Start-up checklist
Clearly, thousands of tasks arise as you plan and launch your new business. Add to this checklist your own special tasks.
Understand the responsibilities/benefits of business ownership
Evaluate your strengths, list your weaknesses and set goals
Choose the business you want to start
Obtain any training, education, licensing or accreditation you need
Apply for needed trademarks, patents, copyrights,
Decide form of ownership
Write a budget and decide how much money you will need for the first year
Write business plan
Research your market
Define your niche
Identify your most likely customer
Determine how to handle distribution
Develop a marketing plan
Choose your location, sign a lease if necessary
Apply for fictitious business name
Retailers obtain resale license
Obtain tax identification number from the Internal Revenue Service
Apply for city business license or home occupation permit, if needed
Reserve web site domain name
Set up financial records
Establish on-going relationship with an accountant
Open a business bank account
Obtain a merchant account for accepting credit card payments
Buy necessary business insurance
Order business cards, stationary
