The first step is to decide what kind of business to start. If you have skills and abilities that are in demand, that decision may be easy. But if you’re not sure what you want to do, there are hundreds of business ideas for you to consider.

As you look over various ideas, remember that your own likes, dislikes, skills, goals and personal finances will play a role in determining the best business for you.

Market research determines if your business idea can succeed. Investigating your target market's size, demographics, and behaviors helps you understand customer needs, while a competitive analysis reveals how to stand out. Gather data via online searches, surveys, or focus groups to guide strategic decisions. Ultimately, arming your startup with quality market research mitigates risk, drives intentional growth, and is vital for securing loans and attracting capital.

A business plan outlines your company, goals, and strategy for success. Essential for securing loans or guiding self-funded growth, it ensures every detail impacts profitability. Key components include a company description, a targeted market analysis, your business structure (LLC/corporation), a marketing and sales strategy, and financial projections. Writing a comprehensive business plan is an intentional step that transforms your visionary concepts into investor-ready strategies.

Based on your business plan, determine the capital needed to launch and operate until you reach profitability. While bootstrapping is an option, launching requires upfront funding. Key startup expenses to budget include equipment, website hosting, formation fees, insurance, and marketing. Depending on your industry, you may also need to factor in rent, utilities, inventory, and payroll. Accurately calculating these costs ensures you secure the intentional capital

Choosing the right name is vital to build and protect your brand. Aim for a unique name that is descriptive but flexible enough not to limit future growth. For an LLC, states require including "LLC" in the legal name. You must also avoid terms implying illegal activities or restricted words. Ultimately, selecting a strong, compliant name ensures you stand out from the competition and provides an intentional foundation to scale your enterprise seamlessly as you expand into new markets.

Location dictates your business costs and operational growth. Most small companies scale best by registering in their home state. If renting space rather than starting from home, select the site carefully to avoid costly, disruptive moves.

Ensure the location fits your budget, rent, and utilities. For retail, prioritize foot traffic, parking, and demographic alignment. Finally, verify that local zoning laws, regulations, and taxes support your long-term, intentional business goals.

Your business structure dictates tax liability, operations, and asset protection.

• Sole Proprietor/Partnership: Fast setup, but carries unlimited personal liability. • LLC: Combines operational ease with corporate asset protection as a separate entity. • C-Corp: Offers strong shields for shareholders but faces double taxation. • S-Corp: A smart tax election that reduces self-employment taxes.

TCG builds intentional roadmaps across all 50 states to secure capital and grow.

Your business structure, industry, and location determine your registration requirements. For sole proprietorships, partnerships, or corporations wanting an alternate name, you must secure a DBA (Doing Business As) or fictitious name certificate. Banks require a DBA to open a business account. Filing takes a few weeks and varies by location, usually requiring a unique name, an EIN or SSN, and public notice. Securing a DBA is an intentional step to protect your brand and operate legally.

To form an LLC or corporation, register with your Secretary of State. First, appoint a registered agent to handle state compliance and legal notices, freeing you to travel and avoid embarrassment. Next, draft an Operating Agreement to set clear, custom rules for management, protect assets, and secure funding. Finally, file your Articles of Organization online with your business name, address, and agent details. This intentional framework establishes a solid, compliant corporate entity.

Businesses must follow federal, state, and local tax laws. Start by getting a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Even if not required, an EIN is crucial for opening a business bank account and protecting your Social Security number from fraud. Next, register for a State Tax ID via your Department of Revenue to manage state and local taxes. Common obligations include income, sales, property, and employment taxes. Staying compliant protects your assets and funding.

Forming your company is just the first step; operating legally requires the right state and local licenses. Whether you need a general business license or industry-specific permits (like restaurant, alcohol, retail, or professional licenses), staying compliant ensures your business runs smoothly. Researching these requirements can be time-consuming, but failing to obtain them leads to heavy fines or forced closure. Stay intentional: track expiration dates and reapply early to protect your entity

Even if you will be operating as a sole proprietor under your own given name, you should have a separate bank account for your business. Having a separate bank account for your business makes it easy to separate business and personal expenses at tax time. It also gives more legitimacy to your business and makes it easier to accept credit cards, get financing and do business in general. Here are guidelines for choosing a small business bank account. 

No matter what entity type or size your business is, you need to protect it. Learn about the different types of business insurance that can protect you and your business.