Starting a new business in Las Vegas can seem like an overwhelming process, especially if your starting a business for the very first time.  In this economy especially, it’s imperative to think everything through before you start the process. I’ve compiled some articles, resources, tips and tricks that can help you through the process.

Things you will need:

• Business Plan – You will need a business plan if you are looking for investors. Your business plan should be well though out and include revenue projections.  The public library is a great place to find books to assist you.
• Marketing Plan – From the business plan should come a Marketing Plan for your new business. The Marketing Plan should includes a lot of key information that will help you lay out the plans for reaching your target marketing.
• Incorporation - You should incorporate your company to be on the up-and-up and you’ll need to to obtain a federal tax ID as well.
• Business Licenses – You will need the appropriate business licenses for the City of Las Vegas and Clark County.
• Insurance – You should have the necessary insurance coverages based on what type of business you are opening.  Contact your insurance agent and they can help.
• Legal Advice – Ideally, you should consult with an attorney to review your Agreements, any claims you are making with your products and services, and to review any copy you write for your website, including privacy information and disclaimers.
• Marketing Materials – Of course you need marketing materials to promote your business – logo, business cards, letterhead, envelopes, a website design, brochures, and PowerPoint presentations and key.
• Website – Not just any web site, you will need a professionally architected and designed web site that a reputable company should help you to strategize and build (see perkolate.com).

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.