10 steps to start your business (2024)

Starting a business involves planning, making key financial decisions, and completing a series of legal activities. Read on to learn about each step.

  1. Conduct market research

    Market research will tell you if there’s an opportunity to turn your idea into a successful business. It’s a way to gather information about potential customers and businesses already operating in your area. Use that information to find a competitive advantage for your business.

    Learn more about conducting market research
  2. Write your business plan

    Your business plan is the foundation of your business. It’s a roadmap for how to structure, run, and grow your new business. You’ll use it to convince people that working with you — or investing in your company — is a smart choice.

    Learn more about writing your business plan
  3. Fund your business

    Your business plan will help you figure out how much money you’ll need to start your business. If you don’t have that amount on hand, you’ll need to either raise or borrow the capital. Fortunately, there are more ways than ever to find the capital you need.

    Learn more about funding your business
  4. Pick your business location

    Your business location is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Whether you’re setting up a brick-and-mortar business or launching an online store, the choices you make could affect your taxes, legal requirements, and revenue.

    Learn more about picking your business location
  5. Choose a business structure

    The legal structure you choose for your business will impact your business registration requirements, how much you pay in taxes, and your personal liability.

    Learn more about choosing a business structure
  6. Choose your business name

    It’s not easy to pick the perfect name. You’ll want one that reflects your brand and captures your spirit. You’ll also want to make sure your business name isn’t already being used by someone else.

    Learn more about choosing a business name
  7. Register your business

    Once you’ve picked the perfect business name, it’s time to make it legal and protect your brand. If you’re doing business under a name different than your own, you’ll need to register with the federal government, and maybe your state government, too.

    Learn more about registering your business
  8. Get federal and state tax IDs

    You’ll use your employer identification number (EIN) for important steps to start and grow your business, like opening a bank account and paying taxes. It’s like a social security number for your business. Some — but not all — states require you to get a tax ID as well.

    Learn more about getting tax IDs
  9. Apply for licenses and permits

    Keep your business running smoothly by staying legally compliant. The licenses and permits you need for your business will vary by industry, state, location, and other factors.

    Learn more about licenses and permits
  10. Open a business bank account

    A small business checking account can help you handle legal, tax, and day-to-day issues. The good news is it’s easy to set one up if you have the right registrations and paperwork ready.

    Learn more about opening a business bank account

Now: Open shop

Congratulations! It's time to cut the big ribbon. Your business is officially open. Now, focus on managing and growing your business.

10 steps to start your business (2024)

FAQs

What are the 10 steps of business? ›

Read on to learn about each step.
  • Conduct market research. ...
  • Write your business plan. ...
  • Fund your business. ...
  • Pick your business location. ...
  • Choose a business structure. ...
  • Choose your business name. ...
  • Register your business. ...
  • Get federal and state tax IDs.
May 3, 2023

What are the 10 actions to take to establish a business? ›

10 steps to starting a business
  • START WITH A FEASIBLE YET CREATIVE IDEA. ...
  • PLANNING. ...
  • RESEARCH YOUR MARKET. ...
  • CREATE A DETAILED AND WELL-RESEARCHED BUSINESS PLAN. ...
  • PLAN YOUR MARKETING STRATEGY. ...
  • THINK OF HOW YOU GOING TO GET FUNDS. ...
  • REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS. ...
  • LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR START-UPS.

How to start a business 10? ›

10 practical steps to starting your own business
  1. Assess your idea. Share it with others, write it up, and research it. ...
  2. Register the business. ...
  3. Nail your brand. ...
  4. Evaluate the risk and do a basic cash flow. ...
  5. Plan ahead and keep it lean. ...
  6. If you want money, ask for advice. ...
  7. Get financed. ...
  8. Think about co-founders.

What are the 10 steps in the startup process? ›

10 Steps to Starting a Business
  • Choose your business idea. ...
  • Conduct market research. ...
  • Write a business plan. ...
  • Secure funding for your business. ...
  • Choose your business structure. ...
  • Register your business. ...
  • Apply for licenses and permits. ...
  • Open a bank account.
Jun 15, 2023

What are the 10 steps in creating your first product? ›

Here are the key steps for manufacturing a product idea:
  • Develop your concept. ...
  • Conduct patent research. ...
  • Research your idea's market. ...
  • Design a model of the product. ...
  • Build and test a prototype. ...
  • File a patent application. ...
  • Prepare a business plan. ...
  • Gain funding.
Jun 24, 2022

What are the 9 essential steps taken when you consider starting a business? ›

Luckily, there are 9 basic strategies for startups you can follow to help get your company up and running:
  • Start with a Great Idea. ...
  • Make a Business Plan. ...
  • Secure Funding for Your Startup. ...
  • Surround Yourself With the Right People. ...
  • Make Sure You're Following All the Legal Steps. ...
  • Establish a Location (Physical and Online)

How to start a business step by step? ›

Starting a business can seem like a lot, but following these steps will help make sure you're successful:
  1. Make a business plan.
  2. Secure funding.
  3. Surround yourself with the right people.
  4. Follow the right legal procedures.
  5. Establish a location.
  6. Develop a marketing plan.
  7. Build your customer base.
  8. Plan to change.

What are the 4 steps to start a business? ›

4-Step Guide to Starting a Business
  • Step 1: Research and Read All You Can.
  • Step 2: Get Your Hands Dirty.
  • Step 3: Create a Business Plan.
  • Step 4: Ask For Help.
Nov 17, 2011

Can you be 10 to start a business? ›

Kid business owners can start and run businesses — but they'll typically need some help from family members to handle the legal side of things. This is because you typically need to be 18 years old to open a bank account or obtain a business license.

What is the simplest way to start a business? ›

How to start your own small business
  1. Step 1: Perform market research around your idea. ...
  2. Step 2: Create a business plan. ...
  3. Step 3: Finance your business. ...
  4. Step 4: Choose your business structure. ...
  5. Step 5: Choose your business name. ...
  6. Step 6: File registration documents. ...
  7. Step 7: Apply for EIN or Tax ID.

What are the 7 steps of a business? ›

The 7 stages of a business life cycle are conception, start-up, the early stage, growth, rapid growth, the maturing stage, and innovate or decline. If you want your small business to succeed, you must understand how each stage works and what to do during those stages to win.

What are the 5 steps of business? ›

Without taking these steps, your business could be doomed to fail before you even start selling your product.
  • Step 1: Conduct market research. ...
  • Step 2: Choose the right business structure. ...
  • Step 3: Register your business. ...
  • Step 4: Set up your accounting and bookkeeping system. ...
  • Step 5: Obtain the right insurance.

What are the 6 steps to starting a new business? ›

Here are six steps to get you started.
  1. Have a plan. First, create a written plan. ...
  2. Be prepared to fail. You will encounter challenges as you start and grow your idea. ...
  3. Do your research. It's always a good idea to know your competition. ...
  4. Get feedback. ...
  5. Have an online presence. ...
  6. Find your market.
Mar 19, 2020

What are the 10 steps in the marketing process? ›

10 Steps to Developing a Strategic Marketing Plan
  • Set goals and objectives. Before you create a marketing plan, you must have a purpose for it. ...
  • Analyze your situation. ...
  • Map your messages. ...
  • Live out your mission. ...
  • Outline your tactics. ...
  • Make a timeline. ...
  • Mind your budget. ...
  • Divide and conquer.

What are the steps of business process? ›

Six steps of business process management
  • Step one: Plan your strategy. ...
  • Step two: Design and map ideal processes. ...
  • Step three: Model and test process flows. ...
  • Step four: Implement improvements. ...
  • Step five: Monitor and track performance metrics. ...
  • Step six: Optimize based on fresh insights.

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