{"id":5140,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:57","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/business-start-up-checklist.html"},"modified":"2026-05-26T16:57:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T21:57:00","slug":"business-start-up-checklist","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/business-start-up-checklist.html","title":{"rendered":"Business Startup Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Business Startup Checklist<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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When entrepreneurs start a business, there are many tasks to accomplish. A business owner should have a business checklist that encompasses choosing a business name, filing business formation documents, and understanding and complying with licensing requirements.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Starting a new business<\/span> can feel overwhelming, even for seasoned entrepreneurs<\/span>. Fortunately, with organization and planning, running a startup is often financially and personally rewarding, even if the level of success can\u2019t be guaranteed.<\/p>\n

Entrepreneurs<\/span> need to address many issues before opening to the public. Creating a business startup checklist is a good idea to ensure you haven\u2019t forgotten anything. Below are steps to help you organize your ideas and get your business going.<\/p>\n

FindLaw\u2019s\u00a0Starting a Business<\/a>\u00a0section has links to additional articles and resources to help new business<\/span> owners get started. You can find location-specific information by checking out\u00a0State Resources: Starting a Business<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Ready to form your LLC with confidence? Our trusted partner LegalZoom has packages starting at $0 + filing fees.<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Test the Waters<\/h2>\n

Creating a business plan<\/span><\/a>\u00a0is a good first step when testing a business idea\u2019s feasibility. Read up on\u00a0how to write a business plan<\/span><\/a>. Then, review the\u00a0business plan<\/span> outline<\/a>\u00a0and begin your market research. You\u2019ll want to:<\/p>\n