Learning Center

How to start a business

A straight checklist for U.S. founders. Not legal or tax advice. Use it to prepare before you talk to counsel, a CPA, or our team about funding and payments.

1. 1Clarify the idea and model

   • Write a one-page summary: who you serve, what you charge, and how you get customers.
   • Rough out 12-month costs and how you will cover them (savings, revenue, or capital).

2. 2Choose and form the entity

   • Most small teams start with an LLC or a corporation; pick based on taxes, investors, and liability with a CPA or attorney.
   • File with your state, get an EIN from the IRS, and adopt basic bylaws or an operating agreement.
   • Partners like Incfile can handle formation filings; we may earn a commission if you use our links. See our disclosure.

3. 3Separate business money

   • Open a business checking account using your legal name and EIN.
   • Use one card or account for business spend so underwriting and taxes stay clean.

4. 4Licenses, insurance, and compliance

   • Check state and local business licenses, sales tax registration, and industry permits.
   • Carry insurance your clients or landlords require (GL, pro liability, workers comp if you hire).

5. 5Brand, contracts, and operations

   • Domain, basic site, and clear proposals or terms for how you get paid.
   • Simple contracts for vendors and customers reduce disputes later.

6. 6Accept payments and fund growth

   • When you take cards or ACH, your MCC and ticket pattern drive approval. Use our Learning Center MCC lookup as a guide.
   • Dosh helps with working capital and merchant services nationwide. Start with the homepage quote or full application when you are ready.

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