Utah Tech University

Startup Roadmap

We’re here to help!

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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.
  • 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

Find out more

  • Find local Patent Attorney

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4. Write a Business Plan

  • Describe your business
  • Determine the organization of your business
    • Will the business be home based or in commercial location?
  • Identify your target market
  • Develop your product/service line
  • Identify Startup costs
  • Find local Patent Attorney

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

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

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

6. Finance Your Business

  • Identify start up costs and needs
  • Discover and explore funding sources
  • Find Bank/Traditional Funding Opportunities here

Get in touch

7. Select Business Name and Legal Structure

  • Sole Proprietorship
  • 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.
Get in touch

8. Register Business Entity with Utah Division of Corporations:

Find an accountant or legal firm near you that can help establish your business entity.
Get in touch
Already know you want to set up an LLC? Schedule a consultation with one of our BRC advisors now to set up your LLC.
Get in touch

9. Obtain Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)

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10. Reserve Website URL/Assets and Social Media Accounts

Find an accountant or legal firm near you that can help establish your business entity.

  • Find a marketing agency near you that can help you create a website
  • Have your agency help you set up social media accounts.

Get in touch

11. Apply for Appropriate Business License

  • Find the appropriate business license for your business.

Get in touch

12. Establish Business Bank Account and Payment Collection Options

  • Find business banking options near you here.

Get in touch

13. Acquire General Liability Insurance (and other required insurance) For Your Business

  • Find local insurance providers.

Get in touch

14. Set up Accounting and Record Keeping Systems

Find a local CPA near you

15. Hire and Train Employees (if needed)

  • Sales
  • Customer Service
  • Product Development

16. Network with Local Business Community!

  • Find your local Chamber of Commerce.

Get in touch

17. Connect With Your Regional Business Resource Center

Meet With One of Our Experienced Business Advisors/Mentors That Can Help You Through the Entire Process for FREE!
Contact

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!
Contact

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!

Contact Us