# Free Starting a Business Checklist Template with Examples > Use our starting a business checklist template to track every step of your launch, from choosing a business structure to setting up finances and marketing. Source: https://asana.com/templates/starting-business-checklist.md - [Use template](https://app.asana.com/-/product_templates?preview_template=starting_business_checklist) - [Rules](/features/workflow-automation/rules) - [Projects](/features/project-management/projects) - [Goals](/features/goals-reporting/goals) - [Google Workspace](/google-workspace) - [Salesforce](/apps/salesforce) - [Zendesk](/apps/zendesk) - [Microsoft 365](/apps/microsoft-office365-connector) templates Cross-team planning Starting a business checklist Follow our checklist to start your business on the right path and keep track of progress towards your launch. Cross-team planning ## Starting a business checklist template Track every step of starting your business, from validating ideas and choosing a structure to setting up finances, building your team, and launching your brand. ### Small business, big goals - [Sign up](/create-account) #### Summary A starting a business checklist is a step‑by‑step guide that helps you turn an idea into a fully launched company, without missing critical details. This structured list walks you through each stage, from validating your idea and choosing a business structure to registering your company, setting up finances, and planning your marketing. In this guide, you’ll learn how to confirm there’s real demand for your product or service, decide on the right legal structure, handle essential registrations, licenses, and insurance, build your first team, and create a launch-ready marketing strategy.Starting a new business is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if you do not have the right tools. There is a lot to manage, from writing your business plan and registering your company to organizing your finances and planning your marketing. We created a starting a business checklist template to help. This guide covers each important step so you can launch your business with confidence and a plan. - [Free checklist for new businesses](/templates/for/operations/starting-business-checklist) ## How to validate your business idea The first step in starting a business is making sure your idea is solid. Research your target market, identify your ideal customer, and see what your competitors are already doing. Speak with potential customers to determine whether they would actually pay for your product or service. When your idea is supported by real demand, you have a strong base for everything that comes next. Key validation steps include: - **Market research:** Analyze industry trends and identify gaps competitors are not filling. - **Customer interviews:** Talk directly to potential buyers to understand their needs and willingness to pay. - **Competitive analysis:** Study existing solutions and define what makes your offering different. ## How to choose your business structure Your business structure affects taxes, liability, and how you operate day to day. Common options include sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation. - **Sole proprietorship:** Simplest structure, but you are personally liable for business debts. - **LLC:** Offers liability protection while keeping taxes straightforward. - **Corporation:** Best for businesses planning to raise investment or go public. - **Partnership:** Suitable when two or more people share ownership and responsibilities. Consult a legal or financial advisor to determine which structure fits your goals and risk tolerance. ## How to write a business plan A [business plan](/templates/business-plan) outlines your strategy, target market, revenue model, and growth roadmap. It keeps you focused and is often required when applying for loans or seeking investors. Your plan should include: - **Executive summary:** A concise overview of your business concept and goals. - **Market analysis:** Research on your target audience, industry, and competition. - **Marketing strategy:** How you plan to attract and retain customers. - **Financial projections:** Revenue forecasts, startup costs, and break-even analysis. Revisit your business plan regularly as your company grows and market conditions change. ### How to register your business and get an EIN Register your business name with your state or local government. If your business name is different from your legal name, you might need to file a "doing business as" (DBA) registration. Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. You need an EIN if you want to hire employees, open a business bank account, or file certain tax returns. The application is free, and you can do it online. ### How to obtain licenses and permits Most businesses need at least one license or permit to operate legally. Requirements vary by industry, state, and locality. - **General business license:** Required in most cities and counties. - **Professional license:** Needed for regulated industries like healthcare, law, or finance. - **Health and safety permits:** Required for food service, construction, and other industries with safety regulations. - **Zoning permits:** Ensure your business location complies with local zoning laws. Check with your state and local government agencies to identify exactly which licenses apply to your business. ## How to set up your business finances Separating personal and business finances is essential from day one. Open a dedicated business bank account to track income and expenses clearly. Set up an accounting system to manage invoices, receipts, and tax obligations. Consistent financial tracking prevents costly mistakes, whether you use accounting software or hire a bookkeeper. Create a startup budget that covers initial costs, including equipment, inventory, marketing, and operating expenses, for your first few months. ### How to get business insurance Business insurance protects you from financial losses due to unexpected events. The coverage you need depends on your industry, location, and business size. - **General liability insurance:** Covers claims of bodily injury or property damage. - **Professional liability insurance:** Protects against claims of errors or negligence in professional services. - **Workers'compensation:** Required in most states if you have employees. - **Commercial property insurance:** Covers damage to your business property and equipment. Compare quotes from multiple insurers and choose policies that match your specific risks. ### How to build your team Hiring the right people is one of the most important decisions you will make as a new business owner. Start by identifying the roles you need to fill immediately versus those you can add later. Before your first hire, set up payroll, understand your state's employment laws, and create job descriptions. Consider whether you need full-time employees, part-time staff, or contractors. Invest in [onboarding](/templates/employee-onboarding) to help new team members contribute quickly and align with your business goals. ### How to create your marketing strategy A [marketing strategy](/templates/marketing-strategy) helps you reach your target audience and build brand awareness from the start. Begin by defining who your ideal customers are and where they spend their time. Focus on a few high-impact channels rather than trying to be everywhere at once: - **Website and SEO:** Build a professional website optimized for search engines. - **Social media:** Choose platforms where your target audience is most active. - **Email marketing:** Build an email list to nurture leads and retain customers. - **Local marketing:** Use local directories, events, and partnerships to build community presence. Track your results and adjust your approach based on what drives the most engagement and conversions. ## Using your starting a business checklist template With so many tasks to manage, a checklist template keeps your business launch on track. Use it to assign responsibilities, set deadlines, and monitor progress across every startup step. - **Collaborate across teams:** Share the template with partners and key stakeholders to streamline tasks. - **Customize to fit your needs:** Modify sections to match your industry, location, or business type. A [work management platform](/resources/benefits-project-management) like Asana helps you turn your checklist into an actionable project, so nothing falls through the cracks as you move from planning to launch. [Get started](/create-account) with Asana today. ## FAQs about starting a business checklist templates #### What are the first steps to starting a business? The first steps are validating your business idea, choosing a legal structure, and writing a business plan. Once those are in place, you can register your business, apply for an EIN, and set up your finances. #### How much does it cost to start a business? Startup costs vary widely depending on your industry and business model. A home-based online business may cost a few hundred dollars, while a brick-and-mortar store could require tens of thousands. #### Do I need a business plan to start a business? A business plan is not legally required, but it significantly increases your chances of success. It helps you clarify your strategy, attract investors, and stay focused on your goals. #### What licenses and permits do I need to start a business? Requirements depend on your industry, state, and locality. Most businesses need a general business license, and some require professional, health, or zoning permits. #### How can a checklist template help me start a business? A checklist template organizes every startup task in one place, so you can track progress, assign responsibilities, and ensure nothing gets overlooked during your launch. ### Business continuity plan Your business is too important to not have a backup plan. Using a business continuity plan template helps keep your business functioning in an emergency. - [Create your template](/templates/business-continuity-plan) ### Return to office plan Creating a return to work plan is all about communicating how your business will transition to in-person collaboration. Use this actionable to-do list to set conventions, coordinate with stakeholders, and align on key return to work policies. - [Create your template](/templates/return-to-office-plan) ### Process map Here's how digital process map templates can automate your business processes, so you can jump right into work. - [Create your template](/templates/process-map) ### Project chart template To track all your deliverables and milestones in one place, learn how to create a reusable project chart template. - [Create your template](/templates/project-chart) ### Cross-functional project plan Creating a project plan from scratch but don’t know where to start? Our tips and template can take you from plans to action. - [Create your template](/templates/cross-functional-project-plan) ### Knowledge management Create a knowledge management template and ensure that every team member prioritizes and organizes information the same way. - [Create your template](/templates/knowledge-management) ### Project tracker Learn how to create a project tracker template, because it’s easier to coordinate projects across teams when everyone in the company tracks them the same way. - [Create your template](/templates/project-tracker) ### Company goals and milestones Turn big-picture strategy and goals into action and results with this company goals and milestones template. - [Create your template](/templates/company-goals-and-milestones) ### Construction project plan template When you’re building something from the ground up, there’s a lot to consider. Create a template to keep construction projects organized and on track. - [Create your template](/templates/construction-project-plan) ### Event planning Coordinate your next event with Asana’s free event planning template. Plan your budget, collaborate, and track event tasks all in one place. - [Create your template](/templates/event-planning) ### Stakeholder register template Creating a reusable stakeholder register template can help you keep track of stakeholder information and streamline stakeholder communication. Learn how. - [Create your template](/templates/stakeholder-register) ### Request tracking Use a request-tracking workflow template to organize, prioritize, and manage incoming work across teams. This customizable tracking workflow helps everyone understand what needs to happen next and who is responsible for each task. Use a request-tracking workflow template to organize, prioritize, and manage incoming work across teams. This customizable tracking workflow helps everyone understand what needs to happen next and who is responsible for each task. - [Create your template](/templates/request-tracking) ### GDPR compliance checklist to simplify data privacy Simplify GDPR compliance with a checklist that helps you manage lawful processing, third-party data transfers, and security requirements. - [Create your template](/templates/gdpr-compliance-checklist) ### Team goals planning Get all the steps you need to draft goals, gather input, and put your objectives to the test. - [Create your template](/templates/team-goals-planning) ### Stride client account management template See how Stride optimizes account management, and use their template to centralize info, track action items, and maintain customer relationships. - [Create your template](/templates/stride-client-account-management)