Business launch checklist
Do the work in the order that makes it easier.
Seventeen checks from a named customer problem to a first working sales path. Tick them off here; your progress stays in this browser.
Prove the offer
Make it real
Build the first sales path
Launch and learn
Progress is saved only in this browser. Legal, tax and licensing requirements depend on your location and activity.
What this cannot decide
Your location changes the formal steps.
The checklist keeps legal setup at the right point in the sequence, but it cannot tell you which entity, licence, tax election or insurance is correct. Those depend on the jurisdiction and the actual business.
Use the official authority for your location, then get professional advice where a wrong choice would be expensive or difficult to undo.
Continue with the full start-a-business guide or the business website checklist.
Straight answers
Questions people actually ask
What should I do first when starting a business?
Name one specific customer and one costly problem, then speak to real potential buyers. A logo, company name and website are easier decisions once you know who should pay and why.
When should I build the business website?
Build the smallest complete sales path after you can explain the customer, problem, offer and next action. You can use a simple page during validation, but do not automate a confused offer.
Does this checklist cover every legal requirement?
No. Entity, registration, tax, employment, privacy, licensing and insurance rules depend on the country, region and activity. Use the relevant government authorities and a qualified adviser where the stakes justify it.
Where is my progress saved?
Only in local storage in the browser you are using. Copycat does not receive the checklist selections, and progress will not follow you to another device or private browsing session.