The Small Business Resource Center || Montgomery, Alabama

GETTING STARTED IMPLEMENTATION CHECKLIST

If you have decided to move forward with your business concept, the following checklist of basic implementation steps may serve as a reminder of some of the details facing you. Modify the list, and be sure to check into your specific requirements for your city.

Implementation Checklist
1.	Protect your idea. (Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, Brand Names)
2.	Finalize business name and structure. File "doing business as" (DBA) registration.
3.	Identify capital required and seek necessary debt or equity.
4.	Secure facilities or equipment.
5.	Obtain insurance for facilities/equipment or other needs.
6.	Check state license requirements. Secure licenses, permits or bonding where necessary.
7.	Check certification requirement.
8.	Check local license requirements.
9.	Check zoning for business location.
10.	Obtain income tax information.
11.	Check on other local/state taxes that may apply to your business.
12.	Obtain federal tax ID. number, if needed.
13.	If hiring employees, check on federal and state requirements.
14.	Check on environmental issues with regulatory agencies, if needed.
15.	Check to determine if you must comply with American with Disabilities Act (ADA).
16.	Establish accounting system.
17.	Establish bank account.
18.	Publicize and promote new business.
19.	Other:______________________________________________
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AM I AN ENTREPRENEUR?
Entrepreneurial Traits Assessment

Y=Yes | SNR=Sometimes/Not Really | N=No | DK=Don't Know

Personal and Family Considerations

Remember that starting a business does not only affect your life, it can also impact your relationships with friends and family. Be sure to take a well-rounded look at self-employment. This worksheet can help you begin this process.

SA=Strongly Agree | A=Agree | D=Disagree | SD=Strongly Disagree

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Trait		y	snr	n	dk
1.	Passion
	I really enjoy talking about my business idea.
	I really know and enjoy the business I am starting.
	When I get involved in "doing" my business, time passes very quickly.
	I am always thinking about new and better things for my business.
2.	Persistence
	I stick with a project until it is completed.
	I am willing to work 10-12 hours a day in my business.
	I am willing to make a long-term commitment to my business.
3.	Good Health/Energy
	I am healthy.
	I have the support of family and friends.
	I am comfortable with uncertainty and stress.
4.	Good Communication
	I can write clear/concise letters and memos.
	I am comfortable meeting and talking with new people.
	I carefully listen to others.
5.	Creativity/Innovation
	I adapt well to change.
	I enjoy trying new things and doing things differently.
	I enjoy learning new skills, ideas and methods.
6.	Independence/Self-reliance
	I like to make my own decisions.
	I am self-motivated.
	I am able to work on my own.
	I know when I need help, and will seek it.
7.	Intuition
	I am capable of making "gut feeling" decisions, and they are often good ones.
	I can balance the facts with my feelings when making decisions.
8.	Self-confidence
	I am confident in my ability to succeed.
	I keep my promises and people trust me.
9.	Listen to the Customer
	I pay attention to events and trends that can affect my business.
	I really listen to others' opinions, not just my own.
10.	Ability to Accept Challenges
	I am willing to take calculated risks.
	I can juggle many tasks and responsibilities well.
	I find ways of developing and organizing plans of action.
11.	Willingness to Work Hard
	I am willing to put in the time and effort to make this succeed.
	My personal integrity is more important than making lots of money.
	I have experience in the business I am starting.

	Personal Considerations	SA	A	D	SD
1.	I have no problem working 10-12 hours a day, 6 days a week, including holidays.
2.	I know I can meet deadlines, and keep promises, no matter what.
3.	Starting my own business ranks very high in my personal goals.
4.	I am prepared to lose my savings.
5.	I can go without a vacation for a year.
6.	It is important to me to create my own space in which to work.
7.	I am willing to live without a regular paycheck.
8.	When I think about the future, I see positive, new growth opportunities.
9.	I am prepared to sacrifice money and/or time to commit to church/charity.
10.	If I needed to, I could keep a full-time job and run my business on the side.
11.	I would be willing to borrow money to finance my business.
12.	I know what I would do if my business failed.
13.	I have enough time and energy to make this a success.
	Family Considerations	SA	A	D	SD
14.	My family obligations rank number one on my list of priorities.
15.	My family will tolerate my working 60 hours or more a week.
16.	My family is prepared to lose the family savings.
17.	I have a lot of support from my family and friends for my business.
18.	Our family spends too little time together.
19.	Our family usually has enough spending money.
20.	My family is in good health.
21.	Family relations are strained because there isn't enough money.
	Future Considerations	SA	A	D	SD
22.	It is important to me that my business support my family in the future.
23.	Being in business for myself is more important than earning a lot of money.
24.	The family should always come before the business.
25.	It is important that I have something to leave for my children.
26.	I don't want to work any harder than I do right now.