Module 1: So You Think You Want to Start a Business

Determining the Type of Business that is Best for You

  • A: Keeping Your House out of Your Business

    Different Types of Liability and the Impact of Business Types on Liability

  • B: Paying Yourself vs Paying the Man

    Basic differences in taxation for different types of businesses

  • C: What's In a Name?

    The Formalities and Processes that Go Along with Each Type of Business

Module 2: Mise en Place

Assembling Your Key Business Professionals Prior to Starting Your Business

  • A: The IRS Knows You Better than You Know You

    Why an accountant is important and how to select one

  • B: I Can Help You Win if You Get Sued...

    Why an attorney is important and how to select one

  • C: ...But They Can Pay to Prove You're Right

    Why insurance is important and how to select your broker or agent

  • D: The Keeper of the Money Pantry

    Why a bank or credit union is important and how to select one

  • E: Wax On, Wax Off

    Why a coach or consultant is important and how to select one

  • Work Spouse

    The key people invested in you and your business and their relationship to you

Module 3: Writing Your Recipe

Legally organizing and documenting your limited liability company

  • A: Know What You're Making

    Articles of Organization

  • B: Variety is the Spice of Life

    What an Operating Agreement is and its most common elements

  • C: Practice Your Process

    Organizational consent, annual and special meeting minutes and resolutions

  • D: Differentiating Your Ingredients

    Membership Agreements, when they may be necessary and what they contain

  • E: Chefs and Sous-Chefs

    Employment agreements for owners

  • F: Your Recipe Book

    Learning what a corporate book is and contains

  • G: The Development and Evolution of Your Recipe

    What a Business Plan is and some of its more common components

Module 4: Affording Your Ingredients

Monetary Needs and Concerns while starting Your Business (Pre-Opening)

  • A: Talking Taxes

    Applying for an EIN and state Department of Revenue number

  • B: The Money Pantry

    Opening Bank Accounts

  • C: Keep Your Hand Out of the Cookie Jar

    Avoiding Commingling Assets

  • D: Learning the Measurements

    Understanding a basic balance sheet, profit and loss report, and cash flow statement

  • E: Make Your Shopping List

    Setting a budget for before you get dollar number 1

  • F: Meal Prep

    Setting and understanding your regular budget and determining what to charge for your goods or services

  • G: Borrowing a Cup of Sugar

    Lenders, Loans, and Promissory Notes

  • H: In-Home Chef vs. Ordering In

    Investors, Investing, and Avoiding Accidental Investors or Members