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Start Up Checklist Print

Included Choose a business based on your skills and interests

Included Research the business idea

Included What is the product or service you will sell

Included Is it legal or are there any legal issues related to it

Included What laws do you need to comply with

Included Who are your customers – will they buy your product/service and how often

Included Are you willing to do what it takes to sell the product

Included What will it cost to produce, advertise, sell & deliver your product/service

Included Can you make a profit – be realistic with your numbers!

Included How long will it take to make a profit – most people underestimate the timeframe

Included Who is your competition

IncludedChoose a business name

Included Research and Verify the right to use the name

Included Google the proposed name and see what’s out there

Included Check AZ Corporation Commission - Check Name Availability.

Included Check US Patent and Trademark Office

Included See if the business name is available as a domain name

Included Reserve the name with the AZ Corporation Commission or file a tradename with the AZ Secretary of State

Included Register the domain name

IncludedWrite a business plan

IncludedDecide which business structure will work best for your business and form it

IncludedOpen a company bank account

IncludedEstablish relationship with your banker

IncludedObtain adequate and reliable financing

Included Establish relationship with strategic advising team, including attorney, accountant, insurance agent, marketing and PR, web designer, financial planner, etc.

IncludedChoose a location for your business

Included Check zoning laws and requirements for your business

Included Talk to the Economic Development department in the cities in which you want to operate your business

Included Order equipment, supplies and inventory

Included Obtain signage for the business

Included Obtain business licenses and permits

Included Examples of Licenses/Permits:  EIN, Arizona State tax id number, Arizona state and local jurisdiction transaction privilege tax license (if required for your business), unemployment withholding, city license, county taxes, etc.

Included Set up an Accounting and Record Keeping System

Included Lean how to use technology to streamline your business operations

Included Obtain business insurance – work with business agent to understand your risks and which coverages are appropriate for your business

Included Obtain health and disability insurance

Included Obtain workers compensation insurance if you hire employees

Included Systemize and organize – create your business processes

Included Develop a marketing plan – create your brand and business identity

Included Design business cards, stationary, invoices, etc

Included Design a web site

Included Protect your intellectual property

Included Register your trademarks with the state or US Patent and Trademark office

Included Register copyrights

Included Apply for patents

Included Hire employees or contractors

Included Hire a payroll company to handle your payroll if you have employees

Included Network at business events and get the word out about your business

Included Join a Chamber of Commerce and get involved in the community

Included Hold a Grand Opening to celebrate the opening of your business