Business Startup Checklist

First Steps: Planning
  • Assess the need for your type of business
  • Research the competition
  • Create a Break Even Analysis
  • Hire a good lawyer, accountant, and/or Financial Advisor.
  • Find a location
  • Determine your capital needs
  • Create a Business Plan
  • Click here for more details on the planning phase

    • Paper work that needs to be done:
  • Corporate Name Search
  • Articles of Incorporation or Partnership Agreement
  • Federal SS4 form
  • Do you need an S-Corp Election form
  • Payroll Time:  https://www.revenue.state.il.us/app/ibri/
  • Unemployment Benefits: https://taxnet.ides.state.il.us/Login/login.aspx
  • Are there additional licensing requirements for your type of business?
  • Be sure to visit the State of Illinois website for your business.
  • File a "Doing Business As" form with your county
  • Municipality business license & permits
  • County business license
  • Click here for more details on Government Requirements

    • Banking & Finance:
  • Open a Business Checking Account
  • Research funding options
  • Do you need a Merchant Account so that you can accept credit cards?
  • Click here for more information on acquiring capital

    • Opening Your Business:
  • Prepare for a great Grand Opening
  • You are probably ready to turn on utilities.
  • Hire good people.
  • Be sure all necessary fixtures and supplies are purchase and delivered.
  • Advertise, Advertise, Advertise and then Advertise Some More!
  • Oh Yea, Did you order your business cards.
  • Click here for more information on Opening Your Business
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