Business Start-up Checklist

CFI is dedicated to helping you start your small business as quickly and easily as possible. In this section, we've listed the specific steps required to start your business in any State. Once you've formulated your business idea and know where you'll obtain the money to fund your new startup, the next step is following our instructions for starting your business right the first time!

You basically have 4 choices when selecting a legal structure.

  Sole Proprietorship  
  Partnership
  Limited Liability Company (LLC)
  C-Corporation or S-Corporation

Business Naming Resources:

  Business Naming Software
  Business Name Brainstorming
  Domain Name Search

If you haven't already, prepare at least a preliminary business plan.

If you are setup as a Corporation or an LLC (or a sole proprietorship with employees), apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)  from the IRS.  A FEIN will be necessary to open a bank account or process payroll.

Select a bank and open the company bank account.

Depending on your type of business (retail, office or warehouse), arrange for office space to be leased. Contacting a commercial realtor in your area can be helpful.  Also, make sure to arrange for utilities and office furniture.

A. Federal Permits

Depending on the type of business you are in, you may need a Federal license or permit.   

Most businesses do NOT require a Federal license or permit. However, if you are engaged in one of the following activities, you should contact the responsible Federal agency to determine the requirements for doing business:

  Investment advising ( http://www.sec.gov )
  Drug manufacturing ( http://www.fda.gov )
  Preparation of meat products ( http://www.fda.gov )
  Broadcasting ( http://www.fcc.gov )
  Ground transportation ( http://www.dot.gov )
  Selling alcohol, tobacco or firearms ( http://www.atf.gov )
 

B. State Licenses

Some occupations and professions require a State license or permit.  Laws vary from State to State, however, if you are engaged in one of the following professions, you should contact the responsible state agency to determine the requirements for your business:

  building contractors
  banks
  insurance carriers
  physicians
  appraisers
  accountants
  barbers
  real estate agents
  auctioneers
  private investigators
  private security guards
  funeral directors
  bill collectors
  cosmetologists

State Licenses and Permits based on products sold.

Some state licensing requirements are based on the product sold. Contact your state licensing authorities to determine the licensing requirements of your business. For example, most states require special licenses to sell:

  liquor
  lottery tickets
  gasoline
  firearms

C. Sales Tax Permit

If your company sells physical products within the state where it does business, you may have to collect and pay sales tax. This is usually accomplished by obtaining a State Seller’s Permit or Resale Permit.  

TIP: many service businesses that do not sell a physical, tangible product are NOT required to collect sales tax, ask the State taxation agency for details/clarification.

D. Business License

Most Cities or Counties require you to obtain a business license, even if you operate a home-based business. This is a license granting the company the authority to do business in that city/county.

If you intend to hire yourself or others as a full or part-time employee of your company,  then you may have to register with the appropriate State Agencies or obtain Workers Compensation Insurance or Unemployment Insurance (or both).

8.  Set up an Accounting and Record-Keeping System

Setup your Accounting and Record-keeping system and learn about the taxes your new company is responsible for paying.

Company documents generally are required to be kept for 3 years, including: a list of all owners and addresses, copies of all formation documents, financial statements, annual reports, amendments or changes to the company.  All Tax and Corporate Filings should be kept for at least 3 years.

There are many types of insurance for businesses but they are usually packaged as “General Business Insurance” or a “Business Owner’s Policy”. This can cover everything from product liability to company vehicles. A decent policy can run as little as $300/year and offers a great extra level of protection.

Prepare the business as if someone needed to take it over and run it for you. This means have a method to process orders, pay bills, pay employees, pay taxes, maintain your permits, etc. Basically, try to make the operational aspect of the business as automated and efficient as possible so you can concentrate on growing your business.

Order business cards, letterhead and promotional materials for your business. A professionally created logo can make your business look professional and established.

Now that you've set-up the company for success, you need to get the word out. Create a marketing plan for your products and services that targets your ideal customer.