Small Business Start-Up Checklist

Planning to start a new business? Use this small business start-up checklist to make sure that, in your excitement to get up and running, you do not skip any key steps that could come back to haunt you.

Small Business Startup Checklist Worksheet PDF

The small business start-up checklist includes steps for: naming your business, choosing a legal structure, registering your business, setting up a sales tax license, getting business insurance, setting up a bookkeeping system, putting aside enough money for taxes, and more.

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Jennifer Croft Comments
I can not even count the number of horror stories I’ve heard from people who have started small businesses and skipped one or more of the steps covered in this checklist. The home inspector who didn’t bother to get insurance and was sued. The interior designer who didn’t trademark her business name, and soon had a competitor using the name. The acupuncturist who opened a home office and violated zoning laws. The consultant who didn’t set aside enough for taxes. The list goes on and on. I know you’re excited about starting a small business, and I know that most of the tasks on this list are buzz-killers, but take the time to do things right, and you’ll get off to a good start.