Business Setup Guide

Plan the steps to start and run your business.

Is this the right kit?

Use this guide to plan how to start and run your business. It has planning tools, not forms to file with the state. To transfer work to your business and keep ownership records, see Business and IP Ownership Kit; for website rules and notices, see Website Legal Pages Kit.

What’s included

• A Companion Guide to explain the documents and choices (PDF)
• A business setup checklist and worksheet (Word)
• Filled-in author and press planning examples (PDF)
• Formation and first-90-days checklists, an annual compliance calendar, and a CPA and attorney handoff sheet (PDF)
• A video guide where Tia walks you through what matters

Start here

Start with the video or Companion Guide. They explain which files to use and what to fill in.

Plan your business name, ownership, bank account, taxes, insurance, and records. Track the steps to start and the tasks to check each year. The examples show how the plan can fit an author or a small press.

What this kit does not do

This is an educational planning guide, not an entity-formation service. It does not select an entity, file government forms, provide tax advice, verify name availability, or determine which registrations or licenses apply where you operate.

What this kit helps you plan

• The choices involved in starting and naming a business.
• The records, accounts, and setup tasks to plan for.
• Questions to take to an attorney, accountant, or other adviser.

Before you fill it in

Start with where you are now and work through the setup steps that apply to you. Keep a list of open questions as you go. This guide helps you plan; it does not form a company or file paperwork for you.