Checklist
Startup Checklist
A practical, working checklist for setting up a business. Configure it to your situation, and treat every item marked as location-specific as something to confirm locally.
What you enter here becomes part of your startup plan, saved in this browser.
Configure your checklist
Showing 43 items for a sole trader / sole proprietor in your market.
Business idea
0 of 3 done
Who it serves, what problem it solves, and how.
Be specific enough that you could name ten of them.
Your real competition is usually the current workaround.
Market research
0 of 3 done
Ask about their current process and costs, not about your idea.
Record what is publicly published, with the date you checked.
Enquiries, waitlist signups, pre-orders or paid pilots.
Business model
0 of 3 done
How value is delivered and how money comes in.
Price, variable cost per unit and contribution margin.
Volume needed to cover fixed costs.
Name & branding
0 of 4 done
Check pronunciation, spelling and meaning in your market.
Availability must be confirmed with a registrar — a name being unused is not the same as being registrable.
Search the relevant trademark register or take professional advice. Distinct from domain availability.
Location-specific — verify for your market
Logo, colours, typography and a short description you reuse everywhere.
Legal structure
0 of 2 done
Options, liability and tax treatment differ by country. Confirm locally.
Location-specific — verify for your market
Terms of service, quotes or supply terms suited to your model.
Location-specific — verify for your market
Registration
0 of 4 done
Registry, forms, fees and timelines vary by jurisdiction.
Location-specific — verify for your market
Income tax, sales tax/VAT/GST and payroll registrations as applicable.
Location-specific — verify for your market
Food, health, trade, signage and premises permits depend on activity and location.
Location-specific — verify for your market
Liability, property, professional indemnity or employer cover as applicable.
Location-specific — verify for your market
Banking
0 of 2 done
Keep business and personal money separate from day one.
Card processing, invoicing or online checkout.
Accounting
0 of 3 done
Even a simple spreadsheet, used consistently, beats nothing.
Retention requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Location-specific — verify for your market
One conversation before launch usually prevents avoidable cost later.
Website & technology
0 of 4 done
Register before announcing the name publicly.
One page done well is enough at launch.
Email, storage, CRM, scheduling, support — keep it minimal.
Data protection obligations vary by jurisdiction.
Location-specific — verify for your market
Suppliers
0 of 2 done
Compare lead times and minimums, not only price.
Payment terms directly affect your working capital need.
Pricing
0 of 2 done
Cover variable cost, contribute to fixed costs and reflect value.
A quote accepted is stronger evidence than a survey answer.
Marketing
0 of 3 done
Two channels done well beat six done badly.
Photos, descriptions, profiles and local listings.
Track enquiries and sales by channel from day one.
Operations
0 of 2 done
From enquiry to delivery to payment received.
Contracts, payroll, minimum pay and entitlements are jurisdiction-specific.
Location-specific — verify for your market
Launch
0 of 3 done
Find the breakages before the audience arrives.
Coordinate the website, listings and messaging on the same day.
Response speed is a real advantage in week one.
Post-launch
0 of 3 done
Update your budget and break-even with real figures.
Ask what nearly stopped them from buying.
A small number of measurable outcomes.