Starting a Business in Questa

Startup Checklist

Starting a business and running a business require special skills and knowledge, dedication and determination.  Here’s a checklist to help your business thrive and grow.

  • Research your business idea/competition/market LEARN MORE
  • Determine you legal business structure LEARN MORE
  • Write a solid Business / Marketing / Operating Plan LEARN MORE
  • Business Plan Development LEARN MORE
  • Name your business LEARN MORE
  • Register the name with NM LEARN MORE
  • Research Trademarks LEARN MORE
  • Secure domain name(s) and set up email addresses (There are many options, please research online)
  • Create a logo, brand, get business cards, brochures LEARN MORE
  • Create and practice your “elevator pitch” to promote your business LEARN MORE
  • Contract a website hosting company (There are many options, please research for your personal preference.)
  • Have a website designed LEARN MORE
  • Set up your business social media pages and plan LEARN MORE
  • Apply for your federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) LEARN MORE
  • Register in NM; get your Combined Reporting System (CRS) number LEARN MORE
  • NM Gross Receipt Tax (GRT) rates by location LEARN MORE
  • Village of Questa Business Registration Form LEARN MORE
  • Taos County Business License LEARN MORE
  • Do you need a state license for your profession of choice LEARN MORE
  • Open a business bank account LEARN MORE
  • What insurance coverage do you need? LEARN MORE
  • Hire employees/workforce resource LEARN MORE
  • NM Job Training Incentive Program LEARN MORE
  • Set up an accounting system or software (There are many options, please research for your personal preference.)
  • Use this Break-Even Calculator, are you including all expenses? LEARN MORE
  • Determine your tax obligations LEARN MORE
  • Need Funding? LEARN MORE
  • NM Business Finance Finder LEARN MORE
  • FUNDIT connects projects with funding opportunities LEARN MORE
  • Small Business Loans LEARN MORE
  • NM LEDA (Local Economic Development Act) Grants LEARN MORE
  • Grants and Funding opportunities LEARN MORE
  • What is an Opportunity Zone (OZ)? LEARN MORE
  • Questa’s Opportunity Zone & Business Park LEARN MORE
  • NM Business Incubators/Accelerators LEARN MORE
  • NM Business Incentives and Tax Credits LEARN MORE
  • Taos Hub for Internet-based Vocation and Education LEARN MORE
  • Find a Business Mentor LEARN MORE
  • NM Veterans Business Resources LEARN MORE
  • Small Business Resources for women LEARN MORE and MORE
  • Small Business Resources for minorities LEARN MORE
  • Manufacturing Resource: NM Manufacturing Extension Partnership LEARN MORE
  • Secure and set up your commercial space (There are many options, please research for your personal preference)
  • Purchase inventory, fixtures, supplies (There are many options, please research for your personal preference)
  • Set up your credit card processing system (There are many options, please research for your personal preference)
  • Install a sign on your business (There are many options, please research for your personal preference)
  • Spread the word about your new business LEARN MORE
  • Schedule your opening day!