This document provides a checklist for starting a small business, outlining the essential items needed to begin any sized business enterprise. It lists determining the business organization type, registering a trade name with the state if needed, applying for all necessary tax numbers at the federal, state and local levels, and obtaining relevant business licenses and permits.

1. Arizona Western College
Small Business
Development Center

2. Getting Into Business
Checklist
The Essential Items to Begin
Any Sized Business Enterprise

3. Determine the type of business organization
1. Sole-Proprietorship
2. Partnership (Contract - formal or informal)
3. 'C' Corporation
4. 'S' Corporation
5. LLC (Limited Liability Company)

4. Trade Name (or d/b/a)
1. Research Trade Name (availability appropriate)
2. Select Trade Name
3. Register Trade Name
4. AZ Corporation Commission
5. AZ Licensing Information