Startup Checklist
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The document outlines 20 steps for starting a new business, provided by The Company Corporation to help businesses incorporate or form an LLC. It details the key steps including writing a business plan, obtaining funding, setting up a legal structure, registering business names, obtaining licenses and permits, establishing banking and accounting systems, and continuing compliance with legal requirements. The Company Corporation offers various online tools and services to assist with these startup tasks.
Startup Checklist
- 1. Brought to you by The Company Corporation www.incorporate.com
- 2. New businesses face many challenges, from planning and licensing to opening a bank account and creating a Web site. The Company Corporation wants to help. Follow each step on our checklist and stay on the right track.
- 3. Step 1: Write a business plan Form goals and objectives for your new company. A successful start to any business requires a detailed outline of what you plan to accomplish. For access to more than 500 sample business plans, The Company Corporation recommends Business Plan Pro.
- 4. Step 2: Obtain Start-Up Capital Whether you use your own savings or obtain loans, starting a business requires money. The loan process can take months to complete, so start early. Lenders often request a completed business plan prior to approval of funding.
- 5. Step 3: Set Up a Legal Business Structure Forming a corporation or LLC can protect owners' personal assets from business debts. Additionally, incorporating can provide credibility and tax benefits. Let The Company Corporation help you incorporate or form an LLC online.
- 6. Step 4: Register A “Doing Business As” Name Will your corporation or LLC do business under a name other than its legal name filed with the Secretary of State? If so, it must file a DBA (Doing Business As) name. We can help you file your DBA name.
- 7. Step 5: Appoint a Registered Agent Businesses must maintain an address for service of process where legal documents can be received. The Company Corporation provides Registered Agent service for all companies that we form.
- 8. Step 6: Protect Your Company’s Name Businesses file names on a per-state basis, so other companies may be using the same or a similar name in other states. Conducting a trademark search ensures your unique company name isn't already in use.
- 9. Step 7: Obtain a Federal EIN Incorporated businesses and companies that hire employees must obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number. The Company Corporation includes this service in our complete formation package. You can also order an EIN separately.
- 10. Step 8: Satisfy Business Licensing Requirements Most state, county, and local governments require businesses to obtain licensing before they begin to operate. We can provide you with the application forms and contact information for the appropriate agencies.
- 11. Step 9: Draft Internal Documents Corporations are governed by their internal bylaws, whereas LLCs are governed by an operating agreement. The Company Corporation can customize bylaws or an LLC operating agreement for your business.
- 12. Step 10: Satisfy Insurance Requirements Incorporating or forming an LLC does not provide a company with business insurance. Most companies obtain general business insurance from an insurance provider. Corporations and LLCs that hire employees also typically obtain unemployment and workers compensation insurance.
- 13. Step 11: Establish a Business Presence Identify a location for the business and establish a business address. The Company Corporation offers regular mail forwarding service in either Delaware or Nevada. Access our online application materials for more information.
- 14. Step 12: Establish a Web Presence Not having an effective Web site eliminates opportunities for new customers and more profit. The Company Corporation recommends Web.com to help design, develop, and market a Web site. Web.com's services include a free 30-day trial, a toll-free telephone number, and 250 business cards. If you already have a Web site, Web.com can help you market that site more effectively.
- 15. Step 13: Develop Business Collateral Businesses use customized letterhead, cards, and forms with their company name and logo to establish credibility. LogoYes makes "do-it-yourself" business cards, logos, and letterhead a snap. Get the professional look you desire from LogoYes.
- 16. Step 14: Obtain a Bank Account To protect their corporate or LLC veil, businesses must maintain separate business and personal accounts and records. Establish a separate business bank account so that your personal assets are not co-mingled with business funds.
- 17. Step 15: Establish Proper Accounting Procedures The Company Corporation recommends Peachtree Complete Accounting by Sage, the accounting solution that small business owners have trusted for more than 30 years. It provides the tools that help you track project costs, manage inventory, and analyze all aspects of your business. Also consider Timeslips by Sage, the industry-leading time and billing solution that enables service-based businesses to easily and efficiently manage every aspect of the time and billing process. (Enter promo code TCC2008TS for savings on Timeslips by Sage.)
- 18. Step 16: Build Strong Customer Relationships Make sure you have critical contact details at your fingertips so you can focus on what's most important to your business - building stronger customer relationships. ACT! by Sage helps you organize contact information, manage daily responsibilities, and communicate more effectively to improve your productivity.
- 19. Step 17: Identify Where to Get Help Smart business owners know where and when to seek advice from other sources. Identify attorneys and accountants in your area who can assist you with specific questions about your business if necessary.
- 20. Step 18: Get Started Schedule an opening day for your business. Giving yourself a goal helps keep things on track. and can increase your productivity.
- 21. Step 19: Complete Additional Filings Companies that expand to do business outside their original state of incorporation or LLC formation generally register in the additional states. The Company Corporation can assist in these registration filings, also called "qualifications." Amendments can also be filed if the information listed on the formation document, like the legal name of the company or address, changes.
- 22. Step 20: Follow Government Rules Operating a small business means satisfying ongoing government and legal requirements to maintain the company's good standing. Stay aware of the steps needed to maintain your company's status, and take advantage of The Company Corporation's $50,000 Corporate Veil Guarantee, provided at no cost with our Registered Agent service.
- 23. Leader in helping businesses incorporate or form an LLC Based in Wilmington, Delaware Call center phone support Provider of incorporation services on web for 15 years Award-winning web site Nationwide services Incorporate.com has helped over 300,000 business owners Parent company (CSC Global) dates back to 1899 Founders created the Delaware corporate laws
- 24. Award winning web site at www.incorporate.com Call center staffed with specialists Business formation wizard tool Free business formation guide My Account Save $15 off on incorporation packages (Code: Save15) Call today at 1-888-340-7239 or visit www.incorporate.com