New Business Start-Up Checklist

4. Create a website / services

• Hostinger.com offers a great website builder that is affordable and gives you access to a domain as well.

• Register with Google Search Console to get your site listed on Google.com

  • Optimize for SEO

  • Create your Google Business Profile

• Set up any email, forms, or survey services as needed.

  • Typeform, Google Forms, and Mailchimp are low-cost options to get you started.

2. Create your basic business plan

   Using an AI like Chat GPT is ideal for this, as long as you can feed it exactly what you are trying to accomplish.

• Create a mission and vision statement to keep you grounded on your "why"

• Look into your competition, what can you provide that they can't (establish your core competencies)

• What are your barriers to entry into the space?

• How much capital do you need, and how do you plan to get it?

• What is your marketing plan?

• What are the products and services, and how will you price them?

  • Start with one product/service and create short and long-term growth goals to establish a diversified offering.

  • What are the low hanging fruit that you can start producing sooner rather than later?

1. Create your idea

• Is it something that people need?

• Does it solve a problem?

• Are you passionate about it?

There are no affiliate links here, just a step-by-step guide to get you moving in the right direction on a budget. It's not about hustle. It's about creating a plan and moving forward with consistency and dedication. What one thing can you do to get you to the next step? If you get stuck, we are here to help!

5. Create your socials

• Set up your social accounts based on where your target customers frequent.

• Tie your social accounts back to your website.

• Create your social media posting plan (once a week at least).

• Engage with ALL individuals who like, comment, post, or message.

• You can start creating a presence, even if you haven't officially launched your product or service.

  • Post valuable content to your audience, don't just post your product, and ask for sales. That's not the energy we are going for yet. First, engage and give them something that they want/need.

  • Establish credibility in the space as a soft launch. (This can last months or years).

6. Look for funding

• Do you qualify for grants? Start doing some research and see if you find any based on your demographics or industry.

• Prepare to meet with credible lenders if you need an influx of capital prior to launching.

• Be sure that you are keeping track of ALL of your expenses. Research your IRS regulations on common itemizations within your industry so you know what to keep track of.

• How will you use the money once you receive it? Create an ROI (Return-On-Investment) strategy to make sure you are optimizing your resources.

  • Tip: Your time is also a resource! Protect it as you move through the process.

3. Register with your state

• Look up state-required regulations and certification, and then apply for your business name officially.

  • Make sure an associated domain name is free.

  • Get your EIN if needed. Not all businesses need this right off the bat.

  • Do you need any special insurance prior to launching?

7. Look for partners - This is important! You can't build in a bubble

• Are there any other businesses that complement yours and can provide you both with a win/win partnership?

• Join complementary organizations to start networking

  • Ex. Local Chamber of Commerce

• Are there any social media personalities that you can reach out to to share your brand and mission?

  • Give a freebie to them to provide to their audience.