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.).


• https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/write-your-business-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">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.


• https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-your-business-name" target="_blank" rel="noopener">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.


• https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">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.


• https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apply for EIN

✅ Obtain Licenses & Permits

• Check federal, state, and local licensing requirements.


• Apply for industry-specific permits if needed.


• https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">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.


• https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/open-business-bank-account" target="_blank" rel="noopener">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.


• https://www.dnb.com/duns-number/get-a-duns.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apply for a D-U-N-S Number

✅ Explore Funding Options

• Self-funding, business loans, grants, or investors.


• Check minority-focused funding opportunities.


• https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">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 (https://www.wix.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wix, https://www.squarespace.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Squarespace, https://wordpress.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">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.


• https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/get-business-insurance" target="_blank" rel="noopener">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 thehttps://www.blaquenet.com/members/home"> https://www.blaquenet.com/members/home">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.