Getting your business started

A practical path to launch

The specific requirements will depend on your business structure, location and activities, but most businesses will work through the following areas:

Define the business opportunity

Clarify the product or service, target market, revenue model, operating needs and measures of success. A business plan can help organize these decisions and communicate the opportunity to lenders, investors and prospective partners.

Choose a structure & register the business

Determine the appropriate legal and ownership structure. Depending on the business, registration may be required through the South Carolina Secretary of State, the Internal Revenue Service and other state or federal agencies.

Confirm licenses, permits & tax requirements

Licensing and permitting requirements vary by location and business activity. Businesses may need local licenses, professional or occupational permits, retail licenses, environmental approvals or applicable tax accounts.

Select a location & prepare operations

Consider zoning, facility requirements, utilities, insurance, equipment, suppliers and other operational needs before committing to a location.

Determine capital needs

Estimate startup and operating expenses, identify how much capital is needed and evaluate potential funding pathways based on the intended use and stage of the business.

Review capital and funding pathways

Prepare to hire & reach customers

Consider workforce requirements, payroll and employer responsibilities alongside the sales, marketing and customer-engagement strategies needed to launch successfully.