Starting a business is deceptively easy. The paperwork is fast, the marketing tools are cheap, and the internet is full of advice. But that’s also the trap. Too many founders confuse access with readiness — and skip the groundwork that determines whether their business survives.

This checklist is not a gimmick. It’s built from what we at Tempest have seen over and over again: the missing pieces that break businesses and the foundational steps that give them real staying power. Whether you’re just getting started or regrouping after a chaotic launch, these are the non-negotiables.

1. Register the Business — The Right Way

LLC, sole prop, S-corp — the choice affects everything from taxes to liability. Too many founders rush it, or worse, skip it altogether. Get this right from the beginning and keep your filings clean. You can’t afford sloppiness when it comes to your legal status.

2. Open a Separate Business Bank Account

Mixing personal and business finances is an invitation for trouble — legal, financial, and tax-related. If you’re serious about building a real business, draw a hard line between personal and business accounts.

3. Set Up Basic Insurance

Even if your operation is small, you face risk. General liability, cyber protection, or errors and omissions coverage can protect you from lawsuits, contract disputes, or vendor problems. And it costs less than you think.

4. Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

If you had to step away tomorrow, would your business keep moving? SOPs are the operational spine of any company that wants to scale — or even just survive a disruption. Document how work gets done, how customers are served, and how money moves. Need help writing real SOPs? The Tempest Business Navigator has resources like the "Core" Operations Manual Toolkit that you can download for $75 or take our 4 hour online course "Policies and Procedures Made Simple" by enrolling in the Tempest Business Navigator University.

5. Draft a Business Continuity Plan

Most businesses don't think about disaster planning until it's too late. A continuity plan doesn’t have to be long — but it needs to answer basic questions. What happens if your internet goes down? What if your supplier disappears? What if you're offline for a week? A business continuity plan, even a simple, basic one, will help you survive and thrive. Check out our offer at Tempest Risk Management for a professional risk assessment and Business Continuity Plan designed by a certified Business Continuity Planner.

6. Build Your Brand and Web Presence

No, you don’t need a million-dollar logo. But you do need a name, a clean logo, a domain, and one place online that looks like a real business. Use free tools like Canva. Stick with one or two fonts and colors. Consistency builds trust.

7. Create One Strong Offer and One Way to Sell It

You don’t need a funnel. You need clarity. What are you selling? Who’s it for? How do they pay you? Stripe links, PayPal invoices, simple checkout forms — pick one and make it work. The only thing that validates a business is revenue.

8. Write Your First Policies

Even at an early stage, having clear policies saves time, arguments, and money. Spell out payment terms, refund conditions, and acceptable use guidelines. This isn’t red tape — it’s a pre-emptive shield. The Tempest Startup Special Toolkit includes customizable templates for all three.

To get you started, here is a downloadable Cybersecurity Policy that you can implement today! Compliments of The Business Navigator 🙂 Click the image or this link to download.

9. Track Expenses from Day One

You won’t remember where the money went. Write it down. Use a spreadsheet if you must. Don’t wait until tax season to get your finances in order. Not sure how to get started? This "Core" Financial Planner will get you started with a tab to estimate your Startup Costs, a 5 year Profit and Loss forecast and a monthly expense tracker. PLUS 30 minutes of video training make this the perfect starting place for a small business for only $75.

10. Know When to Ask for Help

You don’t win by doing everything yourself. You win by getting the right systems in place faster than the next guy. Resources like the Tempest Startup Special Toolkit exist for a reason — to help you skip the costly beginner mistakes and launch clean.

Final Thoughts

You only get one chance to build a foundation. If you build it weak, every step after becomes harder. But if you get these core pieces right, everything else is easier — scaling, hiring, selling, and surviving.

If you’re serious about starting smart, take a look at the Tempest Startup Special Toolkit. It’s designed to help businesses like yours launch like you’ve done this before. No gimmicks. Just the fundamentals, done right.

Brought to you by the Tempest Business Navigator!

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