Starting a Business in Las Vegas? Here’s a “To-Do” List For You to Follow
Great – you’re going to start your own business. Going into business for yourself is a great adventure. You’re going to have to put in a lot of time and effort up front, and when your business is successful you’re going realize that all that work was well worth it.
No matter what kind of business you’re starting – sales, consulting, manufacturing – you’re going to have to work your way through a “To-Do” list that can be a full time job in itself. Here are some items you’ve got to think about.
Decide on a name for your business. Make sure it is not being used by someone else. Most states will have a website where you can check this out and register your business name.
Business licenses and registration. These requirements can vary from state to state, city to city. Make sure you’ve completed all the required applications and registrations.
Business taxes. You’ll have to register your business with the IRS to get a tax number. If you’re going to be buying items for resale, check out your state’s requirements to get a tax exempt number.
Attorneys and accountants. You need these. They will help you make sure you’ve set up your business properly to avoid problems later.
Bank accounts. Get a business account as soon as you can. While you can use a personal account to pay some of the start up expenses, you’ll want to get a separate account to make your accounting simpler. Consider a bank account that will give you a debit card for business purposes, or apply for a small business credit card.
Mailing address/Telephone. Get a business mailing address. You probably don’t want your personal address used, so either get a regular or a private post office box. Get a separate telephone line or cell phone for your business.
Business cards/brochures. You have several choices here. You can do the cards and brochures yourself using stock purchased at an office supply store, or you can have a service do them for you. Either way, it’s important that you get them done as quickly as possible.
Web sites. You’ve got choices here, too. Once you register a URL, there is software available that will let you do this yourself, or you can use a Las Vegas marketing company to assist you.
This is a long list, but every item on it is important.
Starting and building your own business takes time and effort. It is, however, the best way to build security for yourself and find the freedom to do more of what you want.