Tools for Developing Your Business

    If you are still in the early stages of your business, you may find these tools useful in developing your ideas or taking the next step in growth.

    Lean Canvas

    For early stage entrepreneurs still developing their ideas, we recommend spending time with the Lean Canvas.  You can find more on the Lean Stack website and in this youtube video.

    Business Plan

    Traditionally, entrepreneurs will develop a business plan to help them grow their business.  For a very comprehensive template, please check out the business plan provided by SCORE.

    Registering Your Business

    Want to become more formal?  You’ll eventually need to register your business.  Indeed, most financial institutions and lenders (like us), require it! 

    We recommend you always consult with an attorney if you have questions on how to structure your business.  It’s a worthwhile expense, as you can rest assured your business is set up right and that you are protected.

    With that said, we encourage you to poke around on the following websites to familiarize yourself with the topic.

    The ACC has a very useful page laying out 10 steps to starting your business.  From there, you will find the link where you can register an LLC, corporation, etc.

    COT provides general information and links for the following services: business license, business name registration, IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN), permits, etc.

    If you are a sole proprietor, you don’t need to register with the Arizona Corporation Commission.  However, you may want to secure a Trade Name, which is done through the Arizona Secretary of State.

    Local Support Organizations

    There are a number of local organizations that focus specifically on providing support to businesses in the early stages of development. Check out our page of “Support Organizations” to read more about them.