Business Checklist Guidelines

Business Checklist Guidelines

Follow the steps outlined below to get your business off to the right start. The links below go to pages in our Checklist Program and Arizona Entrepreneur's Edge.

• Educate yourself on the basics of starting, operating and growing a successful business. Explore business assistance resources.
  • See Arizona Entrepreneur’s Edge (AzEE)
  • See Seminars and Workshops
• Conduct research on your industry, target market and competition. Prepare a written business plan complete with financial statements. 
  • See AZEE Chapter 1: From Idea to Business – Business Planning and Research
  • See Business Research Resources
  • See Writing a Business Plan
• Explore business assistance resources.
  • See AZEE Chapter 2: Sources of Help – Business Assistance and Counseling
  • See Business Counseling and Assistance Programs
• Establish a source of adequate and reliable financing. 
  • See AzEE Chapter 3: Financing Your Business – Financial Options and Funding Sources
  • See Money to Start and Grow a Business
• Retain an attorney, CPA, insurance agent/broker and commercial real estate broker, if appropriate. 
  • See Finding Professional Partners
• Learn advantages and disadvantages of various business structure options. Consult with an accountant and/or attorney in order to pick the structure that best meets your needs.
  • See AZEE Chapter 4: Business Structures and Registration
  • See Choosing a Business Structure (Entity)
  • See also: Finding Professional Partners
• Check on zoning ordinances and other factors before selecting a suitable location. 
  • See Business Location Considerations
• Choose a name, research the availability and register name/entity.
  • See Frequently Asked Questions: Business Name/Trade Name/DBA
  • See Business Name/Trade Name/DBA (Doing Business As)
  • See Business Structure (Entity)/Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), if needed.
  • See Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Find a bank that’s right for you. Open bank accounts.
• Acquire necessary licenses and/or permits for state, county and/or city. 
  • See Business Location Considerations
  • See Business Compliance Considerations
  • See Licensing and Taxes
  • See Selected Professions/Business Activities
• Meet with insurance agent for full range of coverage. 
  • See Finding Professional Partners
• Obtain bonding and insurance, if necessary.
  • See Finding Professional Partners
• Arrange for utilities, telephone and other services.
• Review all labor regulations, if hiring employees. 
  • See AzEE Chapter 6: Hiring Employees and Contract Labor – Labor Guidelines and Workforce Assistance
  • See Hiring Employees and Job Training Programs
• Choose a record-keeping system and method of inventory control. (13)