Use this order alongside the detailed checklist below. Work on independent tasks together, but confirm approvals before committing money or opening.
1. Before filing
Define your activities, owners, business name and operating location. Check professional ownership restrictions and compare legal structures. An LLC is a choice to evaluate, not a requirement for every business.
2. Before signing a lease
Describe the exact activity to planning or zoning and the industry regulator. Ask about permitted use, occupancy, inspections and approval timing before committing to premises or renovations.
3. Before taking payments
Complete applicable entity, name, tax and operating registrations. Confirm taxability, required customer documents and insurance. Test payments, receipts and customer follow-up before launch.
4. Before hiring
Resolve worker classification, employer accounts, payroll, new-hire reporting and coverage. Check industry staffing and background-check requirements before anyone starts.