Where to go

Official Day-One steps, in order.

This page points to government and official guidance. StartBeacon organizes the path; the owner still files, signs, pays, verifies, and confirms professional decisions.

General guidance only. Requirements vary by state, city, county, business type, workers, vehicles, and regulated services. Confirm details with an attorney, CPA, insurance broker, and local licensing office before relying on anything.

1. State registration

Use your state's official business filing office. Colorado owners start with the Secretary of State. Other states should use their own official .gov or state portal.

Colorado Secretary of State.gov SBA register-your-business guide.gov Find local SBA/SBDC help.gov

2. Free IRS EIN

After the state entity step, get the EIN directly from the IRS. The IRS says you never have to pay a fee for an EIN.

IRS EIN page.gov

3. Bank + insurance

Open the business bank account under the correct legal/trade name, then review insurance before taking work. The owner keeps all logins, money decisions, and private verification steps.

SBA bank account guide.gov SBA business insurance guide.gov

4. Licenses + local rules

Some services need city, county, state, industry, sales-tax, vehicle, health, contractor, or professional licenses. Do not assume no license is needed just because the business is small.

SBA licenses and permits guide.gov