Start My Business Checklist
Here is a list of things you need to consider as you begin the process of starting a business. The "Resource Center" will connect you with a variety of resources on the topics below.
PRE-LAUNCH STAGE
Idea
_____ Brainstorm your idea - think outside the box!
_____ Skill Match-skills inventory - what do I do best?
_____ Knowledge Match - what doI know a lot about?
_____ Friends & Family - what do my friends and family think of my idea?
RESEARCH
_____ Patent/Trademark - do I need a patent to protect my product or idea?
_____ Competitor Analysis - who else does this?
_____ Collect Demographic Data - who is going to buy this?
_____ Market/Industry Size - who is my target client?
_____ Regulations - are there state or federal laws that govern this industry?
_____ Feasibility Planning - can this make money?
Guidance & Assistance
_____ Visit the Disney Entrepreneur Center - locate resources, networking and assistance.
_____ Meet with Advisors - set an appointment with a business counselor.
_____ Talk to Family & Friends - seek advice from others.
Idea Testing
_____ Interview people who know the industry.
_____ Professionals - line up professionals you might need.
_____ Associations - seek out any related trade organizations.
_____ Focus Groups - test your idea and your product at every opportunity.
_____ Prototyping - do you need to build a working model?
_____ Process Flowcharting - write down everything thatneeds to happen before you open.
Financial Planning
_____ 3 & 5 year sales projections.
_____ Project your expenses and cash flow.
_____ Identify sources of funding.
_____ Estimate your expected returns.
_____ Calculate a break even & various financial ratios.
Marketing Plan
_____ Develop a detailed Sales Strategy.
_____ Decide how you will get the word out about your business.
_____ Determine the costs of your promotion and advertising plans.
_____ Determine your financial allocations to marketing, advertising, and promotion.
Business Plan
_____ Develop your road map for success.