Startup Roadmap

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Starting your own business is an exciting process! Sometimes for entrepreneurs, the hardest part of that process is knowing the necessary steps and what resources are available to help you along the way. Below is a startup checklist that will help guide you through the process and give you the confidence you need to launch your own business today!

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1. Consumer Validation

  • Market Research
  • Customer Interactions/Interviews
  • Validate problem/solution

2. Product Prototying (If product based)

  • Find a prototyping facility near you.
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  • Discover and connect with manufacturers in your area.
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3. Secure Intellectual Property Rights (if protectable)

  • Are you looking to obtain Intellectual Property Rights (Patent, trademark, copyright, etc.)? Meet with the Innovation Guidance and Solutions team at Dixie State University
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  • Find local Patent Attorney
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4. Write a Business Plan

Meet with us to help you put together a strong business plan!

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5. Develop Marketing Plan/Strategy and Develop Business Identity

  • Create Vision and Mission Statements
  • Find a Marketing agency near you that can help you develop your brand
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6. Finance Your Business

  • Identify start up costs and needs
  • Discover and explore funding sources
  • Find Bank/Traditional Funding Opportunities here
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7. Select Business Name and Legal Structure

  • Sole Propietorship
  • General Partnership
  • Limited Liability Partnership
  • Limited Liability Company (LLC)
  • C-Corporation & S-Corporation
  • Non-profit
  • B-Corporation

Business Structure articles:

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/business-structures

https://seacoast.score.org/resource/types-business-entities

Unsure which structure is best for you? Find an accountant or legal firm near you that can advise on which structure is the best fit for you and your goals.

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8. Register Business Entity with Utah Division of Corporations:

  • Find an accountant or legal firm near you that can help establish your business entity.
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  • Already know you want to set up an LLC? Schedule a consultation with one of our BRC advisors now to set up your LLC.
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9. Obtain Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)

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10. Reserve Website URL/Assets and Social Media Accounts

  • Find a marketing agency near you that can help you create a website
  • Have your agency help you set up social media accounts.
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11. Apply for Appropriate Business License

  • Find the appropriate business license for your business.
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12. Establish Business Bank Account and Payment Collection Options

  • Find business banking options near you here.
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13. Acquire General Liability Insurance (and other required insurance) For Your Business

  • Find local insurance providers.
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14. Set up Accounting and Record Keeping Systems

  • Find a local CPA near you.
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15. Hire and Train Employees (if needed)

  • Sales
  • Customer Service
  • Product Development

16. Network with Local Business Community!

  • Find your local Chamber of Commerce.
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17. Connect With Your Regional Business Resource Center and Meet With One of Our Experienced Business Advisors/Mentors That Can Help You Through the Entire Process for FREE!

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Download PDF Startup Roadmap

This information has been organized by the Business Resource Centers of Utah Tech University and Southern Utah University.

We go to great lengths to provide this information for southern Utah entrepreneurs so that they can learn, launch, and grow.

To schedule an appointment in person, contact us below!
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