08/04/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/04/2023 12:18
3. Start Developing a Business Plan
Now, it's time to start developing a business plan. This will help explain your goals and how you plan to achieve them. You'll want to consider including things like start-up costs, potential options for funding, descriptions of your product or service, value propositions, marketing strategy, target audience information and other small details that go into running a business. It may take some time, but the more detailed your business plan is, the better. Sections in your business plan may include:
4. Think About a Business Name
While developing your business plan and strategy, you should also start to brainstorm options for a business name. Your business name is important, as it will be the base for branding, marketing and future company reputation or customer loyalty. You don't need to be completely sure of your name yet, but starting the brainstorming process early is a good practice. You will also want to confirm with the state agency of name availability and other registration and naming requirements.
5. Consider the Business Structure
As part of your business plan, you'll need to define your structure. How your business is set up may impact future tax and legal implications, so this is one of the most important decisions you'll need to make. You should speak with a tax advisor or business attorney on what the best options are for your new business. Some options for business structure include:
6. Look Into Finance Options
Another important step in starting a business is learning about your finance options. You'll need to be able to cover start-up costs and operating expenses. Some of the most common options for small businesses include:
7. Obtain the Necessary Permits
Depending on the industry of your business, you'll likely need a few different licenses or permits. These will be required for legal operation, so don't skip this step. Each industry will require specific licensing or permits, and some companies may also require federal licensing. You should speak with a business lawyer about what federal, state and local licensing you may need.
8. Fill Out the Necessary Documents
There's a lot of paperwork that goes into starting a small business. You'll need to make sure that you fill out the required documents and submit them to the proper agencies. These can include:
9. Register with the IRS
In order to start operating, you'll need to apply for a federal employer identification number (FEIN) with the IRS. This can be done quickly online.
10. Open a Small Business Bank Account
Once you've figured out funding options, it's time to open your very first small business bank account. You should consider separate funds for personal and business, which is important for both tax and legal purposes. You will need to give the bank your legal business name, FEIN and other documentation ) when opening a small business bank account.
11. Purchase Insurance Coverage
To help safeguard your business and adhere to state or federal requirements, you'll need a to consider certain insurance coverages for your small business. Some possible coverages include:
12. Figure Out Payroll and Accounting
Once you get all the logistics done with setting up the business, you'll want to focus on your internal operations. The first step here will be to figure out payroll and accounting, as you can't hire any employees until you do. Payroll and accounting can be a bit difficult, but working with a professional employment organization (PEO) such as TriNet can help provide the payroll processing services and guidance you may need.
13. Choose Your Benefits
The type of benefits you offer your employees will also play a role in your overall company's success and growth. Top talent is attracted to big-company benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans or non-traditional benefits. A PEO can help you offer your employees access to attractive benefits without expending too many resources.
14. Hire a Human Resource Expert
Rather than hiring an internal HR department, consider outsourcing. Outsourced HR experts work with small to medium-sized businesses to help with HR support that is cost effective and help with turnover and generate more opportunities for revenue growth.
Starting a small business is not an easy venture, but it's worth it in the end. While it will require long hours and late nights, there are ways you can help offset employee management while boosting overall experience. When you work with TriNet, SMBs can gain access to traditional healthcare and insurance benefits alongside a variety of non-traditional benefits that don't break the bank. Learn more about how TriNet can help support you on your business journey.
This communication is for informational purposes only, is not legal, tax or accounting advice, and is not an offer to sell, buy or procure insurance.
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