Proverbs 3:5-10
Building a Business!
A Simple Guide for New Business Owners
Starting a business can feel overwhelming, especially when funds are limited and you are not sure where to begin. This guide was created to help provide clear, practical direction for those who want to start small, operate wisely, and honor God in the process.
A Foundational Reminder
Before anything else!
Pray,
plan accordingly with your spouse,
Ask for direction,
and ask God to build your business and give you the wisdom to do what must be done.
A business is not just about making money.
It is also an opportunity to serve others, operate with integrity, and honor God through your work.
Step 1: Pray and Clarify the Vision.
Take time to think and pray about your business idea.
Ask yourself and your spouse:
What service or product will be offered?
Who do we want to help?
What problem does the business solve?
is this part-time or full-time?
Write down a short description of the business idea.
Step 2: Choose a Business Name
Pick a name that is simple, easy to remember, easy to spell, and professional.
Before choosing your name, check:
1. Whether the name is already being used
2. Whether a website domain is available
3. Whether social media names are available
Step 3: Form Your Business
To properly set up your business, you may need:
An LLC
An EIN (Tax ID for your business)
Proper tax structure, including an S-Corp election if appropriate
What an EIN can help you do
An EIN is like a Social Security Number for your business. It can help you:
Open a business bank account
Get a business debit card
Apply for a business credit card
Receive payments under your business name
Work with vendors and suppliers
File business taxes
Hire employees later
Build business credit over time
CPA Assistance Available
A CPA is available to help with the process for a flat fee of $1,000.
This includes:
LLC formation
State filing fees
EIN
Letter of declaration
Necessary paperwork to elect S-Corp status for possible tax savings
CPA Contact Information
Sebastian Berdychowski
Tax Care Group
Phone: 727-265-6658
Email: taxcaregroupforyou@gmail.com
Website: taxcaregroupus.com
Step 4: Open a Business Bank Account
It is very important not to mix personal and business money.
A business bank account can help you:
Stay organized
Track income and expenses
Look more professional
Make tax preparation easier
Step 5: Set Up Basic Bookkeeping
Track your:
Income
Expenses
Receipts
Mileage
Supplies
Equipment purchases
This can be done with a notebook, spreadsheet, software, or bookkeeping help.
Step 6: Prepare for Taxes
Set aside part of what you earn so you are prepared for taxes.
Make sure to:
Keep records
Save receipts
Ask CPA whether quarterly taxes apply
Learn how to pay yourself properly
Step 7: Check Licenses and Permits
Depending on your business type, you may need licenses or permits.
This can include:
City or county business licenses
Sales tax certificates
Industry-specific permits
Always check your local requirements before starting.
Step 8: Get Business Insurance
Insurance is recommended because it helps protect you from accidents, damage, or claims.
Common types of insurance include:
General liability
Commercial auto
Equipment coverage
Workers’ compensation if employees are hired later
Recommended Insurance Contact
Darlenys “Dee” Almanzar
Email: Dalmanzar@rapidinsuranceservices.com
Phone: 407-440-4479
Office: 1300 E Bay Dr, Suite E, Largo, FL 33771
Helpful Tip
Download the NEXT Insurance App to explore quotes and compare options.
It is smart to cross-reference quotes and understand your costs before fully jumping into business. Insurance is recommended, but depending on the business, it may be something you obtain a little later.
Step 9: Create a Business Email
It is important to have a dedicated email for your business.
A professional email helps build trust and shows people that you are serious and organized.
Examples:
If a custom email is too expensive at first, you can start with a Gmail address such as:
Many businesses later upgrade to Google Workspace (formerly G Suite),
which allows you to use your business name in your email and gives you access to tools like Gmail, Google Drive, and Docs for your business.
In today’s world, an email stands out the same way a business card does.
Step 10: Build a Simple Website
A business website does not need to be complicated.
A simple website should include:
Your business name
Your services
Your service area
Phone number
A short About section
Step 11: Create Google and Bing Business Profiles
Set up:
Google Business Profile
Bing Places for Business
This helps people find your business locally.
Ask for Reviews
After doing good work, ask happy customers for Google reviews.
Reviews help:
Build trust
Improve your visibility
Bring in more customers
Add Daily Business Updates
Post updates to Google and Bing regularly.
These updates can include:
Photos
Work completed OR Products Served
Before and after pictures
Testimonials
Service updates
This is a free and proven way to help people find your business locally. Advertising can help, but these local updates can often bring in customers without paying for ads.
Step 12: Create Social Media Accounts
Create business social media accounts where appropriate, such as:
Keep them updated and professional.
Step 13: Create a Simple Brand
Have a simple, clean brand that includes:
A logo
Consistent colors
A clear message about what you do
Step 14: Get Business Cards
Business cards still matter.
Make sure they include:
Business name
Your name
Phone number
Website
Step 15: Set Up Payment Methods
Make it easy for customers to pay you.
This may include:
Cash
Check
Zelle
Cash App
Credit or debit card payments
Step 16: Create Basic Documents
It is wise to have basic documents prepared, such as:
Estimates
Invoices
Service agreements
Receipts
Step 17: Create a Price List
Know what you charge.
Have a basic idea of:
Your pricing
Minimum charges
Service ranges
This helps you speak with confidence and stay consistent.
Step 18: Learn From Others and Use Available Tools
It is important to talk with other business owners, ask questions, and do research.
It is also helpful to use tools like ChatGPT for guidance.
Examples:
Building a contract
Creating a menu or service list
Figuring out pricing
Writing ads or service descriptions
Organizing ideas for your business
These tools can save time and help reduce confusion.
Step 19: Decide How Customers Can Reach You
Choose the main ways customers will contact you, such as:
Phone
Text
Website contact form
Make it easy and clear.
Step 20: Start Getting Customers
Start with:
Church community
Family and friends
Referrals
Social media
Google reviews
Daily local business updates
Do not wait for perfection. Start wisely and keep moving forward.
Step 21: Build a Good Reputation
Do good work. Be honest. Communicate clearly. Be dependable.
A good reputation can grow your business faster than advertising.
Step 22: Keep Learning and Growing
Continue improving in:
Customer service
Pricing
Organization
Marketing
Time management
Communication
Final Encouragement
Keep seeking God in what you do.
Pray daily, plan wisely, ask for direction, and trust God to build your business while giving you the wisdom to do what must be done. And REMEMBER!
This business can be a way of also sharing the Gospel with your customers when you meet them!
Scripture
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
Colossians 3:23–24
Quick Checklist
1. Pray and clarify the vision.
2. Choose a business name.
3. Form the business.
4. Get an EIN.
5. Open a business bank account.
6. Set up bookkeeping.
7. Prepare for taxes.
8. Check licenses and permits.
9. Get insurance quotes.
10.Create a business email.
11. Build a simple website.
12. Create Google and Bing profiles.
13. Ask for reviews.
14. Post local updates regularly.
15. Create social media accounts.
16. Get business cards.
17. Set up payment methods.
18. Create basic documents.
19. Research, ask questions, and use helpful tools.
20. Start getting customers & Build a strong reputation.