BUSINESS INFORMATION
Checklist
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)