Copyright Envision Corporation. 2002. All rights reserved.

Protected by the copyright laws of the United States & Canada and by international treaties. IT IS
ILLEGAL AND STRICTLY PROHIBITED TO DISTRIBUTE, PUBLISH, OFFER FOR SALE, LICENSE OR SUBLICENSE, GIVE OR DISCLOSE TO ANY OTHER
PARTY, THIS PRODUCT IN HARD COPY OR DIGITAL FORM. ALL OFFENDERS WILL BE SUED IN A COURT OF LAW.

CHECKLIST

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FOR STARTING A NEW BUSINESS

Background work
Analyze your business idea by doing a SWOT analysis
Assess your strengths and weaknesses as an entrepreneur
Establish business and personal goals
Assess your financial resources and identify potential sources of funds

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Identify the financial risks

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Identify your competitors

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Determine the start-up costs

Decide on your business location
Do a thorough market research
Identify your customers

Develop a marketing plan

Business transactions
Select a lawyer and an accountant
Choose a form of organization (proprietorship, partnership, or corporation, for example)
Create your business (register your name, incorporate the business, etc.)
Prepare a business plan
Select a banker and set up a business checking account

 Copyright Envision Corporation. 2002. All rights reserved. Protected by the copyright laws of the United States & Canada and by international treaties. IT IS
ILLEGAL AND STRICTLY PROHIBITED TO DISTRIBUTE, PUBLISH, OFFER FOR SALE, LICENSE OR SUBLICENSE, GIVE OR DISCLOSE TO ANY OTHER
PARTY, THIS PRODUCT IN HARD COPY OR DIGITAL FORM. ALL OFFENDERS WILL BE SUED IN A COURT OF LAW.

Apply for business loans and grants (if applicable)

Establish a line of credit (if possible)
Select an insurance agent and obtain business insurance

First steps
Prepare corporate brochures
Build a web site
Set-up corporate e-mail accounts
Get business cards
Obtain a lease
Line up suppliers (if applicable)
Get furniture and equipment
Obtain business licenses or permits (if applicable)
Get a federal employer identification number (if applicable)
Get a state employer ID number (if applicable)
Send for federal and state tax forms
Join a professional organization
Choose a starting date
Prepare and deploy your communication/marketing strategy