What you'll learn
  • All 50 steps to launch a small business — in the right order
  • Organised into 5 clear phases so nothing gets missed
  • Which steps to prioritise if you're starting with limited time
  • The free downloadable checklist to track your progress

How to use this checklist

Starting a business is one of the most exciting things you'll ever do — and one of the most overwhelming. This checklist organises every step you need into five clear phases, in the right order.

Download the checklist

This article is also available as a free downloadable PDF. Download it here, print it, and tick off each step as you go.

Phase 1 — Idea and research

  1. Define your business idea in one clear sentence
  2. Identify your target customer (age, needs, budget)
  3. Research your top 3 competitors
  4. Identify your unique selling point (USP)
  5. Validate demand: talk to 10 potential customers
  6. Check if your idea is profitable (price vs cost)
  7. Choose your business model
  8. Research legal requirements in your country
  9. Choose a business name and check availability
  10. Register your domain name

Phase 2 — Business foundations

  1. Choose your business structure
  2. Register your business officially
  3. Apply for any required licences or permits
  4. Open a dedicated business bank account
  5. Set up basic bookkeeping
  6. Define your pricing strategy
  7. Write a one-page business plan
  8. Set a 12-month revenue target
  9. Identify your top 3 startup costs
  10. Secure your initial funding

Phase 3 — Brand and online presence

  1. Design your logo
  2. Choose your brand colours and fonts
  3. Write your brand tagline or slogan
  4. Build your website
  5. Write a compelling about page
  6. Set up a professional email address
  7. Create a Google Business Profile
  8. Set up 2–3 social media profiles
  9. Write your first 3 social media posts
  10. Install Google Analytics on your website

Phase 4 — First customers

  1. Define your sales process
  2. Create your first offer or product listing
  3. Set up a payment method (Stripe, PayPal)
  4. Reach out to your first 10 potential customers personally
  5. Ask your existing network for referrals
  6. Join 2 online communities where your customers hang out
  7. Create a simple lead magnet to capture email addresses
  8. Set up an email list (Mailchimp, Systeme.io, or AWeber)
  9. Send your first newsletter to your list
  10. Make your first sale

Phase 5 — Operations and growth

  1. Write a simple operations checklist for daily tasks
  2. Set up customer support
  3. Collect your first customer testimonial
  4. Review your finances at the end of month 1
  5. Identify what's working and what isn't
  6. Set goals for months 2 and 3
  7. Automate one repetitive task
  8. Explore one new marketing channel
  9. Join a local or online entrepreneur community
  10. Celebrate your first milestone — you did it

The bottom line

Starting a business doesn't require genius or luck. It requires following a sensible sequence of steps, one at a time, without skipping the uncomfortable ones.

Print this checklist. Work through it in order. The only step that matters is the one in front of you right now.