🧭 Business Start-Up

Begin Here

Also check out SBA’s Business start guide: Click here to view

Non-Techy Step-By-Step Playbook
(Service • Construction • Brick-and-Mortar)

✅ Suggested Order

  1. 🏷️ Trade Name (DBA)

  2. 🛡️ LLC or structure

  3. 📝 EIN

  4. 📜 Licenses/permits + NAICS

  5. 🏦 Bank account

  6. 📊 Accounting

  7. 📍 Google Business Profile

🧰 Step 0 — Gather Your Info (Before You Click Anything)

☐ Government ID (driver’s license or passport)
☐ Home and (if applicable) business address
☐ Phone number you can answer during verifications
☐ Professional email (firstname.lastname@yourdomain.com)
☐ Business name idea (plus 1–2 backups)
☐ Credit/debit card for state filing fees
☐ If forming an LLC: you’ll be the “responsible party” for EIN

🏷️ Step 1 — Create Your Trade Name (DBA)

Why: A DBA lets you operate under a public name different from your legal name. Even with an LLC, you should still file a DBA for branding.

⚠️ Always file through your state’s official .gov site — never through a 3rd-party service.

Direct Official Links:

If your state isn’t listed:
Search in your browser with this phrase:

“[Your State] Secretary of State Trade Name Registration site:.gov”

How to do it:

  1. Open your state’s official DBA/trade name page.

  2. Search your name to confirm it’s available.

  3. Complete the online form and pay the state fee.

  4. Save the receipt and PDF confirmation.

🛡️ Step 2 — Choose a Business Structure & File

Why: This decides your legal protection and tax setup.

⚠️ File your LLC directly through your state’s .gov site — skip paid “formation services.”

Direct Official Links:

If your state isn’t listed:
Search in your browser with this phrase:

“[Your State] Secretary of State LLC Formation site:.gov”

How to do it:

  1. Open your state’s LLC formation page.

  2. Click “Form a new LLC” or “Articles of Organization.”

  3. Fill in your business name, address, registered agent, and organizer.

  4. Pay the state fee.

  5. Download your confirmation and filed Articles PDF.

  6. Create a simple Operating Agreement (many banks require it).

📝 Step 3 — Get Your EIN (Federal Tax ID) — Free

Why: Required for banking, hiring, and taxes.

⚠️ EIN is always free from the IRS.

Direct Official Links:

How to do it:

  1. Click “Apply Online Now” on IRS.gov.

  2. Select your entity type (LLC, Sole Proprietor, etc.).

  3. Enter your info and submit.

  4. Download your EIN confirmation letter PDF.

📜 Step 4 — Licenses, Permits & NAICS Code

Why: Some industries require permits or inspections before you start.

Direct Official Links:

If your state isn’t listed:
Search in your browser with this phrase:

“[Your State] business licenses permits site:.gov”

How to do it:

  1. Use the SBA tool to see your license requirements.

  2. Visit your state/city licensing portal.

  3. Find your NAICS code on census.gov/naics.

  4. Apply for required licenses and save approvals.

🏦 Step 5 — Open a Business Bank Account

Why: Keeps your finances separate and protects LLC status.

Direct Official Links:

  • SBA Bank Account Guide: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/open-business-bank-account

  • How to do it:

    1. Call your bank or visit their business banking page to confirm requirements.

    2. Bring the right documents:

      • LLC: EIN letter, Articles of Organization, Operating Agreement, government-issued ID, and any required business license.

      • Sole Proprietor: EIN letter or Social Security Number, your DBA/trade name registration (if applicable), government-issued ID, and any required business license.

    3. Open the account, set up online banking, and enable account alerts.

    4. If you’ll take card payments, ask about merchant services or connect your account to a payment processor like Square.

📊 Step 6 — Set Up Accounting

Why: Stay on top of your money from day one.

Direct Official Links (These are 2 examples of many):

How to do it:

  1. Sign up for Wave or QuickBooks.

  2. Connect your bank account.

  3. Create categories for sales, expenses, and taxes.

  4. Reconcile weekly and store receipts in the cloud.

📍 Step 7 — Create & Verify Your Google Business Profile

Why: Essential for showing up on Google Maps & local search.

Direct Official Links:

How to do it:

  1. Go to Google Business Profile and click “Add Your Business.”

  2. Choose your type: Storefront, Service Area, or Hybrid.

  3. Enter your name, category, address/service area, phone, hours, website.

  4. Verify via postcard, video, phone, or email.

  5. After verification, upload photos, enable messages, and post updates.

🎉 Step 8 — Congratulations! 🎉

You now have:
✅ Registered your business name
✅ Filed your legal structure
✅ Obtained your EIN
✅ Secured licenses & permits
✅ Opened your bank account
✅ Set up accounting
✅ Claimed your Google Business Profile

💬 You’ve officially created a legal business — ready to operate, serve customers, and grow.