Get on the Road to Financial Success

START SMALL. BUILD STRONG. LAUNCH WITH CONFIDENCE

Here's a business startup checklist and a NonProfit startup checklist to guide you through the essential steps.

Start Your Business or Nonprofit the Smart Way

Who we serve:

Business:

LLC, S-Corp, EIN, Operating Agreement, Compliance

Business Checklist

Nonprofit:

501(c)(3), Board Setup, Articles, Bylaws, COI, Programs

Nonprofit Checklist

1. Refine Business Idea

  • Identify your niche or product/service.

  • Conduct market research.

  • Validate the idea with potential customers.

2. Create a Business Plan

  • Define your mission, vision, and goals.

  • Outline your target market and competition.

  • Plan your revenue streams, expenses, and budget.

  • Establish short and long-term objectives.

3. Choose a Business Structure

  • Sole Proprietorship

  • LLC

  • Partnership

  • Corporation

4. Register Your Business

  • Choose a business name.

  • Register your business with local and state authorities.

  • Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS.

5. Licenses and Permits

  • Research necessary licenses/permits for your industry and location.

  • Apply for federal, state, and local permits.

6. Open a Business Bank Account

  • Set up a business bank account separate from personal accounts.

  • Consider setting up a merchant account for payments.

7. Create a Marketing Plan

  • Develop a brand identity (logo, colors, etc.).

  • Create a website and social media presence.

  • Plan marketing strategies (social media, ads, email, etc.).

8. Set Up Accounting System

  • Choose an accounting method (cash or accrual).

  • Set up bookkeeping systems (software like QuickBooks, Xero, etc.).

  • Track income, expenses, and taxes from the start.

9. Secure Funding

  • Calculate startup costs.

  • Explore funding options (loans, grants, investors, or self-funding). 

  • Prepare a pitch for potential investors or lenders if needed.

10. Get Business Insurance

  • Research the necessary insurance (general liability, property, workers's compensation, etc.).

  • Purchase appropriate coverage.

11. Build a Team (if needed)

  • Hire employees, freelancers, or contractors.

  • Set up payroll and employee benefits.

  • Create an employee handbook.

12. Set Up Business Operations

  • Define processes and procedures for daily operations.

  • Choose suppliers and vendors.

  • Establish communication and project management tools.

13. Launch Your Business

  • Start offering products/services to your target market.

  • Announce the launch through marketing channels (email, social media, press release).

  • Gather feedback from customers and iterate on your offering.

14. Review and Adjust

  • Monitor business performance (KPIs, sales, customer satisfaction). 

  • Adjust strategies as needed for growth and improvement.

This checklist provides a roadmap to launching a business, but each step might vary depending on the type of business and industry.

501(c)(3) Nonprofit Startup Checklist

1. Define your mission, vision, and values

2. Choose a unique name for your nonprofit

3. Recruit a board of directors (minimum of 3)

4. Write your Articles of Incorporation with IRS language

5. File Articles of Incorporation with your Secretary of State

6. Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) at IRS.gov

7. Create bylaws (internal operating rules)

8. Hold your first board meeting and keep meeting minutes

9. Complete and submit IRS Form 1023 or 1023-EZ

10. Adopt a Conflict of Interest Policy

11. Create a 3-year budget and program narrative

12. Register with your state to solicit donations

13. Set up a recordkeeping system

14. Open a nonprofit bank account with EIN and board resolution

15. Track donations and issue donor receipts

16. Prepare for ongoing compliance (IRS 990s, state reports)

Learn the Rules, Play the Game, Gain the Wealth

Turn Your Vision Into a Registered Reality

Whether you're launching a for-profit business or a mission-driven nonprofit, getting started the right way is crucial. At SBC Solutions LLC, we guide you step-by-step through the start-up process — from legal formation to strategic planning — so you can focus on building with purpose and confidence.

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