Business Launch Checklist — Maryland Edition

A comprehensive step-by-step guide for launching a legally compliant, strategically sound business in Maryland and the Greater Baltimore area.

Updated: 2026 State of Maryland Prepared by CBC Strategy Team

How to Use This Checklist: Work through each phase in order. Check off items as completed. For questions about any step, contact the CBC team at info@crimsonbc.com or call +1 (443) 437-1209.

Phase 1 — Idea Validation & Market Research

Define your business concept — clearly articulate the problem you solve and for whom
Identify your target market — demographics, geography (Baltimore metro / Greater Maryland), and psychographics
Conduct competitor analysis — identify at least 5 direct and 5 indirect competitors in the Maryland market
Validate demand — surveys, interviews with 10+ potential customers, or a pilot offer
Define your Unique Value Proposition (UVP) — what makes you different and better
Research industry regulations — confirm any licenses, permits, or certifications required in Maryland
Assess initial startup costs — create a rough estimate of capital required to launch

Phase 2 — Business Plan Development

Write your Executive Summary — mission, vision, business model overview
Complete Market Analysis section — market size, trends, and target customer profile
Develop Operations Plan — location (Baltimore / Maryland), hours, staffing model, key suppliers
Create 3-year Financial Projections — revenue, expenses, break-even analysis, cash flow forecast
Define Funding Strategy — self-funded, SBA loan, angel investment, state grants, or combination
Outline Marketing & Sales Strategy — channels, messaging, goals for Year 1
Have plan reviewed — by a CBC business consultant or trusted advisor

Phase 3 — Legal Structure & Registration (Maryland-Specific)

Entity Formation

Choose business entity type — Sole Proprietorship, LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, or Partnership
Register with Maryland SDAT — State Department of Assessments and Taxation at dat.maryland.gov
File Articles of Organization / Incorporation — required for LLC, Corp entities ($100–$150 filing fee)
Draft Operating Agreement or Bylaws — essential for multi-owner businesses
Appoint a Registered Agent in Maryland
Apply for Federal EIN (Employer Identification Number) — via IRS.gov (free, takes minutes)

Licenses & Permits

Obtain Maryland Business License — via the Maryland Business Express portal
Apply for Baltimore City/County Business License if operating in Baltimore
Check for industry-specific state licenses — contractors, healthcare, food service, childcare, etc.
Register with Maryland Comptroller — for sales tax collection if selling taxable goods/services
Review local zoning regulations if operating from physical location
Obtain required federal licenses (if applicable — alcohol, firearms, broadcasting, etc.)

Intellectual Property

Search business name availability — Maryland SDAT database + USPTO trademark search
Register trade name / DBA if operating under a name different from registered entity name
Consider trademark filing — especially for distinctive brand names and logos
Secure domain name and social media handles — consistency across platforms

Phase 4 — Financial Setup

Open dedicated business bank account — never commingle personal and business funds
Obtain business credit card — establish credit history from day one
Set up accounting software — QuickBooks, Wave, FreshBooks, or similar
Establish chart of accounts and bookkeeping system
Identify and apply for startup funding — see CBC Funding Sources Directory for Maryland-specific options
Set up invoicing and payment processing systems — Stripe, Square, PayPal Business, or similar
Review Maryland tax obligations — corporate income tax (8.25%), personal property tax, quarterly estimated taxes
Engage a Maryland-licensed CPA or bookkeeper — ideally one familiar with your industry

Phase 5 — Insurance & Risk Management

General Liability Insurance — minimum $1M per occurrence for most businesses
Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance — required for consulting, legal, medical, and professional services
Workers' Compensation Insurance — required in Maryland once you have any employees
Business Owner's Policy (BOP) — combines liability and property coverage, cost-effective for small businesses
Cyber Liability Insurance — if handling customer data, payments, or operating online
Review lease / landlord insurance requirements if operating from a rented space

Phase 6 — Team & HR Foundations

Determine initial staffing needs — employees vs. independent contractors
Register with Maryland DLLR if hiring employees (for unemployment insurance)
Set up payroll system — Gusto, ADP, or similar; ensure Maryland state withholding is set up
Prepare employment agreements and offer letters
Create employee handbook (policies, conduct, PTO, benefits)
Display required Maryland workplace posters — available free from DLLR
Review Maryland minimum wage laws — Baltimore City may differ from state minimum

Phase 7 — Brand, Marketing & Digital Presence

Finalize brand identity — logo, color palette, typography, tone of voice
Launch business website — mobile responsive, clear services, contact info, and calls-to-action
Set up Google Business Profile — critical for local Baltimore / Maryland visibility
Create social media profiles — LinkedIn (essential), plus any relevant platforms for your audience
Develop launch marketing plan — email list, press release, social announcement, networking events
Join local Baltimore business networks — Greater Baltimore Committee, Baltimore Black Chamber, SCORE, BDC
Set up business email address — yourname@yourdomain.com (no Gmail/Yahoo for professional correspondence)
Create basic sales/pitch materials — one-pager, slide deck, or capability statement

Phase 8 — Pre-Launch Operations

Document core business processes — at minimum: client onboarding, service delivery, invoicing, and support
Set up business email, calendar, and collaboration tools
Establish vendor and supplier relationships — get agreements in writing
Create client contract template — have reviewed by a Maryland attorney
Set pricing and packaging — confirm they reflect costs, market rates, and profitability targets
Conduct a soft launch / beta test — serve 2–5 clients before full public launch
Gather initial testimonials and case studies
Set Year 1 financial and growth goals — with measurable KPIs

Notes

Additional Action Items / Notes

Target Launch Date

Business Consultant / Advisor

Need help completing these steps? Crimson Business Consulting guides Maryland entrepreneurs through every phase of the launch process — from business plan development to legal structure, funding strategy, and operations setup. Schedule a free consultation at info@crimsonbc.com or visit www.crimsonbc.com.