STARTUP CHECKLIST

A startup list on how to start a new business

THE LIST

GETTING READY TO start a new business? It’s important to get any business off on the right foot - legally, ethically and, most importantly, efficiently.

Here’s a checklist to help you get started!

Contact one of the free small business assistance organizations.

Select a tax advisor attorney.

Find your financial support.

Consult your insurance agent and secure coverage

Develop your business mission statement.

Prepare a written business plan complete with financial statements.

Determine viability.

Select your business structure: sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC or corporation.

Select the business name you will use. Research availability of the name.

Register your business name and structure.

Register a domain name.

Register social media profiles.

File for trademarks and patents.

Hire Staff and review all labor regulations.

Assign responsibilities to co-founders.

Acquire necessary business licenses and/or permits from federal, state, county and/or city.

Choose a banker and set up a business bank account(s).

Select an accounting system and software and set up accounting and reporting procedures.

Secure funding.

Get family behind you.

Line up suppliers and service providers.

Establish your “storefront” which may be renting or buying retail or office space.

Set up a website and plan your marketing strategy and materials.

Join networking organizations.

Get equipped.

Upgrade your smartphone and choose apps.

Refine your sales pitch.

Refine your product, and marketing and sales approach.

Set your prices.

Secure your IT plan and services.

Get a salesperson or sales team in place.

Get a mentor.

Launch and start your revenue stream.

Your checklist might be longer than this, but organizing what needs to be done before you launch and what you can take care of down the road makes it easier to prioritize your tasks. As you start your new business, best of luck to you!