Business Setup Checklist
Complete these essential steps to establish your business legitimacy and unlock funding opportunities
Business Legitimacy
Lenders and credit bureaus need to see a legitimate, professional business structure
Professional Image
Separate business identity from personal finances for better credibility
Funding Opportunities
Proper setup unlocks access to business credit cards and funding options
Business Name
Choose a professional business name that avoids restricted industries
✅ Best Practices:
- Use vague, professional names like "Smith Consulting", "Smith Solutions", "Smith Enterprises"
- Keep it simple and memorable
- Avoid industry-specific terms that might limit your business scope
Things to Avoid:
- ❌ Avoid: Credit, Real Estate, Crypto, Trucking
- ❌ Avoid: Names that sound like financial institutions
- ❌ Avoid: Names that suggest specific regulated industries
Business Address
Secure a separate business address (not your home address)
✅ Best Practices:
- Use a virtual business address service
- Keep business and home addresses completely separate
- Choose a professional business district if possible
🔗 Recommended Resources:
Regus
Professional office spaces and virtual addresses
Anytime Mailbox
Virtual mailbox and business address services
Opus
Virtual office and business address solutions
Business Phone Number
Get a dedicated business phone number
✅ Best Practices:
- Use Google Voice for a professional business number
- Keep business and personal phone numbers separate
- Set up professional voicemail greeting
- Forward calls to your mobile when needed
🔗 Recommended Resources:
Google Voice
Free business phone number with call forwarding
Business Website
Create a professional business website
✅ Best Practices:
- Essential for business legitimacy and credibility
- Include business information, services, and contact details
- Ensure mobile-friendly design
- Keep content professional and up-to-date
🔗 Recommended Resources:
Orgon Consulting
Professional website development services - Referred by ScorePilot
Business Email Address
Set up professional business email accounts
✅ Best Practices:
- Use your business domain (e.g., info@yourbusiness.com)
- Create separate email accounts for different purposes
- Set up professional email signatures
- Use email hosting service like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365
🔗 Recommended Resources:
Google Workspace
Professional email hosting with business tools
Microsoft 365
Business email and productivity suite
Business Credit Building
Start establishing business credit with vendor accounts and business credit cards
Funding Strategy
Develop a comprehensive funding strategy based on your business needs and credit profile
Lender Applications
Apply for business funding with confidence, knowing your business is properly structured