Starting a Business Checklist

Starting a business is risky, but understanding the risks and reducing them through careful planning can improve the chances for success. It’s wise to be fully aware of the implications of owning your own business, including the affect it will have on you and your family. We recommend that you carefully analyze your reasons for starting ahttp://coloradodemography.github.io/contact business, and ask yourself how it will fit with your family and your lifestyle.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Am I a self-starter?
• Do I have the discipline to maintain a schedule?
• Do I want to earn more money?
• Will this business earn more money from the beginning or do I need to be prepared to initially work for less?
• Do I want to be more creative?
• Do I have the necessary skills to be successful in this business?
• Am I looking for more flexibility in my work and family schedule?
• Will this business allow me to work the schedule I desire?
• Am I ready for different challenges and adventures?
• Am I prepared to respond quickly to the needs of my business?
• Have I discussed this proposed business with my family?
• Do I have the money needed for business start-up and initial operating expenses until I start earning a profit?

Decide upon the legal structure of your business, choose a business name and register your business with the appropriate city, state and/or federal agencies. Sole proprietors, general partnerships and unincorporated nonprofit associations are registered with the Colorado Secretary of State at coloradosos.gov. Refer to the Legal Structure and Registration section of this book.

If your business will be selling, renting or leasing tangible personal property, you must obtain the proper state sales tax license from the Department of Revenue and determine if a separate local sales tax license is also required. Sales tax licenses are also required if you rent accommodations for less than 30 days. For more information, refer to the Colorado Sales Tax section of this book.

• You should also be aware of the personal and business tax implications of starting your own business. Refer to the Income and Property Tax section of this book and/or contact the Internal Revenue Service at 800-829-1040 or irs.gov for more information.
• Be sure to define the products or services your business will provide. Ask yourself the following questions: Is there actually a need for what you will provide in today’s marketplace? Is the demand great enough to be profitable? Who are your competitors? What is your competitive advantage?
• You will need to develop a marketing strategy. Refer to the Marketing section of this book.
• Determine if there are any special licenses required for the business you are starting. If you need industry specific information, call the SBDC Small Business Hotline at 303-892-3840, which can provide you with comprehensive information on federal, state and local business licensing requirements.
• Find the best location for your business. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has information on traffic patterns on state highways. Some local governments have information on city and county roads, and may also have information on local population demographics. Contact CDOT at 303-757-9011 or visit codot.gov.
• The U.S. Census Bureau ((720-962-3700) and the Colorado State Demography Office (coloradodemography.github.io/contact) are also useful resources for population demographics. Be sure to observe pedestrian movement during business hours to estimate walk-in potential.
• Check with the city and county government authorities regarding any special business regulations, sales taxes, personal property taxes and zoning restrictions affecting your business for every location where you conduct business.
• Seek management advice and counseling, and assemble your team of professional advisors (i.e., accountant, attorney, insurance broker, real estate agent, etc.). Your local Small Business Development Center, SCORE, Small Business Administration, trade associations and chamber of commerce are good resources. Refer to the Choosing Advisors and the Sources of Assistance sections of this book for more information.
• Develop a sound business plan with specific goals and objectives. A business plan should outline your background, including your strengths and weaknesses. Evaluate where you are today and develop a plan to achieve your goals. Refer to the Business Plan section of this book for more information.
• Develop a financial plan, including profit and loss projections, cash flow analysis and capital requirements. Determine the proper pricing strategy for your product or service. Ask yourself the following questions: Do you have enough resources to adequately support your business and yourself until you begin making a profit? What type of financing will your business need? What financing options are realistic for your situation? Refer to the Business Plan and the Financing Options sections of this book for more information.
• Identify your liability risks. Obtain adequate insurance coverage, and protect your business activities far enough in advance to cover your growth. Refer to the Liabilities and Insurance section of this book for more information.
• Finally, protect your ideas, products, symbols and logos through proper registration and maintenance. Refer to the Trademarks, Copyrights and Patents section of this book for more information.