First 90 days: The start-up checklist every new small business needs

Don’t quit the day job until you have to

Talk to business owners and peers that you know and trust 

Get family and friends on board with you

Consider a co-founder

Join an online business community

Define your customer profile

Research the market

Assess the competition

Develop a brief business plan

Choose a business name

Register a website domain name (or two)

Make a list of suppliers and distribution partners

Make something you can show people

Find your first customers

Look for small business grants and/or consider raising investment

Decide if you need premises or can work from home

Register your business

Design a logo

Build a simple website

Set up your social media profiles

Set up your business banking

Set up your accounting system

Assign responsibilities to co-founders

Take out insurance

Hire your first employee (if required)

Set up your contact management system

Create press releases and advertisements

Purchase relevant equipment

File for trademarks and patents (if required)

Refine your pitch

Refine your product, marketing and sales approach

Start your revenue stream - don't wait for things to be perfect

Launch with a bang!