Is there a business startup checklist?

Question

I'm finding myself overwhelmed with all that is involved in starting a business. I'm developing a fear that I will forget something. Is there a good site with a list of the small stuff on it?

Answer 1

I would strongly recommend that you talk to a business counselor before you do anything especially spend money. I'd call the local office of SCORE (go to http://www.score.org and input your zip code to find the chapter nearest you), the advice is FREE.

The counselor at SCORE will most likely advise you to write a business plan which is very good advice because it will force you to dig out all of the start up details and the costs of starting your small business and force you to also understand all of the aspects of this business including the customers you'll concentrate on (your market ) and how you'll go after them.

You'll need to register the business with your state controller's office and make sure that you have any city and county licenses if any are needed where you live. All of this will come out in a business plan.

Try this link :
http://www.ychange.com/small-business-consulting-articles.html and read some of the articles especially the ones about a business plan and starting a business.
Good Luck

Answer 2

Know what type of business you would like to start and learn all you can about it
Appraise your business strengths and weaknesses. Be strict and objective
Conduct thorough research of potential customers, your trade or industry, your competition, your licensing and tax requirements, location and name
Determine type of business organization (LLC, Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Corporation
Evaluate possible site locations. Check physical condition, suitability, traffic flow, parking, utility requirements, and cost
Prepare a comprehensive business plan – include your action timetable (www.sba.gov, www.bplan.com)
Decide on your business hours
Secure necessary capital (Bank loan, budget to save, borrow on insurance, line of credit, etc.)
Obtain needed facilities, equipment, furnishings, signage, supplies, stock

Answer 3

There are a number of resources that provides checklists for starting a business. Here are some of them

IRS http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98810,00.html
SBDC http://www.pasbdc.org/what/consulting/starting/01.asp
SBA http://app1.sba.gov/survey/checklist/index.cgi
http://www.celcee.edu/publications/digest/Dig02-07.html

Answer 4

what kind of business are you starting up. it all depends on what kind of business you are starting up with what list you will need to start the business

Good luck on the new business

Answer 5

http://www.score.org/template_gallery.html

Choose "Start up Expenses" at bottom of page.
There are all the templates you need ,in addition.