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Printable checklist
Business launch basics checklist
The core legal, money, and setup steps for starting a small business, in the order most owners need them.
Requirements depend on your city, county, state, and industry. A free advisor at your local Small Business Development Center or SCORE can confirm what applies to you.
Set up the business
- Choose a business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation) and register with your state if needed.
- Register a fictitious business name ("doing business as") with your county if you use a name other than your own.
- Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. It's free.
- Get the business licenses and permits your city, county, and industry require.
- Register for a seller's permit if you sell taxable goods (in California, with the CDTFA).
Set up the money
- Open a business checking account and use it only for the business.
- Get a business card for business expenses.
- Choose bookkeeping software or a simple spreadsheet and record every transaction.
- Open a separate savings account for taxes and another for your cash reserve.
- Decide how you'll pay yourself.
Protect the business
- Get the insurance you need. See the insurance basics checklist.
- Use written estimates and agreements. See the estimates and contracts checklist.
- Turn on two-step verification for your email and bank accounts.
Get found and get paid
- Claim your free Google Business Profile.
- Set up ways to take payment: card, bank transfer, and invoices. Our free invoice generator works on your phone.
- Plan your first 90 days of cash with the startup savings calculator.