Less head-scratching.
More next steps.

01 / EVERYDAY ORDER

A calmer month-end
starts with the inputs.

Organised records help you understand your business and support the preparation of tax and GST/HST information. Gather a consistent set of inputs before you begin.

Your starting checklist

• Business bank and credit card statements
• Sales invoices and payment records
• Purchase invoices and receipts
• Payroll information, where applicable
• Notes on unfamiliar transactions
• A list of questions for your bookkeeper or adviser

A starting checklist, not an exhaustive record-retention guide. Your circumstances may require additional records.

02 / FIRST STEPS

Give your new business
a place to stand.

Business registration, licensing and program-account requirements depend on what you’re starting and where you operate. Begin by mapping the basics and confirming the requirements that apply.

Questions to work through

• What will you sell, and who will buy it?
• What registration and licensing steps apply?
• How will you separate and organise business records?
• What tools will handle invoicing and bookkeeping?
• What does your first online presence need to explain?
• Which decisions need a qualified professional?

03 / DIGITAL PRESENCE

Your website
has a job to do.

Start with what a prospective customer needs to know. A clear service website should help people decide whether you can help, then make the next step obvious.

Five useful checks

• Can someone quickly tell what you do?
• Is it clear who your services are for?
• Are the service details specific and understandable?
• Can a phone user read and navigate comfortably?
• Is there an obvious, working way to contact you?

04 / WORKING TOGETHER

A better handoff.
A smoother routine.

Support works best when everyone understands the inputs, approvals and responsibilities. You don’t have to solve every problem before asking for help.

Bring these to the first conversation

• The outcome you want to achieve
• What’s currently taking too much time
• Your tools and existing processes
• Your budget, deadlines and capacity
• What requires your approval
• The advisers already supporting your business