Starting a small business can feel exciting – and overwhelming. With so many decisions to make early on, it’s easy to get stuck in a loop: second-guessing your ideas, forgetting what you already decided, and feeling pulled in too many directions.

A lot of online resources offer long business plan templates, but sometimes you just need something simple. A quick reference that keeps you focused, helps you think through the big questions, and gives you clarity before diving in.

That’s where this one-page checklist comes in.

It’s not a full-blown business plan – it’s a practical tool to get your ideas down fast. Think of it as a jumpstart: choose options, jot down the essentials, and spot areas where you might want to pause and dig deeper before you move ahead.

No fluff. No jargon. Just 12 key questions to help you:

• Define what kind of product or service you’re offering (digital, physical, or a blend)

• Understand who your customer really is

• Decide where and how you’ll sell (online store, marketplace, pop-up, or retailer)

• Clarify pricing, fulfillment, content, and brand voice

It’s a straightforward way to organize your thinking – and you can revisit it anytime as your ideas evolve.

If you find it helpful, feel free to share it with someone else who’s getting started. And if you’ve got suggestions for making it even better, drop them in the comments!

You’ve got this – and this checklist is here to help.