{"id":5515,"date":"2016-04-04T10:48:00","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/start-up-basics.html"},"modified":"2026-06-17T00:34:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T05:34:00","slug":"start-up-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/start-up-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"Start-Up Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Start-Up Basics<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\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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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

A business startup checklist is a structured planning tool that outlines the essential legal, financial, and operational steps required to launch a new company. This foundational framework helps entrepreneurs manage critical milestones, such as selecting a legal structure, securing financing, and registering trademarks.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Starting a new business<\/span> can feel overwhelming, even for seasoned entrepreneurs<\/span>. Fortunately, with organization and planning, running a startup<\/span> is often financially and personally rewarding, even if the level of success can’t be guaranteed.<\/p>\n

Entrepreneurs<\/span> need to address many issues before opening to the public. Creating a business startup<\/span> checklist is a good idea to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything. Below are steps to help you organize your ideas and get your business going.<\/p>\n

FindLaw’s\u00a0Starting a Business<\/u><\/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<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Form your LLC with confidence.\u202fOur trusted partner LegalZoom has packages starting at $0 + filing fees.<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Test the Waters<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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