This is the perfect business start-up checklist for entrepreneurs and solopreneurs.

1. © Denise Hedges www.DeniseHedges.com
Business Start-up Checklist
©
Governmental Requirements
 Acquire City or County Business Licenses and/or Permits
 Obtain Employer Identification Numbers – federal and state, as
required
 Apply for Federal Tax ID Number (Sole Proprietors may use SS#)
 Acquire Sales Tax License (if applicable)
 Obtain Employment Tax Forms, etc. for employees (if applicable)
 Prepare to be Able to File and Pay Federal and State Income Taxes
Legal
 Choose and Register Business Name
 Decide on Legal Form for Business
o Sole Proprietorship
o Partnership (Partnership Agreement)
o Limited Liability Company
o C-Corp or S-Corp
 Select Attorney
 Create/Register Copyrights, Patents, and Trademarks
Financial
 Establish Banking Relationship. Set up Separate Business Account.
 Create Financial Plan (projected start-up costs, estimated profit and
loss, etc.)
 Set up Bookkeeping System/Procedures
 Select Accountant and/or Bookkeeper
 Choose Payroll System (if applicable)
 Determine Pricing and/or Package(s) of Fees
 Choose Payment System(s) You Offer – check, cash, or credit cards
Administrative
 Establish Filing Systems
 Create Needed Forms (see Office Forms)
 Craft Policy and Procedures Manual (see Operating Policies)

2. © Denise Hedges www.DeniseHedges.com
 Buy Needed Insurance (liability, professional, disability, etc.)
 Obtain Office Supplies
Location
 Determine Office Space Needs and Location
 Obtain Furniture and Fixtures
 Set up Telephone and/or Fax
 Install Computer and Software, Printer, and Other Peripherals
Business Operations
 Define Mission, Vision, and Values
 Develop Business Plan
 Determine Business Goals
 Create Marketing Plan
o Determine Target Market
o Craft and Practice Positioning Statement/Elevator Speech
o Determine Marketing Mix of High and Low Touch Strategies
o Study and Know Your Competition
Promotional Needs
 Create Logo/Brand
 Design and Print Business Cards
 Obtain Letterhead and Envelopes
 Come up with a Domain Name
 Establish Email Address(es)
 Determine and Create Needed Collateral Materials
 Create Website
Management Plan
 Determine Staff or Consultants Needed
 Define Roles
o Job Descriptions
o 1099 Consultant Agreement
 Establish Performance Management System for Employees (if
applicable)

3. © Denise Hedges www.DeniseHedges.com
Operating Policies and Procedures
 Create Office Procedures
 Create Sales Procedures
 Put System in Place for Client/Patient Notes - Compliance
 Determine Policy for Late or Missed Appointments
 Establish Payment Policies
o Late Payment
o Credit Policy
 Decide How to Deal with Calls/Appointments that run over allotted
time
 Determine Who calls Whom/Long Distance Charges (for coaches)
 Devise Structure for Complimentary Sessions
 Devise Structure for First Appointment
 Develop Completion Procedures (for coaches)
Office Forms
 Create Welcome Packet and/or Client/Patient Agreement
 Devise New Client/Patient Questionnaire or Intake Form
 Develop New Client/Patient Checklist /Things to Review
 Create Prep Form (for coaches)
 Determine Use of Assessments
 Obtain HIPAA Forms
For more information, connect with me on:
The Web: www.DeniseHedges.com
LinkedIn: www.LinkedIn.com/in/DeniseHedges
Or book Denise to speak for your group or event.