<p> Business Start-up Check list</p><p>_____ 1. Know exactly what type of business you want to start and learn all you can about it.</p><p>_____ 2. Appraise your business strengths and weaknesses. Be strict, honest, and objective.</p><p>_____ 3. Conduct thorough research of potential customers, your trade or industry, your competition, your licensing and tax requirements, location, and name.</p><p>_____ 4. Determine type of business organization (ie. Proprietorship, Partnership, or Corporation)</p><p>_____ 5. Evaluate possible site locations. Check physical conditions, suitability, traffic flow, parking, accessibility, utility requirements, and cost.</p><p>_____ 6. Prepare a comprehensive business plan - include your action timetable.</p><p>_____ 7. Decide on operational details like business hours, task responsibilities, suppliers, etc.</p><p>_____ 8. Determine how much money your need and then secure necessary capital. (Bank loan, budget to save, borrow on insurance, etc.)</p><p>_____ 9 Establish bank account (separate from personal account). Shop for the bank and services that best suit your needs.</p><p>____ 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.</p><p>____ 11. Secure any required state or local business licenses.</p><p>_____12. Secure any additional permits, licenses, or zoning variations. Check with both local and state licensing and regulatory agencies.</p><p>_____13. Print business cards, stationery, invoice or statement forms.</p><p>____ 14. If you plan to sell tangible goods or rent property obtain a Sales & Use Tax Permit from CA State Board of Equalization.</p><p>____ 15. Register for Federal tax number (Form SS-4). You can obtain your FEIN from the IRS online at www.irs.gov. </p><p>.____ 16. Obtain needed facilities, equipment, furnishings, signage, supplies, stock. </p><p>____ 17. Understand employment laws and then recruit needed personnel. Establish job descriptions, policies and training program.</p><p>____ 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.</p><p>____ 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!</p>