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The Business Build-Out Checklist
The 20 things we set up for every business we build, so you don't get denied for funding.
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Section 1
The 45 compliance points in every Build-Out package
Every Build-Out package includes 45 compliance points. Each one is listed under the step it belongs to, and each is counted once.
45named compliance points across the 20 steps
Steps with points: 7 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 10 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 4 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 6 = 45. Steps 8, 11 and 18 are guidance steps with no separate counted point.
States differ on fees, privacy rules and taxes. Pick the one that fits where you work and what you want to protect, and register in other states if you do business there.
Done for you in every Build-Out package7 compliance points- Expedited LLC Filing
- Registered Agent Services
- LLC Membership Certificates
- Articles of Organization
- Operating Agreement
- Online Notary Credit
- We pay: Secretary of State filing fees
An EIN is your business's federal tax ID. The IRS issues it for free, so skip any site that charges you to get one.
Done for you in every Build-Out package1 compliance point- Employer Identification Number (EIN) Document
Banks, the state and credit bureaus all look at your business address. A real street address, such as an office or a virtual office, keeps your home off public records.
Done for you in every Build-Out package2 compliance points- Commercial Address on Business Filings
- Business Mail Forwarding
A listed number lets lenders and vendors confirm the business is real. Use a dedicated business line, not your personal cell.
Done for you in every Build-Out package1 compliance point- Business 800 Phone Line
Lenders and vendors often look for a working site that says what you do and how to reach you. Your own domain also keeps your brand in your hands.
Done for you in every Build-Out package10 compliance points- Custom website with up to 15 pages
- Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions pages
- Traffic Booster Package (4,500 backlinks)
- Additional 500+ premium backlinks
- Advanced SEO Tactics (245 point checklist)
- Business Niche Keyword Research with Competitor Analysis
- 500+ Public Records Business Listing Submissions
- Professional Modern Business Logo Concepts
- Up to 6 Business Social Media Accounts
- Press release to 420+ news outlets
An address like [email protected] looks more credible than a free email account and keeps business mail in one place.
Done for you in every Build-Out package1 compliance point- Professional Business Domain & Email Service setup
Open it with your EIN letter and formation papers, using the exact legal name. It is the base for payments, vendor accounts and loan applications.
Done for you in every Build-Out package2 compliance points- Business Bank Accounts Curated List
- Guidance when you apply for vendor and bank accounts
Mixing funds can weaken the liability protection an LLC gives you, and it makes taxes and bookkeeping harder. Pay business costs only from business accounts.
Done for you in every Build-Out packageA DUNS number is a nine-digit ID that Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) assigns to a business. It is free to request, and it is how D&B starts your business credit file.
Done for you in every Build-Out package1 compliance point- Proper DUNS Registration and SBSS Connect
Your legal name, address and phone should read the same at the IRS, the state, your bank, D&B and on your website. Mismatches slow down verification when a lender or bureau checks you.
Done for you in every Build-Out package1 compliance point- Register Business with all necessary agencies (CTA/SIC/NAICS)
Requirements depend on your industry, city, county and state. Check with each one, because working without a required license can lead to fines.
Done for you in every Build-Out packageMost states require an annual or biennial report and a fee to keep your company in good standing. Missing it can bring penalties or even administrative dissolution.
Done for you in every Build-Out package1 compliance point- Annual Worry-Free Compliance
Net-30 means you buy now and pay within 30 days. Choose vendors that report your payments to bureaus such as D&B, Experian Business and Equifax Business.
Done for you in every Build-Out package4 compliance points- Five Tier 1 and five Tier 2 Net Trade Accounts
- Options for industry-specific trade accounts
- PG / non-PG curated credit issuers list
- (NO PG) Business Credit Accounts List
Paydex is the D&B score from 1 to 100 that reflects how quickly you pay. A score of 80 means you pay on time, and higher scores mean you pay early.
Done for you in every Build-Out package2 compliance points- Business Credit Builder
- Instructions and assistance throughout the credit-building process
Look for wrong details, accounts you do not recognize and late marks that are not yours. Catching a mistake early lets you dispute it before a lender sees it.
Done for you in every Build-Out package1 compliance point- Business Credit Monitoring
A business tradeline is a credit account that reports to the bureaus, such as a vendor account or a credit line. Add them once your basics are in place, since each one adds to your payment history.
Done for you in every Build-Out package2 compliance points- Business Credit Card application assistance
- (NO PG) Business Credit Cards List
Keep formation papers, your EIN letter, licenses, bank statements and receipts in one place. Lenders and tax preparers ask for them often.
Done for you in every Build-Out package1 compliance point- Business Documents Library
How you own your business and assets can change what a lawsuit or creditor can reach. Talk with a qualified attorney and tax pro about what fits your situation.
Done for you in every Build-Out packageA simple tracker shows what is done, what is waiting and what comes next. One missing step can hold up a bank, a bureau or a loan application.
Done for you in every Build-Out package2 compliance points- Lifetime Business Dashboard Access
- Business Accounts Status & Approval Tracker
Knowing the gaps, the timeline and the price up front lets you plan. It beats finding out halfway through, or when a lender says no.
Done for you in every Build-Out package6 compliance points- THE SECRET TO WEALTH Volume #1
- THE SECRET TO WEALTH Volume #2
- Vehicle Titling In Business Name Guide
- Equipment Financing List
- 1000 Lenders List + Gov Grants List
- Business Grants Step-By-Step
Section 2
Larger packages: up to 67 points of compliance
The Advanced 2 Corp Kit and the Enterprise Plan add 22 more points on top of the 45 above, for up to 67 in all.
Business credit setup (1)
- Business credit-building setup
Enhanced formation and legal (8)
- Priority processing on all filings
- Advanced tax structure optimization
- Multiple state registration support
- Enhanced compliance monitoring
- Premium registered agent service
- Dedicated business advisor
- Advanced asset protection strategies
- International business expansion support
Elite digital presence and marketing (12)
- Premium website hosting and security
- Advanced SEO optimization
- Professional content writing
- Multiple business email accounts
- Premium logo design package
- Custom business card design
- Premium press release distribution
- Advanced social media management
- Enhanced backlink building
- Email marketing automation
- Advanced competitor analysis
- Advanced automation suite for lead generation
Strategic guidance (1)
- Dedicated business development consultant
Services vary by package, and each lender makes its own approval decision. The packages page shows what each one includes.
Start My Business Inc. | www.startmybusiness.us/checklist | (888) 534-4145
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Educational. Not legal, tax or financial advice. Results vary.