BUSINESSKIT HQ — SMALL BUSINESS STARTUP CHECKLIST
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Work through this in order. Tick items off as you complete them.

1. DECIDE AND REGISTER
[ ] Write one sentence describing what you do and who for
[ ] Check the business name is available locally and as a domain
[ ] Choose a business structure (sole trader / LLC / limited company)
[ ] Register the business with the relevant authority
[ ] Apply for any licences or permits your service requires
[ ] Register for tax and note your filing deadlines

2. MONEY
[ ] Open a separate business bank account
[ ] Set up accounting or bookkeeping (even a spreadsheet to start)
[ ] Decide how customers pay you (card, transfer, invoice terms)
[ ] Set aside a fixed percentage of every payment for tax
[ ] Write a pricing sheet including your cost per job
[ ] Create an invoice template with payment terms

3. PROTECTION
[ ] Get the insurance your work requires (liability, professional, tools)
[ ] Write your terms of service
[ ] Write your cancellation and rescheduling policy
[ ] Decide how you store customer data and who can access it

4. GETTING FOUND
[ ] Claim and complete your Google Business Profile
[ ] Publish a simple website with services, area, and contact
[ ] Set up one social profile you will actually maintain
[ ] Add photos of real work (take two on every job)
[ ] List in relevant local directories

5. READY FOR THE FIRST CUSTOMER
[ ] Enquiry reply template written and saved
[ ] Estimate or quote template ready
[ ] Client intake form ready
[ ] Welcome and confirmation email ready
[ ] Appointment reminder ready
[ ] Review request ready with a direct link

6. FIRST 30 DAYS
[ ] Tell 20 people personally that you have started
[ ] Complete one job at cost or discount in exchange for a review
[ ] Ask every satisfied customer for a review within 72 hours
[ ] Review what took the most admin time and template it
[ ] Book a weekly 30-minute admin slot and keep it

Notes
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BusinessKit HQ · businesskithq.com
This checklist is general guidance and is not legal, tax, or financial advice.