Job One for Startups Varies by Industry
Companies are as different as the people who create them. Even within a single industry, like e-commerce, startup entrepreneurs have varying needs when it comes to getting their enterprises up and running. Some founders need to pay the most attention to legal paperwork and obtaining licenses to operate. Others can’t open their doors until they financially prepare to open a business and pay for leased office space and hire the first few employees. Even solo practitioners in areas like accounting services and resume writing have particular checklists of tasks before day one begins. Transportation businesses need to have software systems in place so they can meet strict preventive maintenance guidelines set by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).
Tax preparers, whether one-person providers or larger accounting firms, must obtain federal licenses for all workers who sign off on client documents like annual and quarterly tax returns. E-commerce retailers tend to focus on crafting an effective website and having sufficient inventory before going live. Banks and credit unions face massive federal and state regulations about recordkeeping and employee certification before they can search for their first customers and account holders. In the fast-paced world of construction, contractors need to have all their state and federal paperwork in order before operations can begin. Here are details about some of the varied requirements for opening a business in several common commercial sectors.
Transport Companies
In addition to hiring drivers and buying or leasing trucks, transport firms deal with complex sets of tasks before they can solicit clients. Days before the first truck rolls, owners must utilize sophisticated software to make certain that preventive maintenance systems are in place and fully functional. There are usually several test runs to eliminate any glitches from the apps and customize features to meet company needs. The goal of creating a preventive maintenance checklist for fleets is twofold. Not only does the task meet FMCSA requirements, which are extensive and detailed, but it also serves to keep managers informed about issues like needed repairs, upcoming inspections, and general vehicle maintenance issues to keep trucks in tip-top shape. If you own or manage a transport fleet, make sure to learn how to use these critical checklists so that you’ll never have to worry about missing a scheduled repair session or neglect to document everything related to the chore.
Tax Preparation Services
Anyone who prepares taxes for a living is well aware of IRS regulations about obtaining a PTIN (preparer tax identification number) and the potential penalties for not doing so. Plus, whether you’re a solo preparer or owner of a large service, another central part of the run-up to day one is to have a professional-looking website that is fully functional. Most preparers spend a month or more practicing on their preferred tax prep software so that when the first client shows up, everything will be ready to go.
Construction
Construction firms spend months getting ready to open their doors and accept their first job. Not only are there state and federal safety regulations by the baleful, but entrepreneurs need to have the proper certifications and licenses to accept works in any of the common construction trades they have chosen to specialize in, like drywall, electrical projects, or plumbing.
