Small Business Development
Business Checklist
START-UP BUSINESS
- Research your idea (market research)
- Write a business plan
- Determine your start-up & on-going monthly expenses (rent, leasehold improvements, equipment, inventory, etc.)
- Register your business name (Secretary of State's Office)
- Prepare all necessary forms, permits, and licenses
- Choose a legal structure (consult with a CPA or Attorney)
- Check financing options
- Prepare 2 years of cash flow projections
- Personal Financial Statement
- File all employer requirements
- Check local requirements (zoning requirements, building permits, etc.)
EXPANDING OR BUYING AN EXISTING BUSINESS
Documentation required for expanding/buying a business:
- Historical, year-end financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet) for the business for the past three years
- Three years of tax returns
- Estimation of the cost associated with the expansion of the business
- Historical business plan, if one exists