PrintIncorporating your business can be complicated, but following this checklist can help ensure you don't get overwhelmed or miss any critical steps.
- Write a solid business plan. This may be the single most important step in starting a successful business.
- Choose your management team. Make sure the team members are capable and competent, with skill sets that complement one another.
- Decide on a business structure. Check with your accountant and lawyer before making any final decisions.
- Select a corporate name. Check to see if the name you have selected is available from the Secretary of State in your state, and do a Google or Yahoo search to make sure that name is available.
- Select a state in which to incorporate. While many businesses decide to incorporate in the state in which they reside, many are choosing Delaware or Nevada, which have the most corporate-friendly state laws.
- Create a capitalization plan for the corporation. By creating a carefully researched business plan that includes realistic cash flow and other financial projections, you will be on your way to success.
