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Starting a Business Checklist

Starting a Business Checklist

Starting a Business Checklist

Starting a Business Checklist

Starting a Business Checklist

Prepare a Business Plan.

Set up a free consulting appointment with a Business Consultant at the Small

Business Development Center (SBDC) to discuss business start up and opera

tion.

Consult, as necessary, with appropriate professionals (i.e., attorney, accoun 

tant, banker, insurance agent).

Determine a legal structure of doing business (i.e., sole proprietor, partner

ship, corporation, limited liability company).

Check zoning laws and land use ordinances that might apply to your busi

ness (in the city or country in which you plan to conduct business).

Make sure the location meets the current building and fire codes for proposed

use (in the city or county in which you plan to conduct business).

If you need office space, call your local Chamber of Commerce.

Apply for a Federal Identification Number (if you are a partnership, limited

liability corporation or company or if you have employees).

Verify, publish and file a Fictitious Business Name Statement with the County

Clerk (if necessary).

Obtain necessary insurance coverage (e.g., liability, errors, and omissions,

auto, property/casualty, workers' compensation, etc.).

Apply for a business license (in the city or county in which you plan to con 

duct business).

Apply for a Home Occupation Permit (if the business is home based).

Obtain other necessary permits or licenses from the city, county, state, and

federal governments.

This checklist is designed to assist new business owners with the requirements

that generally apply to most businesses.  This checklist will not be all inclusive

for all businesses.  New owners are encouraged to contact their attorney, industry

associations, the SBDC, etc., to find out what additional requirements may relate

to their particular circumstance.

Used with permission from the San Joaquin Delta College Small Business Development Center.

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