Start & Launch Your Business

Blaque Net is an inclusive business platform supporting entrepreneurs, with a focus on empowering underserved minority-owned businesses.

Start-Up Business Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you complete all essential steps when starting your business.

1. Business Planning

✅ Define Your Business Idea & Target Market

• Conduct market research and validate your idea.
• Identify your ideal customers and analyze competitors.
• Choose a business model (service-based, product-based, etc.).
• Use the SBA Business Plan Tool

✅ Choose & Register Your Business Name

• Ensure your name is unique and not trademarked.
• Check availability for a matching domain name.
• Secure your name legally at the state or federal level.
• Register your business name

2. Legal & Structure

✅ Choose a Business Structure

• Sole Proprietorship: Simple, but personal liability.
• LLC: Limits liability, tax flexibility.
• Corporation: Best for large-scale growth, legal protection.
• Compare business structures

✅ Register Your Business & Get an EIN

• Register your business with your state.
• Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for tax purposes.
• Apply for EIN

✅ Obtain Licenses & Permits

• Check federal, state, and local licensing requirements.
• Apply for industry-specific permits if needed.
• Check licensing requirements

3. Business Banking & Finances

✅ Open a Business Bank Account

• Keep business and personal finances separate.
• Choose a bank with small business-friendly services.
• Learn how to open a business account

✅ Set Up Accounting & Tax Management

• Use software like QuickBooks, Wave, or Xero.
• Keep track of income, expenses, and tax deductions.
• Consider hiring an accountant for tax planning.

4. Business Credit & Funding

✅ Get a D-U-N-S Number (Establish Business Credit)

• A D-U-N-S Number is required to establish business credit.
• It helps secure financing and vendor accounts.
• Apply for a D-U-N-S Number

✅ Explore Funding Options

• Self-funding, business loans, grants, or investors.
• Check minority-focused funding opportunities.
• Explore SBA funding programs

5. Branding & Online Presence

✅ Secure a Domain Name & Website

• Check domain availability and secure a professional URL.
• Choose a website builder (Wix, Squarespace, WordPress).

✅ Establish Social Media & Business Listings

• Set up pages on Blaque Net and other social platforms.
• Claim your business on Google My Business & Yelp.

6. Compliance & Insurance

✅ Get Business Insurance

• Liability insurance, product insurance, professional liability.
• Workers’ compensation if you have employees.
• Find business insurance

Summary: Your Business Launch Roadmap

• ✅ Define your business idea and target market.
• ✅ Choose a business name and register it.
• ✅ Select a business structure and register legally.
• ✅ Obtain an EIN and necessary licenses.
• ✅ Open a business bank account and separate finances.
• ✅ Apply for a D-U-N-S Number to build business credit.
• ✅ Establish an online presence (website, social media).
• ✅ Explore funding options for business growth.

Ready to launch? Join the Blaque Net community and grow with us!

Disclaimer: Blaque Net does not guarantee grants, funding, or loans. These resources are for informational purposes only. Please conduct your own research and verify eligibility requirements before applying.