Start-up Checklist

Start-Up Checklist: Starting a business, one manageable step at a time

There was a moment you felt inspired. You felt the urge to go out on your own and share your craft with the world. Don’t let all the administrative stuff slow your momentum down!

This free checklist breaks starting a business into small, manageable steps, so you can stay focused on your passion instead of getting discouraged by the start-up process. Whether you’re starting a full-time business or a side gig, it walks you through what to do, in what order, in plain language.

Inside you’ll find:

• Decide to start a business: the first and hardest step (and you’ve already taken it)
• Write an action plan, not a business plan: your vision, day-to-day operations, ideal customers, and financials
• Company name: choosing one without spending a month on it, and checking that it’s available
• Business structure: understanding your options and any licenses you need
• Industry specifics: the licenses, insurance, and registrations your field may require
• EIN: getting your free federal tax ID number
• Bank account: keeping business and personal money separate, and why it matters
• Taxes: knowing what you owe, when it’s due, and how to set money aside
• Don’t forget step one: taking time to appreciate how far you’ve come

At the end is a printable one-page checklist with every step broken into small tasks you can check off as you go.