10 BASIC STEPS TO START YOUR SMALL BUSINESS

Small business design planning, making key financial decisions and completing a range of legal activities. Look down to find out about each step.

In practice, vision is only part of the equation. Knowing how to deal with specific problems and being able to market yourself in a competitive environment is just as important.

Table of Contents

Basics to start your small business:

CONDUCT MARKET RESEARCH

Market research will tell you whether your idea has any potential to turn into a successful small business. This is a method for get-together data about possible clients and organizations previously working in your space. Utilize this data to track down an upper hand for your small business.

This means that you should use a professional research firm to help you first gather as much information as possible to define your potential market, such as the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors and the development time required to get your product off the ground. Remember, you will not be making any sales during this period.

WRITE YOUR BUSINESS PLAN

Your small business plan is the foundation of your business. This is a roadmap on how to build, operate and grow a new business. You’ll use it to convince people that partnering with you — or investing in your company — is a smart move.

FUND YOUR BUSINESS

Your small business plan will help you determine how much money you need to start a small business. If you don’t have that amount on hand, you’ll need to raise or borrow money. Fortunately, there are more ways than ever to find the funds you need.

PICK YOUR BUSINESS LOCATION

Your business plan will help you determine how much money you need to start a small business. If you don’t have that amount on hand, you’ll need to raise or borrow money. Fortunately, there are more ways than ever to find the funds you need.

CHOOSE A BUSINESS STRUCTURE

The legal outcome you choose for your business will affect your small business registration requirements, the taxes you pay, and your personal liability.

CHOOSE YOUR BUSINESS NAME

Picking a perfect name isn’t easy. You’ll want one that reflects your brand and captures your spirit. You also need to make sure that your business name is not already in use by anyone else.

REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS

Once you’ve chosen the perfect business name, it’s time to legalize it and protect your brand. If you are doing small business under a different name than yourself, you will need to register with the federal government and perhaps your state government.

GET FEDERAL AND STATE TAX IDS

You’ll use your Employer Identification Number (EIN) in important steps to start and grow your small business, such as opening a bank account and paying taxes. It’s like your business’ social security number. Some (but not all) states also require you to obtain a tax identification number.

APPLY FOR LICENSES AND PERMITS

Stay legally agreeable and keep your business moving along as expected. The licenses and permits required for your business will vary by industry, state, location, and other factors.

OPEN A BUSINESS BANK ACCOUNT

A small business financial record can assist you with legitimate, charge and ordinary issues. The good news is that it’s easy to set up if you have the right registration and paperwork in place.