Clearly, thousands of tasks arise as you plan and launch your new business. Add to this checklist your own special tasks.

 Understand the responsibilities/benefits of business ownership

 Evaluate your strengths, list your weaknesses and set goals

 Choose the business you want to start

 Obtain any training, education, licensing or accreditation you need

 Apply for needed trademarks, patents, copyrights,

 Decide form of ownership

 Write a budget and decide how much money you will need for the first year

 Write business plan

 Research your market

 Define your niche

 Identify your most likely customer

 Determine how to handle distribution

 Develop a marketing plan

 Choose your location, sign a lease if necessary

 Apply for fictitious business name

 Retailers obtain resale license

 Obtain tax identification number from the Internal Revenue Service

 Apply for city business license or home occupation permit, if needed

 Reserve web site domain name

 Set up financial records

 Establish on-going relationship with an accountant

 Open a business bank account

 Obtain a merchant account for accepting credit card payments

 Buy necessary business insurance

 Order business cards, stationary

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