10-Point Small Business Startup Checklist

Obtenga una excelente cobertura en minutos
Solo debe hacer unos cuantos clics.
small business startup checklistStarting a small business is a lot of hard work and can be overwhelming. That’s why we created this small business startup checklist to help as you get going. This list can help make sure you’re giving your business a good foundation and starting it off on the right foot.
 

Small Business Startup Checklist: 10 Things To Do

From creating a business plan to getting the right type of seguro para pequeñas empresas, our small business startup checklist can help make sure you’re giving your company the best opportunity for success.
 

1. Determine the Viability of Your Business Idea

Before you start your small business, it’s important to make sure you have a strong foundation. To do so, make sure you have a business idea that meets customers’ needs. Base your business idea on market research to help you:
 
  • Identify customer habits, trends and needs
  • Determine the best way to market your product and service
  • Get feedback on your idea or proposal
Doing your due diligence can help you save time, energy and money before opening a business.
 

2. Decide on Your Business Structure

Su business structure is an important decision that can impact other areas of your company, like:
 
  • Impuestos
  • Licenses
  • Insurance needs
Some common small business startup structures include:
 
  • Sole proprietorship, which means one person serves as the business owner and runs the operations.
  • Limited liability company (LLC), which helps protect the personal assets of its members. With an LLC, your personal and professional assets are kept separate.
  • General partnership where partners are co-owners of the business and equally share rights and responsibilities.
  • Limited partnership, which means partners don’t have a say in running the company.
  • C corporation, a time-tested business structure providing the best protection against liability.
  • S corporation in which you don’t have to pay taxes on profits at the corporate level and on dividends at the individual level.

3. Write a Business Plan

There are many ways to write a business plan, but it’s a good idea to include these five components:
 
  1. Executive summary. Think of this as your elevator pitch. It can include a table of contents, background, market opportunity and competitive advantages.
  2. Business description and structure to explain why you want to start a business and what you’re selling.
  3. Market research and strategies, which can include sales forecasts and how your business compares to the competition.
  4. Management and personal bios to explain who is leading the company.
  5. Financial documents to back up everything you’ve described in your organization and marketing sections.

4. Obtain Licenses and Permits

Insurance new business checklistDepending on the industry you’re in, you may have to get certain business licenses and permits. For example, if you operate an agriculture business that can impact the environment, federal law requires you to get a license. Or if you set up a retail business, you may have to get a sales tax permit in your state.
 
With laws varying between states, it’s important to know what’s required of your small business before you ever open.
 

5. Register Your Business

Registering your business gives you more credibility with customers and clients.
 
When you register your business, you’ll file paperwork with your state and the IRS. Be aware that you may have to get the appropriate permits and licenses before you can register your company.
 

6. Get Your Finances in Order

Before you start your business, it’s essential that you have your finances in order. While financing a startup requires time and effort, it’s equally important to set up a business banking account to separate your company’s funds from your personal money.
 
If you’ve already registered your business with the IRS, you should have gotten an employer identification number (EIN). You’ll use your EIN to file your business’ taxes each year. it easier when the business tax deadline gets closer.
 

7. Find an Office or Retail Space

There are plenty of options to consider for your business location. Depending on the type of business you plan on running, you can:
 
  • Work from home
  • Lease or buy an office or brick-and-mortar location
  • Create a virtual office
Whether you have a physical or virtual location, it’s essential to get commercial property insurance. This coverage can help protect your owned or rented building and the equipment you use to operate your business.
 

8. Get the Word Out

Marketing your business plays a key role in your success. You can increase your small business’ visibility by:
 
  • Creating a website
  • Starting social media accounts and engaging with the public
  • Handing out business cards
Marketing for startups doesn’t have to be intimidating. It can help you create your own brand and have a strategy to expand and grow.
 

9. Find a Mentor

business startup checklistOpening and running a small business is a big investment and will require a lot of work. If this is your first time starting a company, you’ll likely face challenges and questions that you don’t know the answers to. A good way to help you stay on the right track is to find a mentor.
 
There are a variety of organizations that pair new business owners with experienced mentors. SCORE, for example, has over 10,000 volunteer mentors who can help small business owners thrive.
 

10. Follow Our Insurance for New Business Checklist

When you open your doors for business, you’ll immediately face all different types of risks. Some of the most common claims are from customers who claim bodily injury or property damage against a business. These claims happen often, and that’s why small business insurance is so important.
 
We’re here to help make sure you check off all the boxes when it comes to getting the right coverage. We offer different types of business insurance based on your unique needs. Common coverages that many small business owners choose include our:
 

When Starting a New Business, The Hartford Has Your Back

We know starting a small business takes a lot of work. It’s why we created this small business startup checklist to help you open with a strong foundation. And we understand you may face unique risks when you open. We can help answer questions like, “What does compensation mean?
 
We are an admitted insurance company. We’ve helped over 1 million small business owners, so we know the challenges you face. Our specialists are here to help you and answer questions you have about coverage.
 
Whether you need help getting the right small business insurance coverage or are looking to file a claim, we’ve got your back. Get a small business insurance quote today to learn how much insurance is for a startup business.
The Hartford no será responsable de ningún daño relacionado con el uso de la información proporcionada en esta página. Consulte con su agente/corredor de seguros o compañía de seguros para determinar las necesidades específicas de cobertura, ya que el contenido publicado aquí se ofrece con fines informativos solamente.
 
La información contenida en esta página no debe interpretarse como asesoramiento legal, de Recursos Humanos, financiero o de seguros específico, y no es una garantía de cobertura. En el caso de una pérdida o reclamación, las determinaciones de cobertura estarán sujetas al lenguaje de la póliza, y cualquier pago de reclamación posible se determinará luego de que se investigue la reclamación.
 
Ciertas coberturas varían según el estado y es posible que no estén disponibles para todas las empresas. All Hartford coverages and services described on this page may be offered by one or more of the property and casualty insurance company subsidiaries of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. listed in the Aviso legal.
 
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., (NYSE: HIG) operates through its subsidiaries under the brand name, The Hartford, and is headquartered in Hartford, CT. For additional details, please read The Hartford’s Legal Notice.
 
* Los comentarios de los clientes son recolectados y tabulados por The Hartford y no representan a todos los clientes.