- Decide if you have the personality it takes to be an entrepreneur. You will be your own most important employee, working long hours, and “wearing many hats”.
- Consider which is more important to you…where you want to live, or what type of business you want to be in.
- Decide what form of business ownership is appropriate (ie. Sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company).
- Get advocates on board including experienced business owners, the SBDC, attorney, accountant, and banker.
- Draft your business plan.
- Look into any education and licensing needed for your business.
- Consider legal issues, the economy, and the area’s attitude toward business.
- Determine how many and what type of skills you are looking for in your employees.
- Find a location for your business and decide if you want to own or rent. Consider all costs including taxes and utilities.
- Determine your level of customer service (Will you accept returns? Exchanges? Gift wrapping? Alternations? Repairs? Warranties?)
- Register your trade name. Look into any patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
- Get a Federal and State tax id number.
- Set up your books.
- Obtain any necessary start-up capital.
- Develop your marketing plan and budget.
- Open a checking account and set up any required lines of credit.
- Buy any needed equipment, inventory, and supplies.
- Obtain insurance.
The Clarke Real Estate Agency features Gunnison Colorado homes, commercial properties and vacant land.
SMALL BUSINESS START-UP CHECKLIST
Great. I like it. It teach me to obtain a good quality of service, This checklist and a tool I got from a businessmental, helped me in making my business more effective. Thank you.