Free, no sign-up to start: the plan opens as a live, editable Gantt chart. 14 tasks across 4 phases, about 13 weeks if every task runs in sequence.
What's in the template
| Phase | Task | Example duration |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | Business plan and budget | 14 days |
| Plan | Choose business structure | 3 days |
| Register | Register business and name | 7 days |
| Register | Tax registration | 5 days |
| Register | Licenses and permits | 14 days |
| Register | Business bank account | 3 days |
| Set up | Bookkeeping system | 2 days |
| Set up | Business insurance | 5 days |
| Set up | Brand name, logo and domain | 7 days |
| Set up | Website | 10 days |
| Set up | Suppliers and pricing | 10 days |
| Launch | Soft opening or beta customers | 7 days |
| Launch | Launch | 1 day |
| Launch | Post-launch review | 2 days |
Durations are examples to replace with your own estimates, not benchmarks.
About this small business launch plan
Starting a business mixes paperwork with building: registering the company, opening a bank account and getting licenses, while also creating a brand and lining up suppliers. This plan orders those so the legal and financial basics are in place before money changes hands.
Requirements differ by country, state and industry. Treat the admin rows as reminders to check what applies to you.
Who it's for: First-time founders, freelancers going full time and small business advisors.
How to use it
- Open the plan. Click Open in the editor.
- Check local requirements. Rename or add admin rows to match your local registration and licensing steps.
- Adjust durations. Change durations to what you hear from your registrar and licensing offices; later dates follow.
- Share with advisors. Send a read-only link to a co-founder, accountant or mentor.
Planning tips
- Keep business and personal money separate from day one.
- Ask an accountant about tax registration and record keeping early.
- Use a soft opening to fix problems before a public launch.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take to start a business?
- It varies by location and industry. This template totals about three months in sequence.
- Is this legal advice?
- No. It is a planning template; check requirements with the relevant authorities or a professional.
- Is it free?
- Yes. Opening and editing the template is free; a free account saves one project.
Related templates
The free plan saves one project. Downloads (PDF, CSV) and more projects are on Solo, $12/month.