Business formation materials neatly organized on a desk

Why this 7-Step plan works

Momentum beats perfection. This focused sequence moves you from “formed on paper” to “operational and lender-ready.” Each step is scoped to an hour or two of deep work, with short checklists you can actually finish.

Step 1 — Choose the Right Entity & Register

  1. Decide between LLC, S-Corp (tax election), or Corporation based on liability, taxes, and growth plans.
  2. Confirm name availability and register with your state.
  3. Secure your domain(s) and a matching professional email.

Step 2 — Get Your EIN & Core Docs

  1. Apply for your EIN (IRS).
  2. Create your Operating Agreement (LLC) or Bylaws (Corp).
  3. Prepare a digital “Company Binder” with certificates, resolutions, and ownership interests.

Step 3 — Banking & Record-Keeping

  1. Open a dedicated business checking account (and savings).
  2. Turn on transaction alerts; connect to your ledger (Wave, QuickBooks, etc.).
  3. Establish a simple chart of accounts and a weekly recon habit.
Pro tip: Reconcile weekly, not monthly—clean books signal stability to lenders.

Step 4 — Licensing, Permits & Compliance

  1. Obtain state/local licenses and any industry permits.
  2. Register for state tax accounts as needed.
  3. Set a compliance calendar with annual reports, renewals, and tax deadlines.

Step 5 — Systems & SOPs

  1. Document 3 core SOPs: sales intake, service delivery, invoicing & collections.
  2. Automate repeatables: e-sign, scheduling, reminders, and handoffs.
  3. Create a simple KPI dashboard (3–5 signals you’ll review weekly).

Step 6 — Credit Foundations

  1. Set up vendor Net-30 accounts that report to business credit bureaus.
  2. Add a secured business card; pay early; keep utilization low.
  3. Draft a 1-page Executive Summary for lenders: who you serve, why now, use of funds.

Step 7 — Brand & Web Essentials

  1. Finalize an identity kit: logo, colors, type, and voice that match your buyer.
  2. Launch a fast website with clear offer, proof points, and trust badges.
  3. Create a “Docs Pack” PDF: EIN letter, formation docs, IDs, bank letters, financial snapshots.
Final Output Checklist: EIN ✔︎ • Operating Agreement/Bylaws ✔︎ • Licenses ✔︎ • Bank letters ✔︎ • Ledger live ✔︎ • SOPs ✔︎ • Vendor accounts ✔︎ • 1-page Summary ✔︎ • Site live ✔︎
Book a Formation Consult Now

Prefer a guided build-out? We can structure your entity, automate your ops, and prepare you for lenders—without the guesswork.