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Business Startup Checklist
Starting a new business is a grand entry
into the world of commerce and an exciting time for everyone
involved. Unfortunately, though, along with the thrill of
starting something new, there is hard work, and a fair number
of responsibilities to be shouldered. Any tips or tricks a
startup venture can use to make things easier should be embraced
with enthusiasm!
Below are a few start-up steps that might help you if you’re
starting your own business venture.
- Plan well! Whatever your services are, you need
to confident that you have the right staff, the appropriate
product range and availability, and you need to have
established through research what would be a good
time to start. In addition, you need to have thought
carefully about the location of your business. Every
new venture should have a thoroughly researched, carefully
organized, and professionally-presented business plan.
Also, the operating procedures, competition market
study, your goals of business and the creation of
funds need to be discussed and arranged before the
business starts. If your company is planning to get
a loan for establishing the business, careful research
and planning is necessary for seeking a traditional
loan, or funds from venture capitalists.
- Form a corporation or an LLC! If you’d rather
not be personally liable for any debts incurred by
your business, you may benefit from forming a corporation
or LLC. For other kinds of business (sole proprietorship,
partnerships) the owners’ possessions (house,
car etc.) are at risk if they default on loans, or
can’t pay creditors at any point. An LLC or
corporation, however, safeguards the owners’
own assets so they can’t be seized to pay off
outstanding bills. An LLC also helps you gain credibility
with potential customers, suppliers and partners.
In addition, you can enjoy certain tax benefits with
your LLC or corporation, and online services can guide
you through the legalities of setting either of these
up.
- Secure a federal tax identification number or the
state tax identification number! The Internal Revenue
Service will you a federal identification number or
Employer Identification Number (EIN). It’s very
important as it guarantees social security in your
business, which is especially important in corporations
and LLCs that have a number of employees. Your all
taxation matters will be dealt through this EIN. From
your state taxation department, enquire about the
necessity of getting a state tax identification number
for your type of business.
- Hire an accountant and an attorney! During the
daily running of any business, these two kinds of
individuals can be of immense help. Before starting
up your business, select a good lawyer and an accountant
who can help you through thick and thin. Investment
in these areas now will undoubtedly pay dividends
later! They can guide you through problems, advise
you on cost-cutting and time-saving loopholes, and
make sure you don’t inadvertently break the
law.
- Get a business bank accounts! It’s vital
that your personal finances don’t become entangled
with those of the business. One of way of making sure
this doesn’t happen is by establishing two different
accounts. A specialized business bank account is an
ideal solution for financial transactions involving
your business. The information regarding the type
of the industry, starting date and the names and addresses
of the owners are required to open the business account,
which will then offer you certain specialized services
tailor-made to business rather than personal financial
activity. Corporations and LLCs tend to get accounts
without undue hassle, as they have more credibility
and bank managers trust them to a greater extent than
they do individuals. In fact, especially in US cities,
an LLC seal is often mandatory.
- Raise funds! Look for a loan that suits your kind
of business. There are so many different loan programs
by different kinds of financial institutions and information
about these is readily available online.
- Get the required licenses and permits to legalize
your business! Check with your local governing bodies
what the requirements are for your business in terms
of paperwork and permits. Failing to do this properly
can get you into an enormous amount of trouble, because
not having the correct permits is illegal. It’s
a common mistake many new businesses make, and in
the end, they pay dearly for it.
- Insure your business! After a detailed discussion
with your insurance agent, try to gather all necessary
pre-requisites and documents for obtaining insurance
that will safeguard your business against many kinds
of unforeseen accidents, damage, or other potentially
expensive situations.
- Check about other insurance requirements! If your
business has employees, it may require certain other
types of insurance. Enquire about unemployment insurance,
workers’ compensation, federal tax, self-employment
tax, sales tax etc.
- Enjoy the process! If you put some planning into
your business, you’re more likely to be able
to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor later.
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