The document outlines the various steps involved in starting a new business, organized into categories including governmental requirements, legal matters, financial setup, administrative tasks, location, business operations, promotional needs, management planning, operating policies and procedures, and office forms. Key steps include obtaining necessary licenses and permits, choosing a business structure, establishing banking and accounting systems, developing a business plan and marketing strategy, and creating policies and forms to manage client/patient services.

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.