Business Startup Checklist

The Business Plan

Conduct a proper market research analysis

Know the trends, forecasts, developments, opportunities, risks, competitors, etc.

Decide whether you will pursue this venture full-time or part-time.

If you are in a relationship, discuss this lifestyle change with your partner.

Write a business plan.

Choose your company name

Register company with the appropriate authorities.

Choose the hours and days of operation for your business.

Outline a monthly and annual budget.

Make plans how to get funding / financing

Find investors and consult with your bank.

Investigate business startup courses and seminars

Getting started

Obtain required business licenses and permits.

Choose a legal form for your business: limited liability, sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation.

Form a legal entity

Acquire an Employer Identification Number.

Obtain company contact information: telephone and fax number, email address, post address.

Open bank account

Get a merchant account.

Find a financial advisor.

Find business insurance.

Find a lawyer.

Find a tax advisor.

Find an accountant.

Find a notary.

Become familiar with regulations and compliance requirements.

Register trademark, copyrights, logos, patents, etc.

Find a real estate agent to help you source a property.

Sign a lease contract for your new office or production space.

If you're moving to new office, find a moving company.

Consider using mail box rental services.

Find office equipment supplies

Make sure your office has a high speed Internet connection.

Create a floor plan for your new office space.

While starting to run

Select your accounting software

Write a sales and marketing plan.

Create a customer service policy.

Register domain name for your website.

Hire or outsource IT services.

Post available jobs

Find a recruitment company.

If you have staff, find payroll services.

If you will have employees, become familiar with labor laws.

Find a web hosting company.

Create a website

Make a site map for content and functionality.

Find a web designer.

Find a graphic designer.

Short-Term Preparations

Find a search engine optimization SEO company to increase your presence on the web.

Create marketing material

Think of signs if you have a storefront, sales literature, stationery or business cards.

Take advantage of networking opportunities to build your business

Write and distribute a press release announcing your new business.

Find an answering service solution for when you can't take phone calls.

Look into telemarketing companies

Explore virtual office options for added services at a low cost.

If you have an office, look into professional cleaning companies

Make sure you set up a green business!