Business Start-Up Check List

Business Start-up Check list

_____ 1. Know exactly what type of business you want to start and learn all you can about it.

_____ 2. Appraise your business strengths and weaknesses. Be strict, honest, and objective.

_____ 3. Conduct thorough research of potential customers, your trade or industry, your competition, your licensing and tax requirements, location, and name.

_____ 4. Determine type of business organization (ie. Proprietorship, Partnership, or Corporation)

_____ 5. Evaluate possible site locations. Check physical conditions, suitability, traffic flow, parking, accessibility, utility requirements, and cost.

_____ 6. Prepare a comprehensive business plan - include your action timetable.

_____ 7. Decide on operational details like business hours, task responsibilities, suppliers, etc.

_____ 8. Determine how much money your need and then secure necessary capital. (Bank loan, budget to save, borrow on insurance, etc.)

_____ 9 Establish bank account (separate from personal account). Shop for the bank and services that best suit your needs.

____ 10. Register name of business (your assumed name) with the County Clerks office and/or file articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State. Publish notice in newspaper.

____ 11. Secure any required state or local business licenses.

_____12. Secure any additional permits, licenses, or zoning variations. Check with both local and state licensing and regulatory agencies.

_____13. Print business cards, stationery, invoice or statement forms.

____ 14. If you plan to sell tangible goods or rent property obtain a Sales & Use Tax Permit from CA State Board of Equalization.

____ 15. Register for Federal tax number (Form SS-4). You can obtain your FEIN from the IRS online at www.irs.gov.

.____ 16. Obtain needed facilities, equipment, furnishings, signage, supplies, stock.

____ 17. Understand employment laws and then recruit needed personnel. Establish job descriptions, policies and training program.

____ 18. If you intend to hire employees in your business, you must register with the Ca EDD office and register each new employee you hire.

____ 19. When you open send press releases to local newspapers. Publicize your new venture. ____ 20. If you need assistance with these or any other areas, contact your local SBDC for free help!