Opening a New Business Timeline
| 10-12 Months Before Opening • Create a thorough business plan • Develop your business philosophy • Determine all major expenditures and establish a budget • Hire an attorney, CPA, and a broker • Evaluate locations |
| 7-9 Months Before Opening • Determine your exact space and layout needs and narrow your list down to 2 or 3 potential locations • Get estimates for remodeling needs and receive bids on leasehold improvements from experienced contractors • Create a list of necessary equipment and other major expenditure • Review business management software systems • Evaluate potential loans and get a preliminary loan package |
| 6-7 Months Before Opening • Finalize your loan • Choose your site location and sign the lease (after you review your lease with an attorney) • Create a floor plan and layout and have a contractor begin modeling |
| 5-6 Months Before Opening • Put the finishing touches on the site’s interior • Establish your hours of operation • Have an attorney develop your office policy/ procedures manual • Review and test different business management software • Make a list of personnel needs |
| 4-5 Months Before Opening • Review the state’s business board requirements • Have a web designer develop your business’s website • Begin building your marketing strategy and working on your business’s SEO (social media marketing, booklet printing, email marketing, etc) • Review telephone and answering systems and get a telephone number. You might also want to consider comparing a few different ip phone systems to work out if VoIP technology could enhance your business • Make a list of vendor/ provider numbers |
| 3 Months Before Opening • Apply for a business permit, tax numbers, licenses, and staff privileges at hospital facilities • Join local networking groups • Order office furniture and equipment • Order and set up a computer system and the business management software • You could also buy some office supplies (stationary, pens, notepads, business cards) • Contact an insurance representative and determine the insurance needed |
| 2 Months Before Opening • Advertise for staff position availability • Establish a fee schedule and payment policies • Apply for membership in insurance provider plans • Arrange janitorial, maintenance, and uniform/ linen services • Set up a system for accepting credit card payments |
| 1 Month Before Opening • Test computer equipment and ensure that they work properly • Hire employees and begin training • Set the Grand Opening date • Place office opening announcements on your website and local publications • Send office opening announcements in direct mail • Have the office inspected by the necessary city and county official • Open your business |