The business start-up checklist below is meant to remind you of the tasks you may have to perform when starting your business.
Not every small business will have to complete each step. For instance, you may decide not to register your trademark with state or federal officials. Or, you may not be required to publish a notice of intent to do business.
Since laws vary by state and by type of business, be sure to check with local authorities to determine if there are any additional legal steps you need to take.
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Choose a business based on your skills and interests
- Research the business idea
- What will you sell
- Is it legal
- Who will buy it and how often
- Are you willing to do what it takes to sell the product
- What will it cost to produce, advertise, sell & deliver
- With what laws will you have to comply
- Can you make a profit
- How long will it take to make a profit
- Write a business plan and marketing plan
- Choose a business name
- Verify right to use the name
- See if the business name is available as a domain name (check at Register.com
)
- Register the business name and get a business certificate
- Register your domain name
even if you aren't ready to use it yet