Starting a business is exciting and stressful.

With so many decisions, it's easy to get distracted.

Proper planning helps you focus on the most important aspects of launching and growing a business venture.

TIP: The next tax season's due dates aren't too far away — avoid late penalties and interest by filing on time.

Pressed for time? Click to listen. 

Learning the ropes

Read books and tap into resources that teach you how to maneuver your industry so you can avoid the startup mistakes others have made before you.

Think about joining a trade organization and your local chamber of commerce to speak with colleagues and other small business owners. 

Making a business plan

You need a general idea of how you plan to operate your business and make money.

Take the time to establish your product/service lines and pricing well before the launch date.

Once you are up and running, you'll have less time to devote to these essential functions.

TIP: Use a business plan checklist to stay on track.

Bookkeeping 101

It's time to learn how to keep your books so you can experience a substantial return on the investment of time and money you're making into your business.

Without organized records, reports, and projections, you cannot make informed business decisions.

TIP: Download our chart of accounts and bookkeeping spreadsheet to help launch your books.