Are you ready to start a business, but not sure where to start?

Here are 10  steps that any business needs to follow to get started. These steps will help you plan, prepare, and manage your business – while taking care of the startup legalities.  Working through the steps will give you a sense of what needs your attention and what you can check off.

Step 1 – Write a Business Plan

With no surprise, writing a business plan comes in at #1. You should write a business plan whether you need to secure a business loan or not. A well-prepared plan – revisited often – will help you steer your business all along its growth curve. Try to think of your business plan as a living, breathing project, not a one-time document. Break it down into mini-plans – one for marketing, one for pricing, one for operations, and so on. Take a look at our Indoor Jump Center Business Plan.

Step 2 – Get Help and Training

Starting a business can be a lonely endeavor.  but there are lots of free in-person and online resources  that can help advise you as you get started.  Check out what’s offered at your Small Business Development Centers; SCORE (which offers free mentoring services); Women’s Business Centers, or your local SBA office.

Step 3 – Choose Your Business Location

Where you locate your business may be the single most important decision you make. Many factors come into play such as proximity to suppliers, the competition, transportation access, demographics, and zoning regulations. To your benefit, when opening an indoor jump center you are creating a destination – in which case people will drive further to visit your center. You probably already noticed most jump centers are located in warehouse type buildings. Check out our Tips for Choosing a Business Location and this article: 7 Adventages of Building Layouts with 2 Jump Rooms.

Step 4 – Understand your Financing Options

You may choose to bootstrap, fall back on savings, or even keep a full-time job until your business is profitable, but if you are looking for an external source of financing, check out SBA’s list of resources and BoeFly for a list of over 2000 lenders.

Step 5 – Decide on a Business Structure

Thinking of incorporating? What about an LLC? How you structure your business can reduce your personal liability for business losses and debts.  Some choices can give you tax benefits. To help you determine the right structure for your business, here’s an overview of your options.

Step 6 – Register Your Business Name (“Doing Business As”)

Registering a “Doing Business As” name or “trade name” is only needed if you name your business something other than the officially registered name of your LLC or corporation. Here’s how to register your “Doing Business As” name.

Step 7 – Get a Tax ID

Not every business needs a tax ID from the IRS (also known as an “Employer Identification Number” or EIN), but if you have employees, run a business partnership, a corporation or meet certain IRS criteria, you must obtain an EIN from the IRS.

Step 8 – Register with Tax Authorities

Employment taxes, sales taxes, and state income taxes are handled at the state-level. Learn more about your state’s tax requirements and how to comply.

Step 9 – Apply for Permits and Licenses

All businesses, even home-based businesses, need a license or permit to operate. This SBA guide explains more and includes a handy “Permit Me” tool that lets you determine what your permit and licensing needs are, based on your zip code and business type.

Step 10 – Hiring Employees

When hiring employees make sure you read this guide on how to hire and interview your first employees.