The Simple Blueprint To Get Your Business Started

Hey there, future business mogul!

Let me guess—you’ve got this brilliant idea bubbling up inside you, and you're ready to turn it into a full-blown business. Or maybe, you've already taken those exciting first steps but aren’t quite sure if you’re doing everything right. Either way, you've come to the right place.

I’m Erika, and I’ve helped tons of aspiring entrepreneurs just like you navigate the sometimes murky waters of starting a business. Today, I'm going to walk you through the most important steps to get your business up and running the right way. No fluff. No unnecessary jargon. Just real advice to help you succeed from day one.

So, let’s dive in!

1. Pick Your Business Structure Like a Pro

First things first, you need to choose how your business will legally exist. This is where many get stuck, but don’t worry, it's simpler than you think.

Do you want to be the sole owner and call all the shots? If so, a Sole Proprietorship might work for you. But if you want to protect your personal assets from business liabilities (which is super important), then an LLC (Limited Liability Company) is likely your best bet.

And hey, don’t forget about Corporations and Partnerships, if you're thinking bigger or collaborating with others. The key here is to pick the structure that gives you the flexibility and protection your business needs as it grows.

💡 Tip: If this feels overwhelming, you're not alone. This is one of the most common things people need help with, and it’s something we can handle together when you proceed to my free 15-minute consultation.

2. Stay on the Right Side of the Law

Next up—legal compliance. I know, I know, no one likes the word “compliance,” but trust me, you’ll be glad you handled this part early on.

To make your business legit, you’ll need to:

• Register your business name: Make sure it’s available in your state and doesn’t infringe on anyone else’s trademark.

• Get your EIN: It’s like a Social Security Number but for your business. You’ll need it to pay taxes, hire employees, and open a business bank account.

• Obtain the right licenses and permits: Depending on your industry, you may need federal, state, or local permits to operate legally.

You don’t want to get hit with fines down the road, right? Get this stuff squared away early, and you’ll thank yourself later.

3. Secure Your Funding—It’s Not as Hard as You Think

Money. You need it to make your dreams happen, right? Whether it’s to cover startup costs, hire help, or invest in equipment, getting funding doesn’t have to be a nightmare.

Here’s a little secret: you don’t have to rely on your personal savings or high-interest credit cards to fund your business. There are plenty of ways to secure funding without losing sleep at night.

• Business loans: Check with your local bank or credit union for small business loans.

• Grants: Believe it or not, there are grants available for entrepreneurs. Some are geared towards women, minority-owned businesses, or specific industries.

• Business credit: Establishing business credit is critical for long-term growth. You can separate your personal credit from your business and leverage it for bigger opportunities down the road.

The funding game might feel intimidating, but trust me, there are more options available than you think. Don’t hesitate to reach out, and I can point you in the right direction.

4. Build Your Business Credit Now (Not Later)

Speaking of business credit, let’s talk about why it’s essential to build it from day one.

Many new entrepreneurs don’t realize that you can start building your business credit long before you need a loan or line of credit. The earlier you establish it, the more reliable you’ll look to lenders when you’re ready to grow.

Here’s how you can do it:

• Get a business credit card and use it responsibly.

• Set up trade lines with suppliers and vendors who report payments to the credit bureaus.

• Always pay your bills on time—late payments can hurt your business credit just like they can hurt your personal credit.

Trust me, good business credit is like having a golden ticket to bigger opportunities down the road.

Now What? Take the First Step

I know we’ve covered a lot here, and you might still have questions (totally normal!). The good news is you don’t have to figure this all out on your own. You’ve already taken a huge step just by reading this guide, and the next step is even easier.

I offer a free consultation where we can go over your specific business needs, help you figure out the best next steps, and get you on the fast track to success.

And trust me, whether it’s figuring out legal compliance, securing funding, or establishing business credit, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to get started? Book your consultation here 👇

https://calendly.com/consultwitherika/15-min-strategy-call

You’ve got the vision—now let’s make it a reality!