Timeline
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You must decide how you will go about introducing your business to the public.
Determine advertising, promotion, and public relations strategies.
Get your business license. (See Occupational Tax)
Review non-financial objectives (public image, legal questions).
How do you want the public to see your business?
Are you a family establishment or geared more toward adults?
What form is your business taking?
Do you have all legal documents needed?
Prepare a preliminary balance sheet.
Secure necessary financing. Whether through a private lender or through other sources, you
must obtain the necessary amount of start-up capital.
Secure insurance coverage if applicable.
Complete improvements to your facility.
Start your hiring process.
Refine your business plan.
One Month Before Startup
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Fine tune your cash flow budget.
Join the Greater Tomah Area Chamber of Commerce.
Prepare for your grand opening/ribbon cutting. The Tomah Chamber and Visitor’s Center
provides ribbon cuttings and advertising for members. Be creative but practical.
Review your final checklist.
Hire and train your staff.
Make sure everything works. It is better to find out that your equipment does not work in
advance. In that case, you can make any necessary repairs and be ready to open your doors on time.
Implement marketing, promotion, and opening plans. This will be a good time to start
advertising in local newspapers, radio, and television if your budget permits. Remember: Word
of mouth is your most powerful publicity! It’s also the least expensive. Spread the word.
Develop your website.
Develop your social media pages.
Startup And After
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Budget your time. As a new business owner your time will be precious. Schedule your time
wisely. It is important to get the maximum out of the time you have available.
• Continuously update and evaluate your product/service. What is good about your product/
service? What sets it apart from competition? Eliminate the problems as much as possible.
If people patronize your business for the original concept, improving it will only increase
patronization.
• Listen to your customers, advisors, and vendors. The customers are your cash flow. It is
important to gather their opinions and put them to use. Their ideas can be helpful in updating
your product. Listen to your advisors, you asked them to advise you for a reason, and listen
to your vendors. These vendors have been in the business much longer than you have. They can
possibly provide you with money-saving or money-making ideas.
Greater Area Tomah Chamber of Commerce Page | 7