What You Actually Need to Start a Small Business (A Simple 2025 Checklist)
Your simple guide to getting set up with confidence and clarity.
Starting a business can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming. There’s a lot to think about: structure, branding, systems, and marketing, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Whether you’re launching a creative service, online shop, or passion project, here’s a step-by-step guide to starting a small business that will set you up for long-term success.
1. Choose Your Business Structure
Before anything else, decide how your business will be legally structured. Most small business owners start as:
Sole Proprietorship – Simple and inexpensive, but no liability protection.
LLC (Limited Liability Company) – The most common choice for small businesses. It separates your personal and business finances.
S-Corp or Corporation – Ideal for larger or fast-growing businesses, though more complex to manage.
Consult a CPA or small business attorney to decide what’s best for you.
2. Register Your Business Name
Once you’ve chosen your structure, register your business name with your state’s Secretary of State website.
This is also the perfect time to:
Check that your domain name is available
Secure matching social media handles
Make sure your name is easy to spell, remember, and share
3. Get Your EIN (Employer Identification Number)
An EIN functions like a Social Security number for your business. You’ll need it for taxes, banking, and hiring. Apply for free through the IRS website.
4. Open a Business Bank Account
Keep business finances separate from personal ones. It helps with taxes, bookkeeping, and organization.
Look for a bank that offers:
No or low fees
Easy online banking
Integration with tools like QuickBooks or Wave
5. Set Up Bookkeeping
Even if numbers aren’t your thing, staying organized from day one makes all the difference. You can start simple with:
Wave Accounting
QuickBooks Simple Start
A Google Sheet or Notion tracker
6. Secure Your Domain + Email
Your domain name is your digital address. Buy it through GoDaddy or Namecheap.
If you plan to build your website on Squarespace, you can also buy and manage your domain directly through their platform. It’s a seamless option that keeps everything, your site, hosting, and settings, in one place, making setup simple and stress-free.
Then, create a professional business email (hello@yourbusiness.com) using Google Workspace or Zoho Mail. This adds credibility and keeps everything in one place.
7. Build Your Brand Identity
Once your foundation is set, it’s time to create a brand that represents your vision.
Your brand identity includes:
A color palette and typography system
A clear logo
A tone of voice that feels natural and true to you
Consistent visuals across every platform
If this part feels overwhelming, that’s where we can help. We create intentional, cohesive brand identities that tell your story and grow with your business. Explore our services.
8. Create Your Website
Your website doesn’t have to be complicated, it just has to work.
Start with a clean, simple design on Squarespace or Shopify that includes:
Home
About
Services / Shop
Contact
Journal/Blog or FAQ/Policy Page
Your website is often your first impression. Make it feel like you.
If you want help building a site that works beautifully with your brand, explore our Brand & Digital Launch Kit.
9. Claim Your Digital Spaces
Secure your brand name and handles on the platforms your audience uses most whether that be Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, Youtube or LinkedIn.
Use the same name and visuals everywhere for easy recognition.
10. Start Communicating With Your Audience
The next step is connecting with the people who want to hear from you. One of the best ways to do that is through email. It’s personal, direct, and a great way to make a solid first impression.
There are two main ways to send emails:
Through your website platform — If you’re using Squarespace or Shopify, both offer built-in email tools. They’re great for beginners because everything (your site, branding, and email) lives in one place. This makes sending your first few newsletters quick and seamless.
Through a dedicated email platform — Tools like Flodesk, Mailchimp, or Klaviyo give you more flexibility as you grow. They’re better for automation, analytics, and creating a more personalized experience for your subscribers.
If you’re just getting started, using your website’s email feature is a great way to begin. As your audience grows, you can easily switch to a platform with more options.
What matters most is simply starting the conversation.
Write a welcome email introducing yourself and your mission
Share behind-the-scenes posts and sneak peeks
Design a few pieces of print collateral like thank-you cards or packaging inserts
People don’t just want to buy from you, they want to connect with your story. Our Launch Kit includes an automated email sequence to get you started!
Final Thoughts
Starting a small business doesn’t mean doing everything at once. Focus on what matters most: building a foundation that feels aligned with your purpose and values.
And if you want support bringing it all together, from brand identity to website to content, that’s what we do best.
Explore our Services or learn about our Brand & Digital Launch Kit for small business owners ready to launch with intention.
Download a PDF checklist here.
