Part-Time Entrepreneur Starter Checklist

A team of three works in a vibrant, high-tech urban loft, surrounded by an abstract cityscape

• Legal and Administrative Tasks

  Essential legal and administrative steps for setting up a business.

  • Register the business

    Choose a business structure and register with the appropriate government body.

  • Apply for an EIN

    Obtain an Employer Identification Number from the IRS for tax purposes.

  • Open a business bank account

    Set up a separate bank account for all business transactions.

  • Obtain necessary permits and licenses

    Research and acquire the required permits and licenses to operate legally.

  • Draft terms and conditions

    Create terms of service and privacy policy documents for your business.

  • Trademark important assets

    Protect your brand and intellectual property with trademarks.

• Financial Planning

  Managing finances to ensure the business remains viable.

  • Create a startup budget

    Outline all initial expenses and potential income sources.

  • Set up accounting software

    Choose and set up software for managing the business’s finances.

  • Plan for taxes

    Understand your tax obligations and plan accordingly.

  • Secure funding

    Identify and apply for loans, grants, or investor funding if necessary.

  • Monitor cash flow

    Keep track of income and expenses to manage cash flow effectively.

• Marketing and Sales

  Strategies and tasks to market the business and drive sales.

  • Develop a branding strategy

    Create a unique brand identity including a logo, color scheme, and style.

  • Build a professional website

    Develop a user-friendly website to serve as a digital storefront.

  • Utilize social media

    Set up and manage social media profiles to engage with customers.

  • Create content marketing plan

    Plan and produce valuable content to attract and retain customers.

    

  • Track marketing effectiveness

    Use analytics tools to monitor and adjust marketing strategies.

• Customer Interaction

  Building and maintaining customer relationships.

  • Set up customer service tools

    Choose platforms for handling customer queries and feedback.

  • Gather customer feedback

    Regularly collect feedback to improve products and services.

  • Network in industry events

    Attend events to connect with customers and other businesses.

  • Offer special promotions

    Plan promotions and discounts to attract new and repeat customers.