Introduction
Starting a business can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff—exciting, but also… where do you even begin?
There’s a lot to set up, and it’s easy to get stuck in your head or lost in endless Google searches.
That’s why checklists are your best friend. They keep you grounded, give you direction, and help you track real progress—not just ideas floating around in your notes app.
This guide breaks down everything you actually need to do—step by step—to go from idea to launch, especially if you're building solo.
What Is a Business Startup Checklist?
It’s exactly what it sounds like: a list of the must-do steps to get your business up and running.
Not fluffy theory. Just practical actions.
For solo founders or small teams, this kind of structure is gold. It replaces the constant “what am I forgetting?” feeling with a clear path you can follow at your own pace.
Why It Matters When You're Starting Alone
If you're doing this without a team (or even a co-founder), the early stages can feel like juggling five roles at once: marketer, admin, product manager, and more.
A checklist doesn’t just help you remember things—it helps you prioritize, so you're not wasting energy or reinventing the wheel.
The 5 Checklists Every Founder Needs to Start a Business
Here’s what you actually need to cover when starting out:
1. Planning Checklist
Get clear on your idea before jumping into execution.
- Define your business idea and who it helps
- Write a simple value proposition
- Choose a name that isn’t taken
- Do light competitor research
- Decide how you'll make money (services, products, subscriptions?)
2. Legal & Admin Checklist
Not fun—but necessary.
- Pick a business structure (LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.)
- Register your business name
- Get your EIN (Employer Identification Number)
- Check if you need licenses or permits
- Open a business bank account
3. Systems & Tools Checklist
Set up your digital foundation so you can actually operate.
- Set up a domain and email
- Create a Notion, Airtable, or TaskRoute workspace
- Choose a tool for tracking tasks
- Set up payment tools (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)
- Build simple SOPs (repeatable processes)
4. Offer + Website Checklist
Clarify what you're selling and make it easy to find.
- Define your first offer (service package, product, etc.)
- Build a landing page or simple site (even a Notion page works!)
- Add clear copy: What you do, who it's for, how to get it
- Include a contact method or scheduler (like Calendly)
5. Launch Checklist
Don’t overthink it. Start small, but start.
- Set a launch date
- Tell your personal network
- Post about it on social (honestly, even a simple tweet helps)
- Collect feedback from your first users
- Keep iterating
How TaskRoute Makes It Easier
If you’re building alone, TaskRoute gives you all these checklists—ready to go.
Just pick what you need (like “Legal Setup” or “First Offer Builder”) and start checking things off. No setup stress. No blank-page anxiety.
It’s built to help founders start, plan, and stay consistent, all in one place.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a fancy plan to start a real business—you just need a clear list and the courage to move through it.
Follow these five checklists, stay focused, and launch something real. You’ve got this.
👉 TaskRoute is the AI-powered productivity app built for solopreneurs.
Plan smarter, stay consistent, and grow your business faster.
Disclaimer: TaskRoute does not provide legal, financial, or client communication services. All planning and productivity tools are intended for organizational use only.