[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":538},["ShallowReactive",2],{"document-list-of-business-tasks-for-startups-D12955":3},{"document":4,"label":24,"preview":11,"thumb":25,"thumb600":26,"description":5,"descriptionCustom":6,"apiDescription":5,"pages":8,"extension":10,"parents":27,"breadcrumb":31,"related":39,"customDescModule":183,"customdescription":6,"mdFm":184,"mdProseHtml":537},{"description":5,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":7,"pages":8,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":11,"thumb":12,"svgFrame":13,"seoMetadata":14,"parents":16,"keywords":23},"List of Business Tasks for Startups PHASE 1: IDEATION & RESEARCH Building on Your Idea Find a good business idea Take business idea and do market research Define your target market and customers Industry analysis Create a business plan Obtain financing Choose a business name Define your pitch Create basic prototype (product and tech) Design operational model PHASE 2: SETTING UP YOUR BUSINESS Set Up Gather all steps (cross-functional) Define business goals Streamline steps Establish official launch date Register a domain name that matches your business name Set up a website Incorporate legal entity and establish legal structure Apply for an employer identification number Investigate and apply for business licenses Register social media profiles Rent retail or office space Set up business profile Establish brand identity and messaging Open a business bank account Set up your accounting system Consult insurance agent and secure coverage Line up suppliers and service providers File for trademarks and patents Perform legal check of business model and key business documents Define central and local logistics value system for operations Perform operations capacity planning for facility Set up customer care Staff Launchpad Design target organizational chart (cross-functional) Allocate budget to launchpad and ventures (cross-functional) Set financial targets Develop EIR programs Kick off hiring roadmap Collect Ideas Create \"long list\" of business models (cross-functional) Map ecosystem of future growth (cross-functional) Perform design thinking workshops (cross-functional) Conduct competitive analysis (\"Porter's 5 forces\") Decide on one of \"three horizons\" Transfer proven business models to ecosystems of future Organize ideation contest Validate Ideas Distil \"long list\" of business models into \"short list\" Compare using \"business model canvas\" for \"short list\" (cross-functional) Compare how to compete in \"blue ocean\" with \"short list\" (business) Compare using \"customer discovery\" (sales and marketing) Compare how to innovate (\"10 types of innovation\") with \"short list\" (product and tech) Rank business models on \"short list\" of business models (cross-functional) Follow \"lean startup\" loop until achieving \"customer validation\" (cross-functional) Build proof of concept of #1 business model (cross-functional) Prepare Starter Kits Set up lean PMO (cross-functional) Implement starter kits (cross-functional) Follow \"lean startup\" loop until achieving \"customer validation\" (cross-functional) Build proof of concept of #1 business model (cross-functional) Determine product and tech tool stack Negotiate framework agreements PHASE 3: BUSINESS LAUNCH",null,"List Of Business Tasks For Startups","5",513,"doc","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/list-of-business-tasks-for-startups-D12955.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12955.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#12955.xml",{"title":15,"description":6},"list of business tasks for startups",[17,20],{"label":18,"url":19},"Business Plan Kit","/templates/business-plan-kit/",{"label":21,"url":22},"Management","/templates/business-management/","list business tasks for startups","List Of Business Tasks For Startups 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List","/template/client-contact-list-D13091","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13091.png",{"label":73,"url":74,"thumb":75,"extension":10},"Packing List of Order","/template/packing-list-of-order-D1114","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/1114.png",{"label":77,"url":78,"thumb":79,"extension":80},"Pricing List","/template/pricing-list-D13029","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13029.png","xls",{"label":82,"url":83,"thumb":84,"extension":80},"Task List","/template/task-list-D13044","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13044.png",{"label":86,"url":87,"thumb":88,"extension":80},"Employee List","/template/employee-list-D13468","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13468.png",{"description":90,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":91,"pages":92,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":93,"thumb":94,"svgFrame":95,"seoMetadata":96,"parents":98,"keywords":101,"url":102},"CO-FOUNDER AGREEMENT This Co-Founder Agreement (the \"Agreement\") is effective [DATE], BETWEEN: [COMPANY NAME], (the \"Company\" or \"Corporation\"), an individual with their main address located at OR a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [CO-FOUNDER NAME], (the \"Co-founder\"), an individual with their main address located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] Collectively, the Company or Corporation and Co-founder shall be referred to as the \"Parties.\" WHEREAS the Company is engaged in the business of [SPECIFY THE BUSINESS]; WHEREAS the Company wishes to add the Co-founder as an additional founder of the Company (the \"Co-founder\" or \"Additional Founder\"). NOW THEREFORE in consideration of the covenants contained herein, and in connection with such collaboration of the business concept and technology, and in consideration for a mutually agreeable framework which shall serve as the foundation for the Founders to successfully develop the Business Concept and Technology, the undersigned hereby agree as follows: CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENSES Capital Contribution. The Co-founder hereby commits to contribute up to [SPECIFY AMOUNT] toward Company expenses when called on by the Company, as non-refundable capital contributions. Additional Capital Contribution. The Co-founder may make additional capital contributions in the form of cash and prepaid expenses from time to time to fund the Company's ongoing capital and operating needs. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Co-Founder's Contribution. The Co-founder shall, using best efforts, contribute to the development of the Product or Service pursuant to the Founder's \"Role and Responsibility\" description as set out at Schedule 2 attached hereto. OWNERSHIP Intellectual Property. The Co-Founder shall grant and assign to the Company immediately, incorporation of all of his or her rights, title, and interest in the Product or Service (including all rights, title and interest in the intellectual property and all applications thereto), including waiving all moral rights, and assigning all patents, designs, industrial designs, trade-marks, copyrights, trade secrets, ideas (however formed or unformed) and labor and/or work products that result from any task or work performed by the Co-Founder that relates to the Product or Service for the full term of such rights (the \"Transfer\"). Ownership of the Company: The Co-Founder will have an equal ownership interest in the Company. The Co-Founder's ownership interests need not be represented by a certificate or any other evidence beyond that contained in this Agreement. If a Founder requests, the Company will issue a certificate evidencing the Founder's interest. The certificate must contain a legend noting that the ownership interest is subject to legal and contractual restrictions on transfer. Transfer to Company. The Co-Founder acknowledges and agrees that any discovery, invention, secret process or improvement in procedure made or discovered by the Co-Founder in connection with or in any way affecting or relating to the Product or Service or capable of being used or adapted for use in the Product or Service shall immediately be disclosed to the Company and shall belong to and be the absolute property of the Company. EQUITY DISTRIBUTION & VESTING Equity Distribution. Subject to this Section 4, the Shares of the Corporation shall be issued to the Co-Founder according to the distribution chart below (the \"Founder Equity\"): Name Equity Distribution (%) [ADDITIONAL FOUNDER NAME] [EQUITY PERCENTAGE] Ordinary Distribution. The Company may (but is not required to) make ordinary distributions to the Co-Founder out of cash received by the Company (excluding new capital contributions or loans), less all accounts payable and reserves against anticipated expenses from time to time, as determined by a majority of Founders. All distributions must be made in the following order: First, in equal proportion to all Founders who have contributed cash that has not been repaid, until each Founder has been paid out to the extent of such contributions in full; Second, to all Founders in equal proportion. Vesting. The Equity shall be issued pursuant to point 4.1 and shall vest to the Co-founder over [SPECIFY NUMBER OF YEARS FOR VESTING], and the Co-founder shall enter into a customary stock restriction agreement on the Incorporation Date outlining such vesting. Issuance of Shares. The Shares issued to the Co-founder shall come from the same series and class of Shares, such that there are no differences in the rights (including but not limited to voting and distribution rights) accorded to the Shares issued to the Co-founder. RESTRICTIONS The Co-founder may not transfer, pledge or otherwise encumber any Shares or any ownership or entitlement to ownership of the Corporation or of the Product or Service described herein without the unanimous written consent of the Founders. OPPORTUNITIES AND DUTIES TO THE COMPANY The Co-founder must refer to the Company, in writing, all opportunities to participate in a business or activity that is directly competitive with the Project within [GEOGRAPHIC REGION], whether as an employee, consultant, officer, director, advisor, investor, or partner. The Company will have [NUMBER OF DAYS] days to decide whether to pursue any referred opportunity, and to notify the referring Co-founder of its decision in writing. If the Company elects not to pursue the opportunity, or if it does not notify the referring Co-founder of its intent in writing within the [NUMBER OF DAYS] days period, then the referring Founder will be free to pursue the opportunity independently. If the Company elects to pursue the opportunity, but later abandons it, then the referring Founder will be free to pursue the opportunity independently at such time. CONFIDENTIALITY AND NON-COMPETE Confidentiality. The Co-founder agrees to keep all non-public information with respect to Project intellectual property (IP) confidential and not to disclose it to any other party, except (i) to attorneys and advisors who need to know in connection with performing their duties, (ii) to potential business development partners and/or investors approved by the Company in writing, and who are bound by a confidentiality agreement in writing, and (iii) in response to an inquiry from a legal or regulatory authority. The Co-founder agrees to keep the Product or Service confidential; disclosure of the Product or Service will occur only on an as-needed basis and only upon consent of all Founders","Co-Founder Agreement","10","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/co-founder-agreement-D13317.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13317.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#13317.xml",{"title":97,"description":6},"co-founder agreement",[99],{"label":18,"url":100},"business-plan-kit","co founder agreement","/template/co-founder-agreement-D13317",{"description":104,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":105,"pages":106,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":107,"thumb":108,"svgFrame":109,"seoMetadata":110,"parents":112,"keywords":111,"url":122},"EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - AT WILL EMPLOYEE This Employment Agreement for \"At Will\" Employee (the \"Agreement\") is made and effective this [DATE], BETWEEN: [EMPLOYEE NAME] (the \"Employee\"), an individual with his main address at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Corporation\"), an entity organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] RECITALS In consideration of the covenants and agreements herein contained and the moneys to be paid hereunder, the Corporation hereby employs the Employee and the Employee hereby agrees to perform services as an employee of the Corporation, on an \"at will\" basis, upon the following terms and conditions: APPOINTMENT The Employee is hereby employed by the Corporation to render such services and to perform such tasks as may be assigned by the Corporation. The Corporation may, in its sole discretion, increase or reduce the duties, or modify the title and job description, of the Employee from time to time, and any such increase, reduction or modification shall not be deemed a termination of this Agreement. ACCEPTANCE OF EMPLOYMENT Employee accepts employment with the Corporation upon the terms set forth above and agrees to devote all Employee's time, energy and ability to the interests of the Corporation, and to perform Employee's duties in an efficient, trustworthy and business-like manner. DEVOTION OF TIME TO EMPLOYMENT The Employee shall devote the Employee's best efforts and substantially all of the Employee's working time to performing the duties on behalf of the Corporation. The Employee shall provide services during the hours that are scheduled by the Corporation management. The Employee shall be prompt in reporting to work at the assigned time. NO CONFLICT OF INTEREST Employee shall not engage in any other business while employed by the Corporation. Employee shall not engage in any activity that conflicts with the Employees duties to the Corporation. Employee shall not provide any service or lend any aid or assistance to any party that competes with the services offered by the Corporation. Employee shall not provide any services to clients or prospective clients of the Corporation outside of the provision of services for the Corporation, whether such services are provided with or without compensation or remuneration. CORPORATION PROPERTY Employee acknowledges and agrees that while employed by the Corporation the Employee may be provided with use of computer equipment and other property of the Corporation. The use and possession of the such items shall be subject to any policies, requirements or restrictions established by the Corporation. Such items may only be used in performance of the Employee's duties for the corporation. On request of the Corporation, the Employee shall immediately deliver any such items to the Corporation. Upon termination of employment, Employee shall have the affirmative duty to return any such item to the Corporation whether a request is made or not. The obligation to return Corporation property shall extend and include any and all work product, client property, proprietary rights, intangible property, and all other property of the corporation regardless of the form or medium. COMPENSATION The Corporation shall pay the Employee such hourly compensation as determined by the Corporation. Payment shall be at the same time as the Corporations usual payroll to other employees. BONUS & BENEFITS Payment of any bonuses shall be at the complete discretion of the Corporation. No guarantee or representation that any bonuses will be paid has been made to the Employee. Standard benefits that are provided to other non-management employees shall be offered to the Employee, subject to the Corporation's policies and the terms and conditions of such benefits. WITHHOLDING All sums payable to Employee under this Agreement will be reduced by all federal, state, local, and other withholdings and similar taxes and payments required by applicable law. QUALIFICATIONS OF EMPLOYEE The employee shall satisfy all of the qualification that are established by the Corporation. TERM OF AGREEMENT There shall be no guaranteed term of employment. Employer acknowledges and agrees that Employee shall be an \"At Will\" Employee and that Employee's employment may be terminated at any time by the Corporation, with or without cause. FEES FROM EMPLOYEE'S WORK The Corporation shall have exclusive authority to determine the fees, or a procedure for establishing the fees, to be charged to clients by the Corporation for services that are provided by the Employee. All sums paid to the Employee or the Corporation in the way of fees, in cash or in kind, or otherwise for services of the Employee, shall, except as otherwise specifically agreed by the Corporation, be and remain the property of the Corporation and shall be included in the Corporation's name in such checking account or accounts as the Corporation may from time to time designate. CLIENTS AND CLIENT RECORDS The Corporation shall have the authority to determine who will be accepted as clients of the Corporation, and the Employee recognizes that such clients accepted are clients of the Corporation and not the Employee. All client records and files of any type concerning clients of the Corporation shall belong to and remain the property of the Corporation, notwithstanding the subsequent termination of the employment. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The Corporation shall have the authority to establish from time to time the policies and procedures to be followed by the Employee in performing services for the Corporation. This may include, but is not necessarily limited to, employment policies, computer use policies, Internet access policies, email policies, and all other policies, procedures, directives, and mandates established by the Corporation, whether or not in written form or formally adopted. Employee shall abide by the provisions of any contract entered into by the Corporation under which the Employee provides services. Employee shall comply with the terms and conditions of any and all contracts entered by the Corporation. TERMINATION Employee acknowledges and agrees that Employee is an \"at will\" employee of the Corporation. As such, no term of employment is created hereby and employee may be terminated at any time in the sole discretion of the Corporation, whether there exists any cause for termination or not. CREATIONS AND INVENTIONS Employee acknowledges and agrees that any and all work product of the Employee that is conceived or created during the Employee's employment with the Corporation is the exclusive property of the Corporation. This shall include any and all copyrights, trade secrets, confidential information, patents, trademarks, trade dress, ideas, concepts, plans, business plans, business concepts, techniques, inventions, drawings, artwork, logos, graphics, web pages, databases, software, programs, CGI's, plug ins, applications, brochures, inventions, marketing plans and concepts, and all other ideas and work product of the Employee. The Employee acknowledges and agrees that all creations shall be \"works made for hire\" as defined in the [ACT OR CODE]. Notwithstanding the fact that this material may be considered to be a work made for hire, Employee agrees, during Employee's employment and thereafter, which covenant shall survive any termination of the employment relationship, to execute any and all documents requested by the Corporation to confirm the Corporation's ownership and control of all such material, including but not limited to assignments of copyright, confirmations of work for hire status, waivers of proprietary rights, copyright application, and any other documents requested by Corporation. RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS","Employment Agreement_At Will Employee","7","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/employment-agreement_at-will-employee-D541.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/541.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#541.xml",{"title":111,"description":6},"employment agreement_at will employee",[113,116,119],{"label":114,"url":115},"Human Resources","human-resources",{"label":117,"url":118},"Hire an Employee","hire-employee",{"label":120,"url":121},"Legal Agreements","business-legal-agreements","/template/employment-agreement_at-will-employee-D541",{"description":124,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":125,"pages":126,"size":127,"extension":10,"preview":128,"thumb":129,"svgFrame":130,"seoMetadata":131,"parents":132,"keywords":136,"url":137},"INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT This Independent Contractor Agreement (\"Agreement\") is made and effective [Date], BETWEEN: [INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR NAME] (the \"Independent Contractor\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Company\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] RECITALS Independent Contractor is engaged in providing [Describe] business services, its Employer Tax I.D. Number is [Insert], and its Business License Number is [insert]. Independent Contractor has complied with all Federal, State, and local laws regarding business permits, sales permits, licenses, reporting requirements, tax withholding requirements, and other legal requirements of any kind that may be required to carry out said business and the Scope of Work which is to be performed as an Independent Contractor pursuant to this Agreement. Independent Contractor is or remains open to conducting similar tasks or activities for clients other than the Company and holds themselves out to the public to be a separate business entity. Company desires to engage and contract for the services of the Independent Contractor to perform certain tasks as set forth below. Independent Contractor desires to enter into this Agreement and perform as an independent contractor for the company and is willing to do so on the terms and conditions set forth below. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals and the mutual promises and conditions contained in this Agreement, the Parties agree as follows: TERMS This Agreement shall be effective commencing [Date], and shall continue until terminated at the completion of the Scope of Work which shall occur no later than [Date] or by either party as otherwise provided herein. STATUS OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR This Agreement does not constitute a hiring by either party. It is the parties intentions that Independent Contractor shall have an independent contractor status and not be an employee for any purposes, including, but not limited to, [laws]. Independent Contractor shall retain sole and absolute discretion in the manner and means of carrying out their activities and responsibilities under this Agreement. This Agreement shall not be considered or construed to be a partnership or joint venture, and the Company shall not be liable for any obligations incurred by Independent Contractor unless specifically authorized in writing. Independent Contractor shall not act as an agent of the Company, ostensibly or otherwise, nor bind the Company in any manner, unless specifically authorized to do so in writing. TASKS, DUTIES, AND SCOPE OF WORK Independent Contractor agrees to devote as much time, attention, and energy as necessary to complete or achieve the following: [Describe]. The above to be referred to in this Agreement as the \"Scope of Work\". It is expected that the Scope of Work will completed by [Date]. Independent Contractor shall additionally perform any and all tasks and duties associated with the Scope of Work set forth above, including but not limited to, work being performed already or related change orders. Independent Contractor shall not be entitled to engage in any activities which are not expressly set forth by this Agreement. The books and records related to the Scope of Work set forth in this Agreement shall be maintained by the Independent Contractor at the Independent Contractor's principal place of business and open to inspection by Company during regular working hours. Documents to which Company will be entitled to inspect include, but are not limited to, any and all contract documents, change orders/purchase orders and work authorized by Independent Contractor or Company on existing or potential projects related to this Agreement. Independent Contractor shall be responsible to the management and directors of Company, but Independent Contractor will not be required to follow or establish a regular or daily work schedule. Supply all necessary equipment, materials and supplies. Independent Contractor will not rely on the equipment or offices of Company for completion of tasks and duties set forth pursuant to this Agreement. Any advice given Independent Contractors regarding the scope of work shall be considered a suggestion only, not an instruction. Company retains the right to inspect, stop, or alter the work of Independent Contractor to assure its conformity with this Agreement. ASSURANCE OF SERVICES Independent Contractor will assure that the following individuals (the \"Key Employees\") will be available to perform, and will perform, the Services hereunder until they are completed (identify by title and name as applicable): [Name of Key Employee, Title] [Name of Key Employee, Title] The Key Employees may be changed only with the prior written approval of the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. COMPENSATION Independent Contractor shall be entitled to compensation for performing those tasks and duties related to the Scope of Work as follows: [Describe] Such compensation shall become due and payable to Independent Contractor in the following time, place, and manner: [Describe] NOTICE CONCERNING WITHHOLDING OF TAXES Independent Contractor recognizes and understands that it will receive a [specify tax] statement and related tax statements, and will be required to file corporate and/or individual tax returns and to pay taxes in accordance with all provisions of applicable Federal and State law. Independent Contractor hereby promises and agrees to indemnify the Company for any damages or expenses, including attorney's fees, and legal expenses, incurred by the Company as a result of independent contractor's failure to make such required payments. AGREEMENT TO WAIVE RIGHTS TO BENEFITS Independent Contractor hereby waives and foregoes the right to receive any benefits given by Company to its regular employees, including, but not limited to, health benefits, vacation and sick leave benefits, profit sharing plans, etc. This waiver is applicable to all non-salary benefits which might otherwise be found to accrue to the Independent Contractor by virtue of their services to Company, and is effective for the entire duration of Independent Contractor's agreement with Company. This waiver is effective independently of Independent Contractor's employment status as adjudged for taxation purposes or for any other purpose. Neither this Agreement, nor any duties or obligations under this Agreement may be assigned by either party without the consent of the other. TERMINATION This Agreement may be terminated prior to the completion or achievement of the Scope of Work by either party giving [number] days written notice. Such termination shall not prejudice any other remedy to which the terminating party may be entitled, either by law, in equity, or under this Agreement. NON-DISCLOSURE OF TRADE SECRETS, CUSTOMER LISTS AND OTHER PROPRIETARY INFORMATION Independent Contractor agrees not to disclose or communicate, in any manner, either during or after Independent Contractor's agreement with Company, information about Company, its operations, clientele, or any other information, that relate to the business of Company including, but not limited to, the names of its customers, its marketing strategies, operations, or any other information of any kind which would be deemed confidential, a trade secret, a customer list, or other form of proprietary information of Company. Independent Contractor acknowledges that the above information is material and confidential and that it affects the profitability of Company. ","Independent Contractor Agreement","6",62,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/independent-contractor-agreement-D160.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/160.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#160.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[133],{"label":134,"url":135},"Consultant & Contractors","consulting-contractor-business","independent contractor agreement","/template/independent-contractor-agreement-D160",{"description":139,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":140,"pages":141,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":142,"thumb":143,"svgFrame":144,"seoMetadata":145,"parents":147,"keywords":146,"url":152},"NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT (NDA) This Non-Disclosure Agreement (the \"Agreement\") is made and effective [DATE], BETWEEN: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Disclosing Party\"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [RECEIVING PARTY NAME] (the \"Receiving Party\"), an individual with his main address located at OR a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] WHEREAS, Receiving Party has been or will be engaged in the performance of work on [DESCRIBE]; and in connection therewith will be given access to certain confidential and proprietary information; and WHEREAS, Receiving Party and Disclosing Party wish to evidence by this Agreement the manner in which said confidential and proprietary material will be treated. NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed as follows: NON-DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION Both Parties understand and agree that each Party may have access to the confidential information of the other party. For the purposes of this Agreement, \"Confidential Information\" means proprietary and confidential information about the Disclosing Party's (or it's suppliers') business or activities. Such information includes all business, financial, technical, and other information marked or designated by such Party as \"confidential\" or \"proprietary.\" Confidential Information also includes information which, by the nature of the circumstances surrounding the disclosure, ought in good faith to be treated as confidential. For the purposes of this Agreement, Confidential Information does not include: Information that is currently in the public domain or that enters the public domain after the signing of this Agreement. Information a Party lawfully receives from a third Party without restriction on disclosure and without breach of a non-disclosure obligation. Information that the Receiving Party knew prior to receiving any Confidential Information from the Disclosing Party. Information that the Receiving Party independently develops without reliance on any Confidential Information from the Disclosing Party. Each Party agrees that it will not disclose to any third Party or use any Confidential Information disclosed to it by the other Party except when expressly permitted in writing by the other Party. Each Party also agrees that it will take all reasonable measures to maintain the confidentiality of all Confidential Information of the other Party in its possession or control. TERM The term of this Agreement is [number] of [years/months] from the date of execution by both Parties. TITLE The Receiving Party agrees that all Confidential Information furnished by the Disclosing Party shall remain the sole property of the Disclosing Party. DISCLAIMER","Non Disclosure Agreement Nda","3","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12692.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#12692.xml",{"title":146,"description":6},"non disclosure agreement nda",[148,149],{"label":120,"url":121},{"label":150,"url":151},"Confidentiality Agreements","confidentiality-agreement","/template/non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692",{"description":154,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":155,"pages":106,"size":156,"extension":10,"preview":157,"thumb":158,"svgFrame":159,"seoMetadata":160,"parents":161,"keywords":166,"url":167},"INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT This Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement (the \"Agreement\") is effective [DATE], BETWEEN: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Assignor\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [COMPANY NAME] (the \"Assignee\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [COMPANY NAME] (the \"Shareholder\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] PREAMBLE WHEREAS [YOUR COMPANY NAME] owns all rights in a patent registered with the [COUNTRY] Patent Office under file number [NUMBER], serial number [NUMBER], entitled [SPECIFY] (the \"Patent\"); WHEREAS [YOUR COMPANY NAME] wishes to assign all rights and title in and to the Patent [COMPANY NAME]; WHEREAS the parties wish to enter into this Agreement on the terms and conditions more particularly provided herein. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above premises and agreements herein contained, the preamble forming an integral part hereof, the parties agree as follows: DEFINITIONS In this Agreement, except where the context or subject matter is inconsistent therewith, the following terms shall have the following meanings: \"Affiliates\" means, with respect to a Party to this Agreement, any person which, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Party. The term \"control\" means possession, direct or indirect, of the powers to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a person, whether through ownership of equity participation, voting securities, or beneficial interests, by contract, by agreement or otherwise. \"Agreement\" shall mean this document, the annexed schedules, which are incorporated herein, together with any future written and executed amendments agreed to by the parties. \"Assigned Rights\" shall mean all rights and title in the Patent and all Intellectual Property Rights in the technology described in the Patent, in all countries. \"Improvements\" means innovations, inventions, ideas, designs, concepts, discoveries, techniques, works, processes, formulas, new derived material and modifications related to the Patent, whether or not patentable, copyrightable, or otherwise protectable as trade secrets or under any other intellectual property, conceived, brought to practice or developed by either Party after the date of this Agreement. \"Intellectual Property Rights\" includes all patents, trade marks, service marks, registered designs, integrated circuits topographies, including applications for any of the foregoing, and includes all copyrights, design rights, know-how, confidential information, trade secrets and any other similar rights in [COUNTRY] and in any other countries. \"Patent\" shall mean the patent described in recitals hereof and its counterpart applications in any country, now or thereafter owned by [YOUR COMPANY NAME] or to which [YOUR COMPANY NAME] otherwise acquires rights, including any patent application, divisional, continuation, provisional, reissue, re-examination, extension certificate, registration, renewal, confirmation and national phase entry application related to such Patent. ASSIGNMENT OF PATENT Subject to the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement, [YOUR COMPANY NAME] hereby irrevocably assigns to [COMPANY NAME] all rights and title and any other rights to the Patent as well as all Intellectual Property Rights in the technology described in the Patent, in all countries. The parties hereby recognize that any and all Intellectual Property Rights in any Improvements shall be held by [COMPANY NAME]. The parties hereby recognize that no Intellectual Property Rights are assigned, licensed or otherwise granted under this Agreement, save and except as explicitly stated in this Section 2. COMPENSATION In consideration of the Assigned Rights, [COMPANY NAME] agrees to pay [YOUR COMPANY NAME] the sum of [AMOUNT] (the \"Purchase Price\") payable upon the execution of this Agreement by all of the parties hereto. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES The Guarantors represent and warrant on a joint and several basis to [COMPANY NAME] that: the Patent and [COMPANY NAME]'s use of the Patent does not, to the best knowledge of the Guarantors, infringe upon any patent, or any trademark, copyright, trade secret or other Intellectual Property Rights or proprietary right of any third party, and that there is currently no actual or threatened suit against [YOUR COMPANY NAME] by any third party based on an alleged violation of such right, and the Guarantors do not know of any basis for any such action; there are no outstanding assignments, grants, licenses, liens, encumbrances, obligations or agreements (whether written, oral or implied) regarding the Patent; [YOUR COMPANY NAME] has all rights, power and authority required in order to grant the Assigned Rights free and clear of all encumbrances or legal restrictions, in accordance with this Agreement; [YOUR COMPANY NAME] has good and marketable title to the Patent; there is no requirement for [YOUR COMPANY NAME] to obtain any other authorization, consent or approval from any third party as a condition to the enforceability of any provision of this Agreement or the lawful conclusion of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; Notwithstanding any investigation conducted prior to the execution of this Agreement, and notwithstanding implied knowledge or notice of any fact or circumstance which [COMPANY NAME] may have as a result of such investigation or otherwise, [COMPANY NAME] shall be entitled to rely upon the representations and warranties set forth herein and the obligations of [YOUR COMPANY NAME] hereto with respect to such representations and warranties shall survive the termination of this Agreement for any reason. The Guarantors, on a joint and several basis, shall indemnify and hold [COMPANY NAME] harmless from all losses, liabilities, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees and costs (collectively, \"Liabilities\"), that [COMPANY NAME] may suffer to the extent resulting from any claims, demands, actions or other proceedings made or instituted by any third party against [COMPANY NAME] and arising out of the use of the Patent, or related to the breach of any obligation or any representation and warranty under this Agreement, except for Liabilities arising out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of [COMPANY NAME]. TERM AND TERMINATION This Agreement shall take effect upon the execution hereof by both parties hereto, and, unless sooner terminated as per paragraph 5.2 below, shall remain in effect until the expiration of the Patent. Upon any material breach or default under this Agreement by either Party, the other Party may give notice of such breach or default and, unless the same shall be cured within [NUMBER] days after delivery of such notice, then, without limitation of any other remedy available hereunder, such Party may terminate this Agreement immediately upon delivery of a notice of termination to the other Party at any time thereafter. The termination of this Agreement by either of the Parties shall be subject to all other rights and remedies available to the Parties hereunder or otherwise. NOTICE","Intellectual Property Assignment",80,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/intellectual-property-assignment-D5229.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/5229.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#5229.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[162,163],{"label":120,"url":121},{"label":164,"url":165},"Transfer & Assignment Agreements","transfer-assignment-agreement","intellectual property assignment","/template/intellectual-property-assignment-D5229",{"description":169,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":170,"pages":171,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":172,"thumb":173,"svgFrame":174,"seoMetadata":175,"parents":177,"keywords":176,"url":182},"SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT This Shareholders Agreement (the \"Agreement\") is made and effective [DATE], BETWEEN: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Company\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [FIRST SHAREHOLDER NAME] (the \"First Shareholder\"), an individual with his main address located at OR a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [SECOND SHAREHOLDER NAME] (the \"Second Shareholder\"), an individual with his main address located at OR a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [THIRD SHAREHOLDER NAME] (the \"Third Shareholder\"), an individual with his main address located at OR a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, the present distribution of shares of the Company is as follows: Name Number of Shares WHEREAS, in order to insure the harmonious and successful management and control of the Company, and to provide for an orderly and fair disposition of shares of common stock of the Company now or hereafter owned by any Shareholder; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises of the parties hereto, and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereby agree as follows: Definitions and organisation of the company \"Offering Shareholder\" means any Shareholder, or his personal representatives, heirs, administrators, and executors, as the case may be, who pursuant to this Agreement must or does offer all or any of his Shares to the Company or the Continuing Shareholders. \"Continuing Shareholders\" means all Shareholders other than an Offering Shareholder. \"Shares\" means shares of Common Stock of the Company now or hereafter owned by any Shareholder. \"Buyer\" means the Company or those Continuing Shareholders who purchase an Offering Shareholder's Shares pursuant to this Agreement. \"Management Shareholder\" means First Shareholder, Second Shareholder and Third Shareholder. ORGANISATION OF THE COMPANY The affairs of the Company will be managed by a board of [NUMBER] directors unless changed by a unanimous Directors' Resolution. The present directors of the Company are [DIRECTORS' NAMES]. It is agreed that [SHAREHOLDERS' NAMES] shall each be entitled to elect one director to the board of directors of the Company so long as each is a Shareholder. Two (2) directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business at any meeting of the board of directors. At all meetings of the board of directors, every motion to be carried must receive a majority of the votes cast, subject to the provisions of subparagraphs 2.4 and 2.5. Unless otherwise agreed, board meetings will be held at the head office of the Company. In the event that a nominee to the Board of one of the Shareholders shall fail to vote and act as a director to carry out the provisions of this agreement, then the shareholders agree to exercise their right as shareholders of the Company and in accordance with the Articles of the Company to remove such nominee from the Board and to elect in the place or stead thereof such individual who will use his/her best efforts to carry out the provisions of this agreement but only in the event that the Shareholder whose nominee has been removed fails to appoint a successor within a period of fourteen days from the date such nominee has been removed. The election, appointment and determination of officers and the auditors and advisors of the Company, the defining of their duties and functions and the salaries and remuneration to be paid to them will be a function of the board of directors. Until changed by the board of directors, the Officers of the Company and their annual salaries shall be: Office Held: Director: [NAME] [SALARY] Secretary: [NAME] [SALARY] All direct out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed provided these falls within guidelines set out by the Board of Directors from time to time. Until otherwise agreed, each officer of the Company will commit to spending his/her full time on the affairs of the Company. Until changed by the board of directors, the auditors and advisors of the Company shall be: Auditor: Legal Advisors: There shall be kept, in such bank or banks (including trust companies) as may be determined by the board of directors, bank accounts of the Company in which shall be deposited all monies received by the Company in the course of carrying on business from time to time. All payments on account of the Company shall be made by cheques drawn on the bank account and all cheques, drafts or other instruments drawn and made for the purposes of the business of the Company shall be executed by such directors, officers or employees as may from time to time be authorized so to do by the board of directors. Subject to paragraph 2.6, all decisions relating to the management and control of the business of the Company shall be determined by the board of directors of the Company, provided always that the following matters shall be determined by a Special Directors' Resolution: any capital expenditures greater than xxxx; any lease commitments greater than xxxx; the acquisition of any business interests by the Company; the elections of officers of the Company; the payment of any cash dividends or stock dividends to Shareholders of the Company; the issuance of any debt obligations of the Company; the disposal of the whole or any part of the business, undertaking, or assets of the Company outside the normal course of business of the Company the transfer of any shares of the Company; changes or variations in the objects or powers of the Company; the liquidation or winding up of the Company; the approval of any contracts or transactions outside the normal course of business; the execution of any contract involving a consideration greater than xxxx within the normal course of business; the lending of money by the Company; the guarantee by the Company of the debts or obligations of any other person, firm or body corporate; any non-budgeted expenditures greater than xxxx; business plan and/or budgets. The following decisions shall be determined by a Unanimous Directors' Resolution: alterations, variations or changes to the authorized or issued capital of the Company; the salaries and bonuses of officers and directors of the Company; the issue, redemption or purchase of any Shares; and changes in the number of directors of the Company The Shareholders may pledge any of their Shares as security for any borrowings by them provided the pledgee executes an agreement, in writing, providing that the pledgee shall be subject to all of the terms of this Agreement. The board of directors shall meet at least four times during each fiscal year of the Company. Any director can call a meeting provided 10 days notice is given. Notice may be waived. During the first year from the date of this agreement, the board of directors shall meet on a monthly basis. Directors may elect to attend a board meeting by telephone conference call. Each Shareholder shall, for so long as s/he is the owner of shares of the Company devote such of his/her business, time and energy as may be reasonably required to carry on the business of the Company and the Shareholder shall use his/her best efforts, skill and abilities to promote the interests of the Company. Each Shareholder agrees that he/she will not engage, without the consent of the other Shareholders, in a business which is directly competitive to that of the Company. Purchase for Investment","Shareholders Agreement","16","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/shareholders-agreement-D1016.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/1016.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#1016.xml",{"title":176,"description":6},"shareholders agreement",[178,179],{"label":120,"url":121},{"label":180,"url":181},"Incorporation Agreements","incorporation-agreement","/template/shareholders-agreement-D1016",false,{"seo":185,"reviewer":197,"quick_facts":201,"at_a_glance":204,"personas":208,"variants":233,"glossary":260,"clauses":296,"how_to_fill":347,"common_mistakes":388,"faqs":413,"industries":441,"comparisons":466,"diy_vs_lawyer":481,"jurisdictions":494,"related_template_ids_curated":515,"schema":525,"classification":526},{"meta_title":186,"meta_description":187,"primary_keyword":15,"secondary_keywords":188},"List Of Business Tasks For Startups Template (Free Word)","Free startup business tasks checklist template covering entity formation, compliance, IP, contracts, and operations. Used in 190+ countries. Free Word and PDF download.",[189,190,191,192,193,194,195,196],"startup business tasks checklist","startup legal checklist template","startup compliance checklist","new business setup checklist","startup launch checklist word","business formation checklist template","startup administrative tasks list","new company setup tasks",{"name":198,"credential":199,"reviewed_date":200},"Bruno Goulet","CEO, Business in a Box","2026-05-02",{"difficulty":202,"legal_review_recommended":203,"signature_required":203},"medium",true,{"what_it_is":205,"when_you_need_it":206,"whats_inside":207},"A List of Business Tasks for Startups is a structured legal and operational checklist that guides founders through every critical action required to launch, register, and govern a new company. This free Word download covers entity formation, regulatory compliance, IP protection, founding agreements, and early operational setup in a single organized document you can edit online and export as PDF.\n","Use it from the moment you decide to formalize a new business — before you spend money, hire anyone, or sign a contract. The checklist is most valuable in the 0–90 days before and immediately after incorporation, when overlooked tasks create the most expensive legal and compliance problems.\n","Entity formation and registration steps, tax and regulatory filings, founding document execution (shareholders agreements, bylaws, IP assignment), banking and financial setup, intellectual property registration, employment and contractor onboarding requirements, and key operational compliance tasks.\n",[209,213,217,221,225,229],{"title":210,"use_case":211,"icon_asset_id":212},"First-time founders","Navigating entity formation and early compliance without an in-house legal team","persona-startup-founder",{"title":214,"use_case":215,"icon_asset_id":216},"Co-founders launching together","Ensuring all founding agreements, equity splits, and IP assignments are executed before launch","persona-ceo",{"title":218,"use_case":219,"icon_asset_id":220},"Startup attorneys and advisors","Providing clients with a structured onboarding checklist at engagement kickoff","persona-legal-counsel",{"title":222,"use_case":223,"icon_asset_id":224},"Accelerator and incubator program managers","Standardizing legal and compliance onboarding for cohort companies","persona-operations-director",{"title":226,"use_case":227,"icon_asset_id":228},"Small business owners formalizing an existing venture","Catching missed formation or compliance steps before seeking outside investment","persona-small-business-owner",{"title":230,"use_case":231,"icon_asset_id":232},"Business formation service providers","Delivering a branded post-incorporation task list to clients after entity setup","persona-agency",[234,238,242,245,248,252,256],{"situation":235,"recommended_template":236,"slug":237},"Launching a technology startup seeking venture capital","List of Business Tasks for Startups (Tech/VC Track)","list-of-business-tasks-for-startups-D12955",{"situation":239,"recommended_template":240,"slug":241},"Forming a single-founder LLC or sole proprietorship","LLC Formation Checklist","checklist-how-to-setup-an-llc-D12995",{"situation":243,"recommended_template":91,"slug":244},"Setting up a co-founded company with equity and vesting","co-founder-agreement-D13317",{"situation":246,"recommended_template":247,"slug":241},"Registering a nonprofit or charitable organization","Nonprofit Setup Checklist",{"situation":249,"recommended_template":250,"slug":251},"Onboarding the first employee after incorporation","Employment Contract","employment-agreement_at-will-employee-D541",{"situation":253,"recommended_template":254,"slug":255},"Preparing for a seed or pre-seed funding round","Investor Business Plan","business-plan-template-D12528",{"situation":257,"recommended_template":258,"slug":259},"Launching a franchise location or buying a franchise","Franchise Agreement","franchise-agreement-D879",[261,264,267,270,273,276,279,282,285,288,290,293],{"term":262,"definition":263},"Articles of Incorporation","The foundational state-filed document that legally creates a corporation, recording its name, registered agent, share structure, and purpose.",{"term":265,"definition":266},"Operating Agreement","An internal LLC document that governs member rights, ownership percentages, profit distribution, and management structure.",{"term":268,"definition":269},"EIN (Employer Identification Number)","A federal tax ID number issued by the IRS that a business needs to open bank accounts, file taxes, and hire employees.",{"term":271,"definition":272},"Registered Agent","A person or entity designated to receive official legal and government correspondence on behalf of the company in the state of incorporation.",{"term":274,"definition":275},"Founder Vesting","A schedule — typically 4 years with a 1-year cliff — under which founders earn their equity over time to protect the company if a co-founder departs early.",{"term":277,"definition":278},"IP Assignment Agreement","A contract transferring ownership of any intellectual property created by a founder or employee to the company, ensuring the business owns its own technology and brand.",{"term":280,"definition":281},"83(b) Election","A US tax filing made within 30 days of receiving restricted stock that allows founders to pay tax on current fair market value rather than the higher value at vesting.",{"term":283,"definition":284},"DBA (Doing Business As)","A trade name registration that allows a business to operate publicly under a name different from its registered legal entity name.",{"term":286,"definition":287},"Cap Table","A spreadsheet listing all equity holders, their ownership percentages, and the terms of their shares or options.",{"term":170,"definition":289},"A binding contract among the company's equity holders governing voting rights, transfer restrictions, drag-along and tag-along rights, and dispute resolution.",{"term":291,"definition":292},"SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity)","A financing instrument that converts into equity at a future priced round, commonly used for pre-seed and seed-stage fundraising.",{"term":294,"definition":295},"Beneficial Ownership Reporting","A US federal requirement under the Corporate Transparency Act to report individuals who own or control 25% or more of a company to FinCEN.",[297,302,307,312,317,322,327,332,337,342],{"name":298,"plain_english":299,"sample_language":300,"common_mistake":301},"Entity formation and state registration","Documents and confirms that the company has been legally incorporated or organized in the appropriate state or jurisdiction, with a registered agent designated.","Entity Type: [LLC / C-Corp / S-Corp] | State of Incorporation: [STATE] | Date Filed: [DATE] | Registered Agent: [NAME / ENTITY] | State Filing Number: [NUMBER]","Incorporating in Delaware for perceived prestige without considering the added cost of foreign qualification in the state where the business actually operates — doubling annual fees and compliance obligations.",{"name":303,"plain_english":304,"sample_language":305,"common_mistake":306},"Federal and state tax ID registration","Confirms that an EIN has been obtained from the IRS and that any required state tax registrations — sales tax, payroll tax, franchise tax — have been completed.","Federal EIN: [XX-XXXXXXX] obtained [DATE]. State Tax ID: [NUMBER] registered in [STATE] on [DATE]. Sales tax permit: [APPLIED / OBTAINED / NOT REQUIRED — REASON].","Treating the EIN as the only tax registration needed. Many states require separate registrations for payroll withholding, sales tax, and franchise tax — each with independent deadlines and penalties.",{"name":308,"plain_english":309,"sample_language":310,"common_mistake":311},"Foundational governance documents","Confirms that the company's core internal governance documents — bylaws (corporations) or operating agreement (LLCs) — have been drafted, adopted, and stored in the company's records.","Bylaws / Operating Agreement adopted by the [Board / Members] on [DATE]. Executed copies stored in: [LOCATION / DRIVE]. Initial resolutions / consent actions executed: [YES / NO — DATE].","Using a generic online operating agreement without tailoring it to the actual ownership structure — leaving key provisions like deadlock resolution, buyout triggers, and distribution waterfalls undefined.",{"name":313,"plain_english":314,"sample_language":315,"common_mistake":316},"Shareholders and founders agreement","Confirms that a binding agreement governs the relationship among equity holders, including vesting schedules, transfer restrictions, voting rights, and exit provisions.","Shareholders Agreement executed between [FOUNDER 1], [FOUNDER 2], and [COMPANY NAME] on [DATE]. Vesting schedule: [4-year / 3-year] with [1-year] cliff. Right of first refusal: [YES]. Drag-along threshold: [X]%.","Skipping the shareholders agreement until investors require it. By that point, a co-founder who has already departed may be holding unvested equity with no contractual mechanism to reclaim it.",{"name":318,"plain_english":319,"sample_language":320,"common_mistake":321},"Intellectual property assignment","Confirms that all founders, contractors, and early employees have signed agreements assigning their work product and pre-existing relevant IP to the company.","IP Assignment Agreement executed by [NAME] on [DATE], covering all work product created from [START DATE] through the term of engagement relating to [DESCRIPTION OF TECHNOLOGY / PRODUCT].","Assigning only post-incorporation IP and leaving pre-incorporation work product — code, designs, or research built before the entity existed — unassigned, which creates a chain-of-title gap that blocks venture investment.",{"name":323,"plain_english":324,"sample_language":325,"common_mistake":326},"83(b) election filing (US equity recipients)","Confirms that any founder or employee receiving restricted stock has filed an 83(b) election with the IRS within the mandatory 30-day window from the grant date.","83(b) Election filed by [NAME] on [DATE] — within 30 days of [GRANT DATE]. Copy filed with IRS, copy retained by employee, copy in company records. Method: [USPS certified mail / IRS online].","Missing the 30-day window — the deadline is absolute with no extensions. A missed 83(b) election can result in ordinary income tax on the full appreciated value of the stock at each vesting event.",{"name":328,"plain_english":329,"sample_language":330,"common_mistake":331},"Business licenses and permits","Confirms that all required federal, state, county, and municipal business licenses and industry-specific permits have been identified, applied for, and obtained.","Business License: [LICENSE NAME], issued by [AUTHORITY] on [DATE], expiring [DATE]. Industry permit: [PERMIT NAME / NOT APPLICABLE]. Local zoning compliance: [CONFIRMED / PENDING].","Assuming a state-level business registration covers all licensing requirements. Many industries — food service, healthcare, financial services, construction — require separate local or federal permits that carry criminal penalties for non-compliance.",{"name":333,"plain_english":334,"sample_language":335,"common_mistake":336},"Banking, accounting, and financial controls","Confirms that a dedicated business bank account has been opened, accounting software is in place, and basic financial controls — expense policies, signature authorities — are documented.","Business checking account opened at [BANK NAME] on [DATE]. Account signatory: [NAME(S)]. Accounting platform: [QUICKBOOKS / XERO / OTHER]. Expense reimbursement policy: [ADOPTED / PENDING].","Commingling personal and business funds before the bank account is open, or after it is open. Commingling is the single most common basis for piercing the corporate veil and eliminating limited liability protection.",{"name":338,"plain_english":339,"sample_language":340,"common_mistake":341},"Employment, contractor, and equity documentation","Confirms that all hired employees and contractors have executed appropriate agreements, that payroll is registered, and that any equity grants are documented in the cap table.","Employee agreements executed: [NUMBER]. Contractor agreements executed: [NUMBER]. Payroll service: [GUSTO / ADP / OTHER] activated [DATE]. Option pool: [X]% authorized. Cap table current as of [DATE].","Classifying early contributors as contractors to avoid payroll obligations when the work arrangement meets the legal definition of employment — triggering back taxes, penalties, and potential personal liability for the founders.",{"name":343,"plain_english":344,"sample_language":345,"common_mistake":346},"Insurance and ongoing compliance calendar","Confirms that required insurance policies are in place and that a compliance calendar tracking annual filings, renewals, and reporting deadlines has been established.","General liability: [CARRIER], effective [DATE]. Professional liability / E&O: [CARRIER / NOT APPLICABLE]. Annual report due: [DATE]. Compliance calendar owner: [NAME / ROLE].","Setting up insurance at incorporation and never reviewing coverage as the business grows. A company that adds employees, takes on client contracts, or handles personal data will typically need additional coverage types within the first 12 months.",[348,353,358,363,368,373,378,383],{"step":349,"title":350,"description":351,"tip":352},1,"Choose and confirm your entity type and state","Select the entity structure that fits your ownership, tax, and fundraising goals — LLC, C-Corp, or S-Corp — and choose the state of incorporation. File articles of incorporation or organization and designate a registered agent.","If you plan to raise venture capital, a Delaware C-Corp is the standard investor expectation. For a single-owner service business with no outside investors, a domestic LLC in your home state is usually simpler and cheaper.",{"step":354,"title":355,"description":356,"tip":357},2,"Obtain your EIN and complete state tax registrations","Apply for a federal EIN at IRS.gov (free, instant online). Then identify and complete every state-level registration required for your entity type and industry — payroll withholding, sales tax, and franchise tax filings vary by state.","Some states require a separate state tax ID even for pass-through entities with no employees. Check your state revenue agency's new-business registration portal before assuming the EIN covers everything.",{"step":359,"title":360,"description":361,"tip":362},3,"Execute all founding agreements before raising money","Have every founder sign the shareholders agreement, IP assignment, and any co-founder agreement before the company receives its first dollar of outside capital. Set vesting schedules and document the initial cap table.","IP assignment must cover pre-incorporation work product — code, designs, or research built before the entity existed — or investors will flag a chain-of-title gap during due diligence.",{"step":364,"title":365,"description":366,"tip":367},4,"File 83(b) elections within 30 days of equity grants","Every founder or early employee receiving restricted stock must file an 83(b) election with the IRS within 30 days of the grant date. File via certified mail, retain the postmarked receipt, and store a copy in company records.","Calendar the deadline the day the grant is made — the IRS grants no extensions, and there is no way to retroactively file after the window closes.",{"step":369,"title":370,"description":371,"tip":372},5,"Identify and obtain all required licenses and permits","Research federal, state, county, and municipal licensing requirements for your industry and location. Apply for each separately — a business license from the state does not substitute for a local zoning permit or an industry-specific federal license.","Use the SBA's business license and permit finder (sba.gov) as a starting point, then verify with your local city or county clerk for location-specific requirements.",{"step":374,"title":375,"description":376,"tip":377},6,"Open a business bank account and set up accounting","Open a dedicated business checking account in the company's legal name before any revenue is received or expenses are paid. Set up accounting software and document who has signing authority.","Never use a personal account even for a single transaction after incorporation — commingling pierces the corporate veil and eliminates the limited-liability protection incorporation provides.",{"step":379,"title":380,"description":381,"tip":382},7,"Build and activate your compliance calendar","Identify every recurring filing deadline — annual reports, tax returns, license renewals, beneficial ownership reports — and enter them in a shared calendar with a designated owner and 30-day advance reminders.","Assign a single person as compliance calendar owner. Tasks with no named owner get missed, and late annual reports in most states result in administrative dissolution of the entity.",{"step":384,"title":385,"description":386,"tip":387},8,"Review and sign the completed checklist","Once all tasks are confirmed as completed, have the founding team sign and date the checklist. Store the executed copy alongside your corporate records book or digital records drive.","Treat the signed checklist as a living document — add a version date each time you update it so you can demonstrate to investors or auditors exactly when each task was completed.",[389,393,397,401,405,409],{"mistake":390,"why_it_matters":391,"fix":392},"Missing the 83(b) election window","The IRS imposes a strict 30-day deadline with no exceptions. Founders who miss it pay ordinary income tax on the full appreciated value of their shares at each vesting date rather than on the low value at grant — a bill that can reach tens of thousands of dollars.","File the 83(b) election the same week restricted stock is granted. Use USPS certified mail, retain the postmarked receipt, and place a copy in both the employee's file and the company's records.",{"mistake":394,"why_it_matters":395,"fix":396},"Incorporating in Delaware without qualifying as a foreign entity at home","A Delaware C-Corp operating in California, New York, or Texas must also register as a foreign corporation in that state. Operating without foreign qualification carries back fees, penalties, and in some states voids contracts entered during the non-compliant period.","After incorporating in Delaware, immediately assess whether the business operates in another state and file for foreign qualification there within 30–60 days of beginning operations.",{"mistake":398,"why_it_matters":399,"fix":400},"Leaving pre-incorporation IP outside the assignment","Code, designs, or research built before the entity existed is owned by the individual founder, not the company. Venture investors run IP chain-of-title checks as standard due diligence, and a gap here can block or delay a funding close.","Ensure the IP assignment agreement explicitly covers all work product created before and after incorporation that relates to the company's business, with a retroactive effective date if needed.",{"mistake":402,"why_it_matters":403,"fix":404},"Commingling personal and business funds","Using a personal account for business transactions — or reimbursing personal expenses directly from the business account without documentation — is the most common basis on which courts pierce the corporate veil and hold founders personally liable for company debts.","Open the business bank account before the first transaction. All business income and expenses must flow exclusively through the entity account, with documented reimbursement policies for any personal expenditures.",{"mistake":406,"why_it_matters":407,"fix":408},"Skipping the shareholders agreement until an investor requires it","A co-founder who departs in the first 18 months with no vesting agreement in place may walk away holding a significant equity stake with no performance obligation attached, creating a permanent cap-table problem.","Execute the shareholders agreement — including vesting schedules, IP assignment, and transfer restrictions — before or on the date of incorporation, not when the first investor asks for it.",{"mistake":410,"why_it_matters":411,"fix":412},"Assuming a state business license covers all permit requirements","A state business registration does not substitute for local zoning permits, industry-specific federal licenses, or municipal business licenses. Operating without required permits exposes founders to fines, forced closure, and personal liability in regulated industries.","Research licensing requirements at the federal, state, county, and municipal level separately. Use the SBA permit finder as a starting point and verify with each local authority before beginning operations.",[414,417,420,423,426,429,432,435,438],{"question":415,"answer":416},"What is a list of business tasks for startups?","A list of business tasks for startups is a structured checklist — often formalized as a binding internal document — that guides founders through the legal, regulatory, financial, and operational steps required to properly launch a new company. It covers entity formation, tax registration, founding agreements, IP assignment, licensing, banking setup, and ongoing compliance deadlines. When signed by the founding team, it creates an auditable record that critical early tasks were completed and acknowledged.\n",{"question":418,"answer":419},"When should a startup complete this checklist?","The ideal window is the 30 days before and 60 days immediately after incorporation. Several tasks have hard deadlines tied to the incorporation date — the 83(b) election must be filed within 30 days of a stock grant, and most states require an initial annual report within 60–90 days of formation. Completing the checklist early prevents the cascading compliance problems that arise when founders focus only on product while legal tasks are deferred.\n",{"question":421,"answer":422},"Does a startup need a lawyer to complete this checklist?","A template is sufficient for straightforward single-jurisdiction entities with simple equity structures. Engage a startup attorney when the company has two or more co-founders (vesting and IP assignment disputes are common), when the business operates in a regulated industry, when venture capital is on the near-term horizon, or when founders are in multiple jurisdictions. A one-time startup legal audit typically costs $1,500–$3,000 and is worthwhile before approaching any outside investor.\n",{"question":424,"answer":425},"What is the difference between articles of incorporation and an operating agreement?","Articles of incorporation are the external state-filed document that legally creates a corporation — they are a public record. An operating agreement (or bylaws for a corporation) is the internal governance document that defines how the company is run, who has voting rights, how profits are distributed, and what happens when a founder leaves. Both are required for a properly formed entity; the articles create the entity, and the operating agreement governs it.\n",{"question":427,"answer":428},"What happens if a startup skips the IP assignment step?","If founders or early contractors never signed an IP assignment, the intellectual property they created — code, designs, patents, trademarks — may legally belong to them personally rather than to the company. This creates a chain-of-title gap that venture investors flag in due diligence. Correcting it after the fact requires tracking down former contributors and negotiating retroactive assignments, which can be expensive or impossible if relationships have soured.\n",{"question":430,"answer":431},"Is an 83(b) election required for all startup equity?","An 83(b) election applies only to restricted stock — equity that vests over time or is subject to a repurchase right. It is a US federal tax election with no direct equivalent in Canada, the UK, or the EU, though those jurisdictions have analogous mechanisms. It is not relevant for stock options (which have a different tax treatment) or for fully vested shares issued at incorporation with no restrictions. Founders receiving restricted stock in a US entity should file it automatically unless their tax advisor recommends otherwise.\n",{"question":433,"answer":434},"Do LLCs need to complete the same startup tasks as corporations?","Most of the same tasks apply — EIN registration, state tax filings, licenses, banking setup, IP assignment, and an operating agreement are all required. The key differences: LLCs use an operating agreement rather than bylaws, do not issue stock (so no 83(b) election applies to standard membership interests), and are not structured for equity financing in the same way as C-Corps. Founders planning to raise venture capital should typically elect C-Corp status rather than LLC before approaching investors.\n",{"question":436,"answer":437},"What is beneficial ownership reporting and does my startup need to file?","Under the US Corporate Transparency Act, most small companies formed or registered in the US must file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with FinCEN identifying individuals who own 25% or more or exercise substantial control over the entity. As of 2024, new companies must file within 90 days of formation; existing companies had a 2024 deadline. Exemptions exist for large operating companies and regulated entities. Non-compliance carries civil penalties of $500 per day and criminal penalties up to $10,000. Check current FinCEN guidance for the latest deadlines, as this area is subject to ongoing litigation and rulemaking.\n",{"question":439,"answer":440},"How often should the startup task checklist be updated?","The initial checklist should be completed and signed within the first 90 days of incorporation. It should then be reviewed at each significant milestone — first hire, first outside investment, entry into a new state or country, launch of a new product line — to identify new compliance obligations triggered by growth. An annual review tied to the fiscal year-end is the minimum for any operating business.\n",[442,446,450,454,458,462],{"industry":443,"icon_asset_id":444,"specifics":445},"Technology / SaaS","industry-saas","IP assignment is critical given that software and algorithms are the core asset; Delaware C-Corp formation is standard for VC-backed companies; open-source license compliance must be documented from day one.",{"industry":447,"icon_asset_id":448,"specifics":449},"Healthcare and MedTech","industry-healthtech","Federal and state licensing requirements are extensive, HIPAA compliance must be built into operational setup from incorporation, and FDA registration may be required before any product is used commercially.",{"industry":451,"icon_asset_id":452,"specifics":453},"Financial Services and Fintech","industry-fintech","Money transmitter licenses, state-by-state broker-dealer registrations, and FinCEN beneficial ownership reporting add significant compliance layers that must be mapped before the business accepts its first customer.",{"industry":455,"icon_asset_id":456,"specifics":457},"Professional Services","industry-professional-services","Professional licensing boards impose personal license requirements on individual practitioners in addition to entity registration; errors-and-omissions insurance is typically required before client engagements begin.",{"industry":459,"icon_asset_id":460,"specifics":461},"E-commerce and Retail","industry-ecommerce","Sales tax nexus obligations arise in every state where the company has significant sales, requiring state-by-state tax registration and remittance separate from the home state business license.",{"industry":463,"icon_asset_id":464,"specifics":465},"Food and Beverage","industry-food-beverage","Local health permits, food handler certifications, zoning approvals, and state-level food service licenses must all be obtained before operations begin, with renewal dates tracked on the compliance calendar.",[467,470,474,477],{"vs":91,"vs_template_id":468,"summary":469},"co-founder-agreement-D13219","A co-founder agreement governs the relationship between founding partners — equity splits, roles, vesting, and departure terms. A startup task checklist is broader in scope, covering all entity formation, regulatory, tax, and operational steps across the entire launch phase. Both are needed; the co-founder agreement is one item that should appear on the completed checklist.",{"vs":471,"vs_template_id":472,"summary":473},"Business Plan","D{BUSINESS_PLAN_ID}","A business plan is a strategic and financial document used to attract investors or lenders. A startup task checklist is a legal and operational compliance tool used to properly form and govern the business. The business plan describes what the company will do; the checklist ensures the company is legally entitled to do it.",{"vs":265,"vs_template_id":475,"summary":476},"D{OPERATING_AGREEMENT_ID}","An operating agreement is one governance document that governs an LLC's internal structure. A startup task checklist is a master compliance document that confirms the operating agreement has been executed alongside dozens of other required formation, tax, and licensing steps. The operating agreement is a single line item on the checklist.",{"vs":478,"vs_template_id":479,"summary":480},"Corporate Bylaws","D{CORPORATE_BYLAWS_ID}","Corporate bylaws govern how a corporation is managed — board composition, meeting procedures, and officer roles. A startup task checklist covers the full scope of launch-phase legal and operational requirements, of which adopting bylaws is one step. Bylaws alone do not address tax registration, licensing, IP assignment, or banking setup.",{"use_template":482,"template_plus_review":486,"custom_drafted":490},{"best_for":483,"cost":484,"time":485},"Solo founders or co-founders launching a straightforward domestic entity with no immediate plan for outside investment","Free","1–2 weeks to complete all tasks",{"best_for":487,"cost":488,"time":489},"Multi-founder companies, VC-track startups, or businesses in regulated industries needing a one-time legal audit","$1,500–$3,000","1–2 weeks with attorney review",{"best_for":491,"cost":492,"time":493},"Complex multi-jurisdiction formations, heavily regulated industries, or companies preparing for a seed round with institutional investors","$3,000–$10,000+","2–4 weeks",[495,500,505,510],{"code":496,"name":497,"flag_asset_id":498,"note":499},"us","United States","flag-us","Entity formation occurs at the state level — Delaware, Wyoming, and the founder's home state are common choices, each with different fee structures and statutory protections. The 83(b) election is a US-specific IRS filing with a hard 30-day window. The Corporate Transparency Act requires beneficial ownership reporting to FinCEN for most new entities. Sales tax nexus rules vary by state and are triggered by economic activity thresholds, not just physical presence.",{"code":501,"name":502,"flag_asset_id":503,"note":504},"ca","Canada","flag-ca","Companies may incorporate federally under the CBCA or provincially; federal incorporation provides name protection across all provinces but requires extra-provincial registration for local operations. A business number (BN) from the CRA is the Canadian equivalent of the EIN and is required for GST/HST registration, payroll deductions, and corporate tax accounts. Quebec requires French-language compliance for any company operating in the province.",{"code":506,"name":507,"flag_asset_id":508,"note":509},"uk","United Kingdom","flag-uk","Companies are incorporated through Companies House, typically as a private limited company (Ltd). Directors must be registered, a memorandum and articles of association are required, and a registered office address in the UK must be maintained. HMRC registration for Corporation Tax must occur within 3 months of starting business activity. The PSC (People with Significant Control) register is the UK equivalent of beneficial ownership reporting and must be kept current.",{"code":511,"name":512,"flag_asset_id":513,"note":514},"eu","European Union","flag-eu","Company formation rules vary significantly by member state — a German GmbH, French SAS, and Dutch BV each have different minimum capital, notarization, and registration requirements. GDPR compliance is a mandatory operational task from day one for any company handling EU personal data, regardless of where the company is incorporated. VAT registration thresholds and requirements vary by member state and must be assessed for each jurisdiction where the business operates.",[244,251,516,517,518,519,259,520,521,522,523,524],"independent-contractor-agreement-D160","non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692","intellectual-property-assignment-D5229","shareholders-agreement-D1016","business-plan-canvas-(one-page)-D12527","employment-agreement-executive-D543","operating-agreement-D12798","financial-projections_12-months-D360","job-offer-letter-long-D12769",{"emit_how_to":203,"emit_defined_term":203},{"primary_folder":527,"secondary_folder":528,"document_type":529,"industry":530,"business_stage":531,"tags":532,"confidence":536},"business-administration","checklists","checklist","general","startup",[531,533,529,534,535],"compliance","business-tasks","entity-formation",0.95,"\u003Ch2>What is a List of Business Tasks for Startups?\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>A \u003Cstrong>List of Business Tasks for Startups\u003C/strong> is a structured legal and operational checklist that guides founders through every mandatory step required to properly form, register, and govern a new company. It covers entity incorporation, federal and state tax registrations, foundational governance documents, IP assignment agreements, 83(b) elections, business licensing, banking setup, employment documentation, and ongoing compliance obligations — organized into a single signed document that creates an auditable record of completion. Unlike a casual to-do list, a formalized startup task checklist is executed by the founding team, stored with corporate records, and used as evidence during investor due diligence and regulatory audits.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Why You Need This Document\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>The cost of skipping or delaying early startup compliance tasks is not theoretical — it is measured in missed tax deadlines, voided equity arrangements, and blocked funding rounds. A founder who misses the 30-day 83(b) election window faces ordinary income tax on the appreciated value of their shares at every vesting event for the life of the grant. A company that fails to assign pre-incorporation IP gives investors a legitimate reason to pause or restructure a funding close. An LLC that commingles funds in a personal account loses the limited liability protection that incorporation was supposed to provide. Investors, acquirers, and lenders conduct legal due diligence that surfaces every one of these gaps — and correcting them after the fact is far more expensive than completing them correctly at launch. This template gives founding teams a single organized document to work through systematically, sign off on together, and store as evidence that the business was built on a sound legal foundation.\u003C/p>\n",1781185953968]