A Helpful Checklist For Starting A Business

ByLaura Harvey
Checklist For Your New Business

You can feel the entrepreneurial spirit coursing through your veins. You want to be your own boss, set your own hours and play by your own rules. Here are some tips that may be a starting point for you when you’re mapping out your plan to become your own boss.

Come up with a business plan

Don’t try to fly by the seat of your pants when it comes to business ventures, especially your own. When sitting down to write a business plan, there are some things to take into consideration:

Educate yourself

Learn everything there is to know about your business. Who are your competitors? Who will be your customers – do some market research. If you don’t know how to tap into sources yourself, call the pros to help you. This goes hand in hand with actual marketing. How are you going to promote your business? Think about possible branding.

Decide on the dynamics

Are going to have a sole proprietorship? Perhaps a partnership? Maybe incorporating is the route you should take. Again, look at the overall picture and goals of your business and decide what is best for you and it.

What’s it going to be called?

There’s a lot to be said for a business name. Businesses with names that stick the minds of potential clients or customers and give them the dibs on what you’re all about are off to a good start.

Location, location, location

You wouldn’t want to set a pool company in the middle of the desert – you get the idea. Your company, store, service, and so on should be easily accessible and seen.

The rules

If you’re planning on starting a business that is in any way regulated, make sure you become familiar with the rules. For instance if you’re planning on importing or exporting products, find out what you need to know. This pertains to things like health and safety, human resources and environmental issues, among others.

Start up funds

There is money available to fledgling business owners. Find out what grants and loans are available and go after them. Check out government sources, non-government organization financing and private sector financing. There are ways to negotiate deals with possible investors to get equity financing. Learn the in’s and out’s.

Contact Ontario Business Central

We have been helping entrepreneurs get businesses off the ground since 1992. We can help you, too!

Laura Harvey
Laura Harvey

Laura Harvey stands as a beacon of entrepreneurial support and expertise, embodying the spirit and drive of the community she serves. As the proud owner of Ontario Business Central Inc., Laura's journey is one of dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial landscape in Canada.

With over three decades of experience as a corporate specialist coupled with over 25 years of entrepreneurial ventures, Laura brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her role. Her expertise is not just theoretical; it's built on the real-life challenges and triumphs of navigating the business world. This unique blend of professional and personal experience positions Laura as a relatable and trusted guide for those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey.

Beyond her role at Ontario Business Central, Laura has extended her outreach through the innovative YouTube series "Taking the Leap." This platform allows her to connect with new business owners, offering them a stage to share their stories and insights. "Taking the Leap" is more than just a series; it's a community where aspiring entrepreneurs can find inspiration, learn from the experiences of others, and gain practical advice on crucial corporate tasks like registering a business, updating business information, understanding tax account intricacies, and much more.

Laura's contributions extend into the digital world through her in-depth blogs for Ontario Business Central. Here, she delves into topics essential for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to start, manage, and grow their ventures. Her writing is a reflection of her passion for supporting entrepreneurial advancement and a testament to her deep understanding of the corporate sphere.

Laura Harvey is not just an entrepreneur; she's a mentor, guide, and fellow traveler on the path of business ownership. She embodies the ethos of "walking the walk," providing both the tools and the encouragement for others to thrive in their entrepreneurial endeavors. Whether through her written words, her YouTube series, or her hands-on approach at Ontario Business Central Inc., Laura is dedicated to uplifting and assisting new and established business owners alike.

You can find Laura on Linkedin and Twitter and Youtube.

https://twitter.com/ONTBUSCEN
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-harvey-362b2740/
Taking The Leap YouTube Series