Start a Business
Complete step-by-step checklist to start a business covering define business value offering and research competitor pricing structures, and essential action items.
Define business value offering
Define target niche market and what problem your business solves
Research competitor pricing structures
Check similar business offerings and analyze customer reviews
Write structured business plan
Draft operations, marketing strategies, and financial estimates
Choose legal entity structures
Decide on Sole Proprietorship, LLC, or Corporation setup formats
Register business name portal
File business name paperwork with state corporate registry offices
Acquire federal EIN codes
Apply online on IRS portal to secure Employer Identification Number
Open business checking accounts
Verify business registration documents and set up bank accounts
Apply for local licenses
Identify city or state permits needed to run business legally
Set up bookkeeping software
Configure QuickBooks or other tools to track business expenses
Create brand visual designs
Design company logo, choose brand colors, and print business cards
Launch business website pages
Buy domain name and build clear company profile info landing pages
Secure business liability insurance
Purchase insurance policies to protect consulting or product tasks
Configure customer email boxes
Create professional email address matching website domain suffix
Purchase initial raw inventory
Order equipment or materials needed to produce target products
Establish client invoice templates
Draft clean invoices detailing payment terms and methods
Register Google Business profiles
Verify location on Google Maps to help local search results
Draft standard NDA agreements
Have client nondisclosure and contract templates ready in files
Create launch marketing schedules
Plan social media posts and emails calendar for launch day
Confirm supplier shipping timelines
Establish contracts with raw materials shipping partners
Register state tax accounts
Verify sales tax and employer payroll tax filing portals