Start It!
"It is not enough to do your best; you must know what to do, and THEN do your best."
- W. Edwards Deming
Checklist for New Businesses
There are many things to consider when you start a business. The following checklist is designed to help you plan your new venture.
Are You An Entrepreneur?
Before you do anything, find out what it takes to be an entrepreneur.
Your Business or Their Business?
Should you start your own business, buy an existing one or consider a franchise? Each method has it's pros and cons.
Set It Up
Are you going to structure your business as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, cooperative, or non-profit organization? If you incorporate, will you do it on the federal or provincial level? Find out more about each type of business organization as well as where to obtain and file the necessary paperwork.
"What's that place again?"
You want your clients to remember you. Find out why the name you choose for your business and where you locate it are so important.
Your Business Plan
The business plan...you may not get financing without one, and it's a useful tool when charting the growth of your business. Find out more about it and how to create one.
Profits
Business Loans
Find out what lenders are looking for and what's currently available on our Financing page .
Taxation
Taxation can affect how you structure your business, where you locate it and your budget plans. Find out more about Manitoba's Provincial Sales Tax (PST), the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) and other taxes which may be applicable to your business on our Taxation page .
Licenses/Permits
Does your business require any licenses or permits? Our publication
Starting a Small Business in Manitoba: A Guide to the Basic Legal Requirements (PDF file)
contains a listing of these as well as who to contact. (Note: this publication is in Adobe Acrobat format. If you don't have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can download a free copy from the Adobe web site.)
Employees
Advertising/Marketing
Customers won't buy what you're selling if they don't know you're there. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, know what you need to do and how to accomplish it.
e-Business
Do you need a website? Will it simplify your business or make it more complicated? Find out more about incorporating technology into your business.
Other things to consider...
Banking
From business accounts, credit and what you need to accept debit and credit card payments for your goods and services...find out what banking services are right for you.
Insurance
Protect yourself and your business - investigate insurance coverage for business premises/home (fire, theft), vehicle, liability, business interruption or loss-of-income, disability, and partnership.
Intellectual Property
Your intellectual property (IP) is one of your most valuable business assets. When used strategically in your business, it can increase your competitiveness and allow you to reap numerous benefits.
Office Equipment
Business phones, answering machines, internet connections…what do you need to operate your business?
Professional Services
Lawyer…accountant…do you need one? Find out more about Selecting Professional Services .
Promotional Material
Business cards, stationary, brochures…are they a good investment? See:
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