Preliminary Research
assess your strengths and weaknesses
establish business and personal goals
assess your financial resources
identify the financial risks
determine the start-up costs
decide on your business location
do market research
identify your customers
develop a marketing plan

Business Transactions
select a lawyer
decide on business organization-proprietorship, partnership, corporation
create your business-register your name, get incorporated
select an accountant
prepare a business plan
get financing
establish a line of credit
select an insurance agent
obtain business insurance

First Steps
design and order business cards
obtain a lease
get furniture and equipment
review local building codes
obtain a license or permit (if applicable)
send off for federal and state tax forms
apply for Employer Identification number (if applicable)
join a professional organization
line up suppliers if needed
set a starting date