Getting started in organizing the most basic, back-end administrative stuff:
- Legal requirements (for if you’re into paying extortion fees to be “compliant,” and that sort of thing)
- Having an online presence (posting your business “billboard” so people can find and contact you)
- Setting up banking and payment methods (so you can start doing the work, and get paid ASAP)
- Other aesthetic things…
Required business filing and banking fees may apply. All other listed services offer free Basic.
Logo Creation | Branding Suite | Business Card
Canva: Visual Suite for Everyone
Canva is an online graphic design tool. Use it to create posts, presentations, posters, videos, logos and more.
Blinq: Your Digital Business Card
Branded digital business cards. Share your details with anyone, using QR code, NFC, SMS, email and more.
Email | Business Suites
Google Workspace plans provide a custom email for your business and include collaboration tools like Gmail, Calendar, Meet, Chat, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Sites and more.
Applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft 365 brings together best-in-class productivity apps with powerful cloud services, device management, and more.
Website | Company Page
WordPress.com: Build a Site, Sell Your Stuff, Start a Blog & More
Web building platform for self-publishing that is popular for blogging and other works.
WordPress.org: Blog Tool, Publishing Platform, and CMS
Open source software which you can use to easily create a beautiful website, blog, or app.
All-In-One Platform To Build an Online Presence.
Drive brand awareness & quality engagement by creating a LinkedIn Company Page.
Scheduling | Appointment Booking
Calendly: Free Online Appointment Scheduling Software
Calendly delivers a robust and intuitive scheduling platform that helps customers close deals, land candidates, build relationships, and grow their business.
Business Formation Filings | Banking
Business Name Search | Bizfile Online: California Secretary of State (fees apply)
bizfile California, the Secretary of State’s online portal to help businesses file, search, and order business records. (Approved Initial Filings for DBA, LLC, Stock Corps, Non profits etc, are required in order to open business bank accounts)
NOTE: Depending on your line of work, there may be additional expenses and business filing fees that are required, such as licensing, insurance, certifications, and/or other industry-specific standards, etc. Research your particular industry to learn about its specific regulations.
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
An Employer Identification Number is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity. Applying for an EIN is a free service offered by the IRS.
(For business types that are not a Sole Proprietorship, an EIN is required instead of your SSN in order to open business bank accounts)
LegalZoom (fees apply)
LegalZoom delivers comprehensive legal, tax and compliance products and expertise for small business owners to start, run & grow their business.
Choose a Financial Institution for Your Business (fees apply)
To open business checking and/or savings accounts, you will have to apply and provide personal identification, proof of your APPROVED Initial Filings, i.e. business formation documents, as well as your entity’s EIN.
Accounting | Invoicing | Online Payment Processing
Wave: Small Business Software – Wave Financial
Create invoices, accept online payments, and make accounting easy—all in one place—with Wave’s suite of money management tools.
The Square operating system allows business owners to sell anywhere, work more efficiently, manage inventory, communicate with customers, book appointments, course meals, order online, and so much more.
Zelle® | A fast and easy way to send and receive money
Zelle® is a way to send money to, and receive money from, people and eligible small businesses you know and trust who have a bank account in the U.S.
Mobile Payment Service.
Cash App – Do more with your money
Mobile Payment Service.
For creators and artists to accept support and membership from their fans.
You can accept donations, create membership tiers, open an online shop, and take commissions all with 0-5% platform fees.
