Business Start-up Checklist

It can be really hard when you’re starting a business. You have to learn all kinds of new stuff. And, you don’t even know what you don’t know. It can be overwhelming.

You may feel reasonably confident in your ability to provide quality professional services, but what about the running-the-business side of things? Are you an expert in operations, management, and logistics? Few of us are.

So, you could wrack your brain and try to come up with a list of what you need to do. But you might miss something important.

Or you could just use the Business Start-up Checklist we’ve created to help you manage the process.

We may not have included everything you’ll need to do, given the unique nature of your business, but it’ll get you rolling by covering the essentials.

And if you’re already up and running and have been for a while, it might be useful to take a quick look to see if there’s anything you’ve missed that would improve your effectiveness and efficiency.

Hope this helps!
Denise

Click here to download a PDF file.

Business Start-up Checklist ^©

Governmental Requirements

Acquire City or County Business Licenses and/or Permits
Obtain Employer Identification Numbers – federal and state, as required
Apply for Federal Tax ID Number (Sole Proprietors may use SS#)
Acquire Sales Tax License (if applicable)
Obtain Employment Tax Forms, etc. for employees (if applicable)
Prepare to be Able to File and Pay Federal and State Income Taxes

Legal

Choose and Register Business Name
Decide on Legal Form for Business
- Sole Proprietorship
- Partnership (Partnership Agreement)
- Limited Liability Company
- C-Corp or S-Corp
Select Attorney
Create/Register Copyrights, Patents, and Trademarks

Financial

Establish Banking Relationship. Set up Separate Business Account.
Create Financial Plan (projected start-up costs, estimated profit and loss, etc.)
Set up Bookkeeping System/Procedures
Select Accountant and/or Bookkeeper
Choose Payroll System (if applicable)
Determine Pricing and/or Package(s) of Fees
Choose Payment System(s) You Offer – check, cash, or credit cards

Administrative

Establish Filing Systems
Create Needed Forms (see Office Forms)
Craft Policy and Procedures Manual (see Operating Policies)
Buy Needed Insurance (liability, professional, disability, etc.)
Obtain Office Supplies

Location

Determine Office Space Needs and Location
Obtain Furniture and Fixtures
Set up Telephone and/or Fax
Install Computer and Software, Printer, and Other Peripherals

Business Operations

Define Mission, Vision, and Values
Develop Business Plan
Determine Business Goals
Create Marketing Plan
- Determine Target Market
- Craft and Practice Positioning Statement/Elevator Speech
- Determine Marketing Mix of High and Low Touch Strategies
- Study and Know Your Competition

Promotional Needs

Create Logo/Brand
Design and Print Business Cards
Obtain Letterhead and Envelopes
Come up with a Domain Name
Establish Email Address(es)
Determine and Create Needed Collateral Materials
Create Website

Management Plan

Determine Staff or Consultants Needed
Define Roles
- Job Descriptions
- 1099 Consultant Agreement
Establish Performance Management System for Employees (if applicable)

Operating Policies and Procedures

Create Office Procedures
Create Sales Procedures
Put System in Place for Client/Patient Notes – Compliance
Determine Policy for Late or Missed Appointments
Establish Payment Policies
- Late Payment
- Credit Policy
Decide How to Deal with Calls/Appointments that run over allotted time
Determine Who calls Whom/Long Distance Charges (for coaches)
Devise Structure for Complimentary Sessions
Devise Structure for First Appointment
Develop Completion Procedures (for coaches)

Office Forms

Create Welcome Packet and/or Client/Patient Agreement
Devise New Client/Patient Questionnaire or Intake Form
Develop New Client/Patient Checklist /Things to Review
Create Prep Form (for coaches)
Determine Use of Assessments
Obtain HIPAA Forms

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