This guide provides checklists and templates to help you successfully launch and manage your business in the U.S. From planning and legal compliance to funding and operations, these tools will keep you organized and on track.
Refine Your Business Idea:
Identify your target audience and unique value proposition.
Conduct market research to assess demand and competitors.
Create a Business Plan:
Define your mission, vision, and objectives.
Include a marketing plan, pricing strategy, and sales projections.
Draft a financial plan with startup costs and revenue forecasts.
Choose a Business Name:
Ensure the name is unique and available for registration in your state.
Check the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database for trademarks.
Choose a Business Structure:
Sole Proprietorship.
Partnership.
LLC (Limited Liability Company).
Corporation (C-Corp or S-Corp).
Register Your Business:
File with your state’s Secretary of State (if required).
Obtain a DBA (Doing Business As) if using a trade name.
Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number):
Apply online for free via the IRS website.
Apply for Licenses and Permits:
Local permits (zoning, health, or signage).
State or federal licenses (specific to industries like food, alcohol, or construction).
Set Up a Business Bank Account:
Separate personal and business finances.
Choose a bank with favorable small business features.
Plan Startup Costs:
Calculate costs for equipment, inventory, licenses, marketing, and utilities.
Include working capital for the first 3-6 months.
Set Up Accounting Systems:
Use tools like QuickBooks, FreshBooks, or Wave for bookkeeping.
Track income, expenses, and receipts meticulously.
Understand Tax Requirements:
Register for state and federal taxes (sales tax, income tax, etc.).
Consult a CPA or tax professional for compliance.
Develop a Brand Identity:
Design a logo and choose brand colors and fonts.
Create a mission statement and tagline.
Build an Online Presence:
Create a professional website (use Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify).
Set up social media profiles on relevant platforms.
Launch Your Marketing Plan:
Use social media, email marketing, and paid ads to promote your business.
Register your business on Google My Business and Yelp.
| Section | Details |
|---------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|
| Business Overview | What is your business idea? What problem does it solve? |
| Target Market | Who is your ideal customer? |
| Competitive Analysis | Who are your competitors, and how will you stand out? |
| Revenue Model | How will your business make money? |
| Marketing Plan | What strategies will you use to attract and retain customers? |
| Financial Plan | Include projected costs, revenue, and profit. |
| Milestones and Goals | What are your short-term and long-term goals? |
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost ($) | Actual Cost ($) | Notes |
|------------------------------|------------------------|---------------------|---------------------------|
| Business Registration Fees | 300 | | State filing fees |
| Licenses and Permits | 200 | | Food or alcohol licenses |
| Website Development | 500 | | Hosting, domain, design |
| Marketing Budget | 1,000 | | Social media ads |
| Equipment and Supplies | 2,000 | | Office or store setup |
| Month | Projected Revenue ($) | Projected Expenses ($) | Net Profit ($) |
|----------------|---------------------------|----------------------------|--------------------|
| Month 1 | 5,000 | 3,000 | 2,000 |
| Month 2 | 6,000 | 3,500 | 2,500 |
| Month 3 | 7,000 | 4,000 | 3,000 |
| Marketing Channel | Strategy | Budget ($) | Expected ROI |
|--------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|------------------|------------------------|
| Social Media (Instagram) | Post 4 times/week; run targeted ads. | 500 | Build brand awareness |
| Email Marketing | Send bi-weekly newsletters to potential clients. | 100 | Drive website traffic |
| Local Ads | Run ads in local newspapers and on Google. | 400 | Generate leads locally |
| Task | Deadline | Assigned To | Status |
|------------------------------|------------------|-------------------------|------------------|
| Register business name | 01/15/2025 | Yourself | Completed |
| Apply for business license | 01/20/2025 | Yourself | Pending |
| Set up accounting software | 01/25/2025 | Accountant | In Progress |
| Launch social media profiles | 02/01/2025 | Marketing Consultant | Not Started |
| Persona Name | Details |
|------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|
| Name | "Budget-Conscious Mom" |
| Demographics | Age: 30–45, Income: $50,000/year, Location: Suburban |
| Pain Points | Struggles to find affordable, healthy meal options. |
| Goals | Wants convenience and value for money. |
| Preferred Channels | Facebook, Instagram, and email newsletters. |
LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, Incfile.
Website and Online Presence:
Shopify (e-commerce), Squarespace, Wix.
Accounting and Bookkeeping:
QuickBooks, FreshBooks, Wave Accounting.
Project Management and Task Tracking:
Trello, Asana, ClickUp.
Marketing Tools: