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Launch Checklist

A final review to help you open your doors with confidence.

A final review before you open

Launching doesn't mean everything is perfect — it means your paperwork, pricing, and basic presence are ready enough to serve a real customer well. Use this as a review, not a reason to delay indefinitely.

Paperwork and pricing

Confirm any registrations, licenses, and permits that apply to you are in place or in process, your pricing is written down and covers your real costs, and your business bank account is set up and ready to use.

Online presence

Online presence means the places people can find accurate information about you: a simple website or store page, a social profile, or even just a clear listing with your hours, prices, contact info, and what you offer. It doesn't need to be elaborate — it needs to be accurate and easy to find. If you're selling online, the Shopify section walks through store setup and launch, and the Lovable course inside ChatGPT & AI covers building a simple web app if you need one.

Growth and staying sustainable

Sustainable growth means taking on more only as fast as you can keep your quality and your finances steady — not growing just because you can. Before adding new products, hours, or helpers, check that your systems (see Business Systems, Operations & Professionalism) can handle it, and that your pricing still covers the real cost of the extra work. Watch your cash flow as you grow — more sales with slower payment can strain you even while business looks like it's doing well.

Plan your first announcement

Decide how you'll tell people you're open: word of mouth, a social post, a local event, or an email to people who've opted in. Keep your message honest about what you offer right now, rather than overpromising before you're ready to deliver.

A real-world example

Before opening, a mobile detailing business confirms its city permit and insurance are in place, posts clear prices and service packages on a simple one-page website, and tests its online booking form with a friend before announcing to the public. A month in, instead of adding five new services at once, the owner adds one new package only after confirming he can still turn jobs around on time.

Steps to take

  1. Review your paperwork, licenses, and permits status.
  2. Confirm your prices are written down and cover your real costs.
  3. Check your online presence: accurate hours, prices, contact info, and what you offer.
  4. Review your systems and cash flow before adding new offers, hours, or help.
  5. Plan and schedule your first public announcement.

Launch check

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Go deeper in related modules

Not sure what a word means? Check Business Words Made Simple.