🔵 TITLE

Business Startup Checklist
What You Actually Need to Get Right Before You Start

🔵 INTRO

Starting a business is not just about having a good idea.

Most businesses fail or struggle early because the basics are not properly thought through or set up.

This checklist is designed to help you:

• Avoid common mistakes
• Set up your business properly from day one
• Focus on what actually matters

✅ SECTION 1: CLARITY BEFORE YOU START

☐ What problem am I solving?
☐ Who exactly is my customer?
☐ Why would they choose me over alternatives?
☐ Is this a “nice to have” or a real need?
☐ Have I tested this idea with real people?

👉 If you can’t clearly answer these, stop here and refine the idea.

✅ SECTION 2: COMMERCIAL REALITY

☐ How will this business make money?
☐ What will customers realistically pay?
☐ What are my costs (fixed + variable)?
☐ How many sales do I need to break even?
☐ How long can I survive without profit?

👉 Many businesses fail because they don’t understand this early.

✅ SECTION 3: BUSINESS STRUCTURE

☐ Sole trader, partnership or company?
☐ Have I spoken to an accountant?
☐ Do I understand tax obligations?
☐ Have I registered ABN / company?
☐ Do I have the right insurances?

✅ SECTION 4: SYSTEMS & SETUP

☐ Accounting system (Xero, MYOB etc)
☐ Invoicing process
☐ Payment methods set up
☐ Record keeping system
☐ Basic reporting (sales, costs, cash flow)

👉 If you don’t track it, you can’t manage it.

✅ SECTION 5: OPERATIONS

☐ How will I deliver the product/service?
☐ What are the step-by-step processes?
☐ Where are the risks or bottlenecks?
☐ What happens if demand increases?

✅ SECTION 6: PRICING & POSITIONING

☐ Am I competing on price or value?
☐ Do I understand competitor pricing?
☐ Is my pricing sustainable?
☐ Am I underpricing just to win work?

👉 Underpricing is one of the biggest early mistakes.

✅ SECTION 7: MARKETING BASICS

☐ Simple website or landing page
☐ Clear message (what you do + who for)
☐ Basic Google presence
☐ Initial lead source (how will people find you?)

✅ SECTION 8: WORKFORCE (IF RELEVANT)

☐ Will I need employees or contractors?
☐ Do I understand employment obligations?
☐ How will I track hours/work done?
☐ Payroll and compliance considered?

👉 This is where many businesses get into trouble early.

✅ SECTION 9: CASH FLOW SURVIVAL

☐ Do I have enough capital to start?
☐ Do I have a buffer for slow periods?
☐ When do I expect first income?
☐ What expenses can I delay if needed?

✅ SECTION 10: PERSONAL REALITY CHECK

☐ Do I have the time and energy for this?
☐ What happens if this doesn’t work?
☐ Am I prepared for uncertainty?
☐ Do I have support (family / financial)?

🔴 FINAL CHECK

If you can confidently tick most of these:

👉 You’re in a strong position to start

If not:

👉 Fix the gaps BEFORE committing

🚀 NEXT STEP CTA (IMPORTANT)

Add this at the bottom:

Need help working through this properly?

Starting a business is much easier when you have structure, clarity and the right systems in place.

👉 Work With Embark
(Link to /work-with-embark)