Planning Stage

• Name Selection (check availability in-state, nationally, and online)
• Business Plan
• Entity Selection -- Sole Proprietorship , Partnership , LP , LLP , LLC , S Corporation , Corporation , Nonprofit Corporation
• Business Location (home, online, brick & mortar)

Formation Stage

• Name Registration (state-wide, trademark)
• Entity Formation (state and Federal level)
• Licensing
• Insurance (state and professional requirements)
• Bank Account
• Financing (grants, loans, venture capital, etc.)
• Equipment
• Supplies
• Business Location (lease, purchase, zoning)
• Internet Presence (e-mail, website)
  

Advertising/Marketing Stage

• Announcements (publications, personal contacts)
• Advertisements (yellow pages, other telephone books, newspapers, chambers of commerce, online, flyers, radio, TV)
• Membership in Business Associations o Word of Mouth/Referrals
  

Establishing Company Procedures & Best Practices

• Contract Generation & Review
• Filing Systems
• Computer Procedures (security, back-up)
• Accounting & Tax Planning
• Benefits Plan
• Savings/Retirement Planning (IRA, 401K)
• Deposit Procedures
• Employee Handbook (responsibilities, benefits)