Business Startup Checklist

MyNewCompany.com™ is dedicated to helping you start your small business as quickly and easily as possible. In this section, we’ve listed the specific steps required to start your business in any State. Once you’ve formulated your business idea and know where you’ll obtain the money to fund your new startup, the next step is following our instructions for starting your business right the first time!

Tip: This page is "printer-friendly", you can print it out for later reference.

1. Select a Name and Legal Structure

You basically have 4 choices when selecting a legal structure.

Click Here for a detailed explanation of all 4.

• Sole Proprietorship (form a Sole Proprietorship Now)
• Partnership (form a Partnership now)
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) (form an LLC now)
• Corporation or S-Corporation (form a Corporation now)

Business Naming Resources:

• Business Naming Software
• Business Name Brainstorming
• Domain Name Search from MyNewCompany.WS (helps you identify available domain names before you register which can be helpful in determining general name availability)

2. Write a Business Plan

If you haven’t already, prepare at least a preliminary business plan.

3. Obtain your Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)

If you are setup as a Corporation, LLC or Partnership (or a sole proprietorship with employees), apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) from the IRS. A FEIN will be necessary to open a bank account or process payroll.

TIP: If you use our incorporation or LLC formation services we can obtain this on your behalf.

4. Open the Company Bank Account

Select a bank and open the company bank account.

TIP: Contact the bank prior to opening the account to see what their specific requirements are to open a business checking account; some banks’ requirements are fairly simple whereas some banks’ requirements are extremely complex.

5. Lease Office, Warehouse or Retail Space (if not home-based)

Depending on your type of business (retail, office or warehouse), arrange for office space to be leased. Contacting a commercial realtor in your area can be helpful. Also, make sure to arrange for utilities and office furniture.

6. Obtain Licenses and Permits

A. Federal Permits

Depending on the type of business you are in, you may need a Federal license or permit.

Most businesses do NOT require a Federal license or permit. However, if you are engaged in one of the following activities, you should contact the responsible Federal agency to determine the requirements for doing business:

• Investment advising ( http://www.sec.gov )
• Drug manufacturing ( http://www.fda.gov )
• Preparation of meat products ( http://www.fda.gov )
• Broadcasting ( http://www.fcc.gov )
• Ground transportation ( http://www.dot.gov )
• Selling alcohol, tobacco or firearms ( http://www.atf.gov )
  

B. State Licenses

Some occupations and professions require a State license or permit. Laws vary from State to State, however, if you are engaged in one of the following professions, you should contact the responsible state agency to determine the requirements for your business:

• building contractors
• banks
• insurance carriers
• physicians
• appraisers
• accountants
• barbers
• real estate agents
• auctioneers
• private investigators
• private security guards
• funeral directors
• bill collectors
• cosmetologists

State Licenses and Permits based on products sold.
Some state licensing requirements are based on the product sold. Contact your state licensing authorities to determine the licensing requirements of your business. For example, most states require special licenses to sell:

• liquor
• lottery tickets
• gasoline
• firearms

TIP: Most people engaged in the types of business that require a special State License or Permit are already aware of the requirements (i.e. an accountant is familiar with the licensing requirements for accountants).

C. Sales Tax Permit

If your company sells physical products within the state where it does business, you may have to collect and pay sales tax. This is usually accomplished by obtaining a State Seller's Permit or Resale Permit.

TIP: many service businesses that do not sell a physical, tangible product are NOT required to collect sales tax, ask the State taxation agency for details/clarification.

TIP: Sales tax permit forms can be obtained from our partner here.

D. Business License

Most Cities or Counties require you to obtain a business license, even if you operate a home-based business. This is a license granting the company the authority to do business in that city/county.

TIP: Click here to learn more and to file your business license online.

7. Hire Employees (if applicable)

If you intend to hire yourself or others as a full or part-time employee of your company, then you may have to register with the appropriate State Agencies or obtain Workers Compensation Insurance or Unemployment Insurance (or both).

TIP: View our "Employees & Payroll" section for help with hiring employees and processing payroll.

8. Set up an Accounting and Record-Keeping System

Setup your Accounting and Record-keeping system and learn about the taxes your new company is responsible for paying.

Company documents generally are required to be kept for 3 years, including: a list of all owners and addresses, copies of all formation documents, financial statements, annual reports, amendments or changes to the company. All Tax and Corporate Filings should be kept for at least 3 years.

TIP: View our "Accounting & Financial Management" section for help with setting up an accounting system and purchasing accounting software.

9. Obtain Business Insurance

There are many types of insurance for businesses but they are usually packaged as "General Business Insurance" or a "Business Owner's Policy". This can cover everything from product liability to company vehicles. A decent policy can run as little as $300/year and offers a great extra level of protection.

TIP: Click here to view our preferred provider of business insurance online.

10. Systemize and Organize

Prepare the business as if someone needed to take it over and run it for you. This means have a method to process orders, pay bills, pay employees, pay taxes, maintain your permits, etc. Basically, try to make the operational aspect of the business as automated and efficient as possible so you can concentrate on growing your business.

TIP: View our "Manage Your Company" section for help with systemizing and automating your business.

11. Develop a Business Identity

Order business cards, letterhead and promotional materials for your business. A professionally created logo can make your business look professional and established.

TIP: View our "Business Identity" section for help with naming, logos, trademarks and more.

12. Get the Word Out (Marketing)

Now that you’ve set-up the company for success, you need to get the word out. Create a marketing plan for your products and services that targets your ideal customer.

TIP: View our "Marketing & Sales" section for help for more information.