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 the">https://www.blaquenet.com/members/home"> Blaque">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.

Networking & Community

Building strong business connections and engaging with a supportive community is essential for success. Blaque Net is dedicated to providing entrepreneurs and business owners with the best networking opportunities and community resources.

Blaque Net Business Community

Join our Blaque">https://blaquenet.com/members/home">Blaque Net Business Community to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, share insights, and stay up-to-date on the latest business trends.

Local & National Business Organizations

Consider joining professional organizations that align with your industry to expand your network. Some notable options include:

• SCORE">https://www.score.org/">SCORE – Free mentoring and networking for small businesses.


• Small">https://www.sba.gov/">Small Business Administration (SBA) – Offers networking events and business support.


• National">https://www.nationalbcc.org/">National Black Chamber of Commerce – A great resource for Black entrepreneurs.


• U.S.">https://www.uschamber.com/">U.S. Chamber of Commerce – Offers networking opportunities for business owners.

Industry-Specific Networking Events

Look for industry-specific networking groups and events tailored to your profession. Some resources to consider:

• Local Chamber of Commerce networking events.


• Industry conferences and expos.

Blaque Net Networking Events

Stay connected with Blaque Net’s exclusive networking events where business professionals can meet, collaborate, and grow together. Check out our https://blaquenet.com/events"> style="color: rgb(132, 63, 161);">events page for upcoming opportunities.

Online Communities & Forums

Engage with online business forums and platforms that focus on business growth and networking. Blaque Net provides a space for entrepreneurs to discuss strategies, ask questions, and share experiences.

Disclaimer: Blaque Net provides networking and community resources for informational purposes only. We do not endorse or guarantee any specific networking opportunities, events, or community groups not directly affiliated with Blaque Net. Users should exercise due diligence when attending online and offline networking events. Always research opportunities thoroughly and prioritize safety when attending in-person events. Blaque Net is not responsible for any experiences, interactions, or outcomes related to external networking sources.