Start a Business
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Step 1: Business Planning and Research
Think of this as your business' blueprint. At this stage, you define what your business is going to be, who your customers are, and how you'll make money. This involves conducting market research to understand the demand, competition, and potential pitfalls. A business plan outlines your mission, vision, target market, competitive landscape, financial projections, and marketing strategies.
In Simple Terms: Before you start building a house, you need a solid plan and a good understanding of the materials you'll use, the neighborhood you're building in, and how many rooms you need. Similarly, before you start a business, you need a plan that outlines what you're going to sell, who's going to buy it, and how you're going to make it all happen.
Explore Potential Business Plans
Following is a sample of business ideas from our collection of 800+ business ideas.
Secure Your Business Website Name
Before you get caught up in the whirlwind of setting up your business, invest in a domain name. It's a small but significant step that lays the foundation for your brand and makes it easier for customers to find and trust you. Just like you wouldn't build a house without securing the land first, don't build a business without securing your domain name.
"Why? Can't that wait?" Here's why it shouldn't
Step 2: Legal and Financial Framework
Once your plan is set, you'll need to take care of the "official" parts of starting a business. This includes registering your business name, getting necessary licenses or permits, and setting up a business bank account. You'll also need to decide on a business structure (e.g., sole proprietor, LLC, corporation) as this impacts taxes, liability, ownership power, etc.
In Simple Terms: Imagine you're throwing a big party. You'd need to send out official invites (registering your business), maybe get a permit if it's a big outdoor event (licenses), and pool your party funds separately from your personal money (business bank account). This step makes sure your business is legit and operates smoothly within the law.
Professional Formation Services
Forming your own business can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor, but navigating the complex maze of legal requirements and paperwork can be daunting. That's where business formation services come in.
We highly recommend using a business formation service. An LLC is the most popular business structure.
Our Top Pick: Northwest ($39 + state fees).
Includes 1st year of registered agent services. Learn more.
What You’ll Need: Business Name, Owners, Business Address (many services will offer a virtual)
Professional Formation Services Help Most With: Articles of Organization (filed with the state), Registered Agent, Employer Identification Number (EIN), Operating Agreement
Do Later: Website Name, Website, Bank Account, Business Phone, Accountant, Logo, Advertising
State Fees: There will always be an additional cost for state filing fees—the fees are based on the state you’re forming your business in.
Explore More LLC Services
Browse our collection of Best LLC Formation Services
Get A Business Insurance Quote
Having the right insurance coverage is essential to protecting your business and your livelihood. With the right insurance, you can protect your business from potential risks and liabilities, and ensure that you are covered in the event of an accident or disaster.
Step 3: Develop and Market Your Product/Service
The final step is actually bringing your idea to life and introducing it to the market. This involves everything from creating your product or service to developing a marketing plan to attract customers. It’s essential to offer something that meets a need or solves a problem for your target audience. You'll also need a sales strategy, and possibly even a storefront, whether that's a physical location or an online platform.
In Simple Terms: Now that you've planned your big party and gotten the permits, you need to actually throw it. This means buying the food, setting up the decorations, and most importantly, getting people to come. For a business, this is the stage where you make what you're selling and get people interested in buying it.