# Launch Business

> Sequence entity formation, tax registration, banking, insurance, permits, location, vendors, systems, and opening readiness. Use after funding is committed.

- Skill: `simongonzalezdc/launch-business` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add simongonzalezdc/launch-business`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/simongonzalezdc/launch-business/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: simongonzalezdc (https://skillmd.com/u/simongonzalezdc)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/simongonzalezdc/launch-business

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# Launch Business

The ordered checklist from "money committed" to "doors open."

## The sequence (dependency order — do NOT skip)

### Legal (weeks 1-2)
1. File LLC Articles of Organization ($70)
2. Obtain EIN (same-day online)
3. Draft operating agreement
4. Open business bank account

### Compliance (weeks 2-6)
5. City business license
6. Seller's permit / sales tax (CDTFA)
7. Health permit (food: plan check 6-10 weeks)
8. Signage permit
9. Sidewalk/parklet (if applicable)

### Protection (week 3)
10. General liability ($1M/$2M)
11. Workers' comp (from employee #1)
12. Additional insured certificates

### Physical (weeks 4-16)
13. Lease execution (4 must-haves negotiated)
14. Contractor walk-through
15. Buildout / TI
16. Equipment + testing
17. Utilities

### Systems (weeks 14-16)
18. POS setup
19. Bank feed / accounting
20. Email + Google Business Profile

### People (weeks 14-16)
21. Job descriptions + postings
22. I-9 / W-4
23. Training + SOPs

### Opening (weeks 16-18)
24. Soft open (test)
25. Hard open (public launch)
26. First-week metrics baseline

## Timeline
- Food with buildout: 5-8 months
- Service/retail: 2-3 months
- Kiosk/cart: 4-8 weeks