✅ New Business Startup Checklist

Startup Checklist

Business: ______________________________ · Target launch date: ____________

1. Idea & validation

• Write your idea as one sentence: who you help and how.
• Confirm a real, painful problem people will pay to solve.
• Talk to 10 potential customers — listen, don't pitch.
• Check the competition and find your angle.
• Get 1–3 people to pre-commit (a deposit, signup, or “yes I'd buy”).
• Decide your pricing and confirm the math works.

2. Legal & admin

• Choose a structure (sole prop, LLC, or S-corp).
• Pick and check a business name (domain + state registry + socials).
• Register the business / file your LLC if needed.
• Get an EIN from the IRS (free).
• Check local licenses and permits required for your work.
• Look into business insurance if there's any liability.

3. Money

• Open a separate business bank account.
• Set up a simple bookkeeping system or spreadsheet.
• Set aside 25–30% of profit for taxes from day one.
• Set up a way to get paid (invoicing, Stripe, Square, etc.).
• Estimate your startup costs and required runway.

4. Brand & online presence

• Buy your domain and a matching email address.
• Create a simple logo and pick your colors.
• Build a one-page website that explains the offer and how to buy.
• Claim your social handles and (if local) a Google Business Profile.
• Write a clear, benefit-led description of what you do.

5. First customers

• List 20 people or businesses who might buy.
• Reach out personally to the first 10.
• Post your offer where your customers already hang out.
• Deliver your first job and ask for a review + referral.
• Track what worked and double down on it.