15 Things to do Before and While Starting a Business:
- create a business plan, including an operating budget
- obtain any necessary funding to launch the business and operate it until the company is able to support itself through sales
- choose a name for the new business (perform search to make other parties do not have rights to this name and not confusingly similar to other names)
- ensure that the name is available for use in your state (Secretary of State office)
- obtain a URL (domain name) for your business for your email and website
- choose a form of legal entity (LLC, corporation or other) – consider tax implications and attractiveness of entity to future investors, if any
- make necessary filings with Secretary of State to form company
- choose registered agent for entity (required in every state where business will operate)
- draft formation documents, including bylaws and shareholders agreement for corporation, or operating agreement for LLC
- appoint board of directors for corporation or managers for LLC
- hold initial board/manager meeting to appoint officers and address other initial matters (such as authorizing the company to open bank accounts)
- obtain federal tax identification number from IRS
- obtain any required business licenses
- create a board of advisors
