Develop Your Business Idea and Plan
Refine your concept, target market, and value proposition. Create a business plan outlining goals, finances, marketing, and operations. Tools like templates from SCORE or SBA can help.

Choose a Business Structure
Decide on the legal form:

• Sole Proprietorship: Simplest, no formal registration needed, but personal liability.
• Partnership: For co-owners; general or limited partnerships.
• LLC (Limited Liability Company): Protects personal assets, flexible taxation.
• Corporation: C-Corp or S-Corp for larger businesses, with more formalities.
  Register via your state’s secretary of state website (e.g., Delaware or California for popular incorporations).

Register Your Business

• Obtain a business name (check availability via state databases).
• File formation documents (e.g., Articles of Organization for LLCs).
• Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for taxes.
• Register for state/local taxes and obtain necessary licenses (e.g., sales tax permit).

Secure Funding and Finances

• Estimate startup costs and create a budget.
• Options: Personal savings, loans (SBA in the US), investors, crowdfunding, or grants.
• Open a business bank account to separate personal and business finances.

Handle Legal and Compliance Requirements

• Obtain insurance (liability, property, workers’ comp if hiring).
• Comply with industry-specific regulations (e.g., health permits for food businesses).
• Protect intellectual property (trademarks, patents) via USPTO.

Launch and Operate

• Set up operations: Location, suppliers, employees (if any).
• Market your business and track performance.
• File taxes regularly (e.g., quarterly in the US).