Have you talked to an attorney and an accountant?

Do you know which business structure is right for you? Sole proprietor? Partnership? C Corp? S Corp? LLC?

Do you know how much money you will need to get your business started?

Do you understand cash flow and what it will take to carry the business until it turns a profit?

Have you realistically calculated income and expenses for the next three years?

Do you know how much money of your own you can put into the business?

Do you know how much credit you can get from your suppliers?

Do you know where to borrow the rest of the money you need to start your business?

Have you figured out what net income per year you can expect to get from the business?

Have you counted your salary and profit into the money you put in the business?

Do you need a partner to help finance your idea?

How much of the business are you willing to share with an outside investor?

Have you found a good building for your business?

Will you have enough room when your business grows? If not, what's the next step?

Does the zoning conform to the kind of business you are planning to do?

Do you know what equipment and supplies you will need?

Have you found suppliers who will sell you what you need at a good price?

Have you compared the prices and credit terms of different suppliers?

Have you planned a records system to track your income and expenses?

Have you worked out a way to track inventory so you're not under or oversupplied?

Have you figured out how to handle billing, payroll and taxes?

Have you decided whether or not to let your customers buy on credit?

Do you know what financial statements and tax reports you will need to prepare?

Do you know what licenses and permits you will need?

Do you know what federal or state regulations governing your business you need to obey?

Have you talked to an insurance agent?

Do you have a marketing plan in place?

Do you know who your competitors are?

Are you researching product and service innovations in your industry to remain competitive?

Have you gone to the SBDC or SBA for good advice?