Establish
Gather formation records, confirm registrations, separate finances, and choose how the work will run.
TOOLS FOR THE WORK AHEAD
Know what you have.
See what needs attention.
Business decisions connect. These tools help you examine the foundation, structure, financial readiness, and safeguards behind your next move.
Take the free business assessmentFREE · INSTANT REPORT
Take the scorecard. Leave with a plan.
The value is in the details: where your records, money systems, operations, and safeguards stand today; which answer needs attention first; and what to revisit over the next 90 days. You can print or save the report and choose whether to share a summary with JLG.
Get my business scorecard ↗︎01Answer 28 scored questions and two short written reflections.
02See four pillar scores and two tailored priorities.
03Use the 90-day plan and bring the summary to a consultation if you want help.
JLG RESOURCES
Begin with the question in front of you.
Explore each tool on this site. The assessment gives you a starting picture; the guides help you turn it into a practical plan.
FREE · INTERACTIVE
Business Assessment Scorecard
Answer 28 scored questions and two short reflections, then get an instant report with pillar scores, specific gaps, and a 90-day starting sequence.
Take the assessment ↗︎ FREE · PRINTABLEBusiness Launch Checklist
A working checklist for the decisions, records, systems, and follow-through that belong in a sound launch.
Open the checklist ↓ FREE · OFFICIAL LINKSState Filing Research Guide
Choose a state and work through the questions to verify. Texas includes direct agency links; for other states, start with the SBA registration guide.
Explore the guide ↓ PRODUCT PREVIEWYour First 90 Days
A structured roadmap for turning formation into an operating business. Explore the approach while the full guide is being prepared.
See the preview ↓FREE WORKING TOOL
Business Launch Checklist
Use this to organize your launch. Mark what you have completed, leave what needs review, and print a copy for your records. Your selections stay in this browser.
0 of 40 completed
Requirements differ by state, industry, location, and entity type. This is an organizing tool; confirm specific obligations with official agencies and qualified professionals.
FREE REFERENCE GUIDE
State filing research: what to check first
Formation is only one step. Your state, locality, industry, and business activity can affect what else you must do. Choose where you plan to form or operate. This checklist identifies what to verify, with direct Texas agency links and the SBA guide for other states.
Select a state to see the filing research starting points.
Use this order to research your requirements
- Confirm the legal name is available and decide where to form.
- Compare entity types with a legal or tax professional when the choice has material consequences.
- Verify registered agent, address, and organizer requirements with the state filing office.
- Check the current filing form, filing fee, and processing options on the official state site.
- Identify local permits, professional licenses, zoning, and industry-specific rules.
- After formation, obtain an EIN directly from the IRS if needed; the IRS does not charge for it.
- Confirm state tax registration, employer obligations, and any initial report.
- Record annual or periodic reports, renewal fees, and due dates in a compliance calendar.
We do not publish fixed state fees or timelines because they change. The linked government sources control; this guide is educational and is not legal or tax advice.
UPCOMING JLG GUIDE
Your first 90 days should have a sequence.
Filing paperwork creates an entity. The work that follows makes it possible to operate: recordkeeping, banking, client delivery, obligations, and a plan for the next decision.
Operate
Put your offer, client process, bookkeeping rhythm, and documentation into practice.
Evaluate
Review cash flow, gaps, compliance dates, and the next investment or support your business needs.
The expanded workbook is in development. Pricing and purchase details will be shown here when it is available.
THE NEXT CONVERSATION
See a gap you want help closing?
Bring your assessment results or checklist to a consultation. We can use them to focus the conversation on what matters most for your business.
Tell us about your business ↗︎