Hire an SEO consultant or company to increase your web presence

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Publish online or print marketing material

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Design marketing material for the storefront (if you have one) such as company cards, stationary, etc.

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Always, ALWAYS take advantage of networking opportunities to help build your business

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Work with a PR consultant or team to assist in publishing a "Launch" press release

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

• Outsource customer service or phone call assistance, if needed

  ×

  How to do this task:

  Subtasks:

This checklist was created by workdiva

Save this checklist

1817 copy saved

1817 copies saved