- 1 min read

Checklist for Starting a Business

If you are reading this and have the entrepreneurial itch, congratulations! Starting a business is no easy feat and we applaud you for wanting to take this extraordinary leap. As you think about getting started, here are a few tips:

Step 1: Brainstorm on Name Ideas

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Step 2: Identify your Target Audience

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Planning

Create a business plan
Choose a business name
Research supplies
Estimate startup costs
Estimate manufacturing costs (for product based companies)
Research competition
Set realistic goals
Research pricing for items (for product based companies)
Research local markets (for product based companies)

Marketing

Buy domain name (GoDaddy, Domain, Bluehost)
Create a website (Wix, Squarespace, GoDaddy, Shopify, Wordpress)
Create a business email
Create social media accounts
Create mailing list
Create email signature
Order business cards
Photograph sample products (for product based companies)
Apply to local markets and events (for product based companies)

Business

Choose legal structure (Here is an article to help you choose the best legal structure)
Register business name (LegalZoom)
Obtain EIN (USA) or BN (CAN)
Obtain licenses and permits
Set up accounting system (Quickbooks, FreshBooks, Xero, Oracle Netsuite, Sage)

Products and Services

Designate a workspace
Order supplies
Create sample products
Create an inventory list
Create a pricing list

Branding

Choose brand colors
Design logo
Create a tagline
Design product packaging (for product based companies)

Finances

Open business banking account
Create order management system
Purchase mobile POS system (for product based companies)

Analytics