So you want to start a business in Arizona but don’t know where to start? There’s an overwhelming amount of information everywhere you look, mainly because you don’t know what you don’t know. Believe me when I say I’ve been just as overwhelmed, spinning my wheels online, trying to take it all in, making sure I was compliant and legal, forming the correct business entity, and more. Been there, done that. Let’s start with the basics so you don’t completely crash out.

The first thing I recommend is checking out Business One Stop, a completely free resource the state of Arizona has put together for both budding and seasoned entrepreneurs. It walks you through the process of building a business plan, deciding what type of business entity you should form, and even guides you through financial projections.

Business One Stop breaks down business ownership into four categories, the first being planning and creating your business. Believe me when I say I wish this tool existed when I was trying to get my feet off the ground as a small business owner. I had no idea if my projections had any validity or if I was just grasping at straws. Business One Stop gives you peace of mind during the planning stage by walking you through every step of building a business plan. Even better, it’s completely virtual. There’s no need to go into an office to submit paperwork or anything like that.

After the planning portion, it’s time to officially start your business. That means filing LLC or sole proprietor paperwork and obtaining an EIN for taxes. At this stage, Business One Stop’s goal is to make the process as seamless and painless as possible. They’ve built in personalized business checklists so you can configure your account, set up notifications, and receive updates on licenses, permits, and tax requirements.

Business One Stop isn’t just a tool for new business owners, it also has resources for businesses that are already up and running. They offer tracking tools to keep you up to date on filings and renewals, allowing you to focus on one thing: business growth and success.

The Business One Stop team has thought of everything when it comes to business ownership—especially what happens when you’re ready to sell. They’ve created resources for that season of life, whether you’re looking to slow down or transition out of your business, and they walk you through what that process looks like. No matter what stage you’re in, BOS has your back.

Business One Stop isn’t just a tool, it’s a full resource hub, a one-stop checklist, a business planner, and more. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re a seasoned, well-oiled professional, BOS can support you at any stage of the business lifecycle. I hope you check it out and find just as much value in it as I have over the years.

Looking for more business tools? Check out my resources page full of goodies!