Startup Checklist: Thinking About Starting a Business? Start Here.

entrepreneur reviewing materials and planning business

The checklist every founder needs before launching.

If you’ve got a business idea—or even just a gut feeling that you want to build something—you’re already ahead of most people.

But the truth is, having an idea isn’t the same as being ready to launch. Business starting involves outlining essential steps and resources needed to initiate a new venture.

That’s why we created the Startup Checklist by July Grey—a straightforward, no-fluff guide to help you move from idea to action. Remember to register your business for legal compliance and initial setup.

What’s Inside:

This checklist is designed to help you:

Clarify your business concept
Pressure-test your idea
Identify what’s missing
Stay focused as you build
Avoid wasting time on the wrong things by keeping track of various aspects of business operations, such as budgets, schedules, revenues, and expenditures

We also included a worksheet section at the top so you can define your vision, audience, and goals before diving into the tactical side.

Who This Is For: Small Business Administration

First-time founders who need a clear starting point
Most entrepreneurs who face significant challenges when starting their businesses
Small business owners ready to formalize a side hustle
Creatives, coaches, consultants, or product builders unsure how to structure their launch
Anyone who’s serious about making the jump—but needs a push to get going

Why We Made This Business Plan

At July Grey, we help startups launch with clarity—through brand strategy, websites, messaging, and campaign planning.

But we also meet a lot of people in the “thinking about it” stage. They don’t need a full agency (yet). They need a place to start. That’s what this checklist is for—helping those serious about making the jump to starting their own business.

The Entrepreneur Mindset

Starting a business is exciting—but also overwhelming. You’re not just launching a product or service. You’re building a brand, a process, a system, a future. That requires clarity, structure, and the willingness to move forward even when things feel uncertain.

Entrepreneurship is more than a title. It’s a commitment to turning ideas into action. And that starts with a plan.

Start With Research and Clarity

Before you create a logo or set up a website, you need to understand:

Who you’re helping
What problem you’re solving
How your business is different
And why anyone should care

Market research gives you the insight to answer those questions. A simple positioning statement or one-pager is enough to clarify your direction at this stage. The goal? Know what you’re building—and who it’s for.

Get Real About Financials Early

Too many people skip this step or avoid it entirely. But financial planning isn’t about spreadsheets—it’s about survival.

Figure out:

What it costs to start
What you’ll charge
How much you need to break even
Where your first round of funding might come from (loans, savings, investors, etc.)

You don’t need a full financial model—just enough to make informed decisions.

Plan Your Brand and Go-to-Market

Your brand is more than a logo—it’s how people feel when they interact with your business. And in a crowded market, you need a brand that stands out.

Build:

A clear, confident message
A simple, well-designed website
A content plan or social presence that makes people lean in

Even a small digital footprint can create big impact—especially if it’s focused.

Prepare to Launch Like a Pro

Before going live, make sure you’ve got the essentials:

Legal structure set up (LLC, sole prop, etc.)
Bank account and accounting tools in place
Any licenses or permits needed
A way for people to buy, book, or contact you
A plan to track feedback and iterate quickly

You don’t need everything perfect. You just need to be prepared enough to move with purpose.

Download the Free Checklist

Click below to grab the full PDF. Print it. Write on it. Build from it. 👉

And when you're ready to move from planning to building, we’re here to help.

Let’s bring your brand to life. 👉 Book a Free Startup Strategy Call