Business Launch Checklist
A comprehensive, step-by-step checklist covering everything from initial idea to launch day. Developed from launching over 20 businesses and helping countless entrepreneurs start theirs.
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This checklist is organized into logical phases to guide you through the business launch process. Each item includes brief guidance, but for detailed instructions, refer to the Business Launch Journal book.
Phase 1: Foundation & Planning
The Idea
Validate your business concept and value proposition
Target Market
Identify and research your ideal customers
Start-Up One-Time Costs
Calculate initial investment needed
Start-Up Ongoing Costs
Project monthly operating expenses
Service and Product Profiles
Define what you're selling
Setting Prices
Determine pricing strategy and profit margins
Business Plan
Create comprehensive business plan
1 Page Plan
Develop one-page executive summary
The Competition
Analyze competitors and differentiation
Phase 2: Branding & Identity
The Name
Choose memorable, available business name
The Domain Name
Secure matching domain name
The Email Address
Set up professional email
The Colors
Select brand color palette
The Mission Statement
Craft clear mission statement
The Logo
Design or commission professional logo
Business Cards and Prints
Order marketing materials
Signage
Plan physical or digital signage
Phase 3: Legal & Financial Setup
Legal Structures
Choose business structure (LLC, Corp, etc.)
How to File
File formation documents with state
EIN
Obtain Employer Identification Number from IRS
Operating Agreement
Draft operating agreement (LLC)
Guideline
Create internal policies and procedures
Bank Account
Open dedicated business bank account
Loans
Apply for financing if needed
Insurance
Obtain necessary business insurance
Licenses & Permits
Acquire required licenses
FinCEN BOIR
File Beneficial Ownership Information Report
Intellectual Property
Register trademarks, copyrights, patents
The Location
Secure physical or virtual location
Merchant Accounts
Set up payment processing
Phase 4: Operations & Systems
Bookkeeping
Establish bookkeeping system
Understanding Your Books
Learn to read financial statements
Hiring
Recruit and onboard team members
Payroll
Set up payroll system
Contractors
Establish contractor relationships
Digital and Paper Files
Organize document management
Setting Up Your Filing System
Create filing structure
Passwords
Implement password management system
Phase 5: Marketing & Online Presence
Marketing Plan
Develop comprehensive marketing strategy
Social Media Plan
Plan social media strategy
Creating Social Media Accounts
Set up business profiles
Social Media Software
Choose scheduling/management tools
Website Content
Write website copy
Keywords
Research SEO keywords
Creating a Website
Build or hire website development
Email Lists
Set up email marketing system
CRMs
Implement customer relationship management
Blogging
Start content marketing blog
Advertising
Plan paid advertising campaigns
Phase 6: Launch & Growth
Friends & Family
Announce to personal network
Networking
Join networking groups
Partnerships
Establish strategic partnerships
Online Reviews and Testimonials
Gather social proof
Maximizing Social Engagement
Engage with audience
Goals
Set SMART goals for first year
Vision Boards
Create visual goal representation
Artificial Intelligence
Explore AI tools for efficiency
Phase 7: Ongoing Management
Taxes
Understand tax obligations and deadlines
Tax Deductions
Track deductible expenses
Calendars
Maintain organized calendar system
Scheduling
Use scheduling tools for appointments
Avoiding Scams
Educate yourself on common scams
Resources
Business Launch Journal book(available on Amazon)
Free resources at businesslaunchjournal.com