Start a Business
- Promo
- Introduction
- How to start a business in India today
- Mindset shift for entrepreneurs to build a business
- What early mistakes can limit a business’s future growth?
- How to think about funding in the early stages?
- Formalising the business
- Systems and Processes
- Team building and delegation
- What habits should founders adopt early on that help them grow later?
- How can one get their first customers and set initial sales and profit goals?
- How can one gain clarity through action and avoid perfectionism?
- Good sales pitch guideline for product and service businesses?
- What advice would you give someone who's ready but overthinking?
- Rapid Fire
- Concluding points
Business Plan Checklist
A business plan checklist is a vital tool that ensures all critical components of a comprehensive business plan are addressed before launching or growing a business. It typically includes elements such as an executive summary, company description, market analysis, organizational structure, product or service offerings, marketing and sales strategies, financial projections, and funding requirements. By using a checklist, entrepreneurs can systematically evaluate whether their plan is complete, realistic, and aligned with their business goals, reducing risks and improving their chances of securing investors or loans.
Download ChecklistActionable Checklist
Rent Agreement Drafting Checklist
It is an agreement/contract between a landlord and a tenant, whereby the landlord gives the tenant the right to occupy the premises. It is applicable for a duration/ term which is specified in the agreement.
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FSSAI Registration Checklist
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. It is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety. FSSAI is a mandatory registration/ licence for business entities that engage in food and related activities.
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Shop Act Intimation Checklist
The Shop Act is designed to regulate the payment of wages, hours of work, leave policies, holidays, terms of service and other work conditions of people employed in shops and commercial establishments. Shop Act is a mandatory registration and is necessary if the business premises are located in municipal limits. It is compulsory to display this document in a prominent place in the business premises.
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Marketing Material Checklist
Marketing collateral is any material used to help a business advertise or communicate with business associates, potential customers or clients. It may include everything from brochures to letterheads to banners, to direct mailers, business cards, promotional flyers, etc. Marketing collaterals are ideal for maintaining a cohesive brand identity to ensure consistency in any campaign and creating a visual USP (Unique Selling Proposition).
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Business Compliance Assessment Tool
This Compliance Assessment is designed for small businesses in India. It covers the four compliance areas.
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Marketing Plan Assessment Tool
Existing small business entrepreneurs with a business that has been operational for more than 12 months, facing marketing issues should use this tool.
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Shop Act Intimation
Shop Act Intimation is a mandatory Labor Law compliance for all businesses located within municipal limits of Maharashtra. It is a legal compliance requirement for businesses in Maharashtra.
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FSSAI Registration
FSSAI is a mandatory registration/ licence for business entities that engage in food and related activities. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
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Rent Agreement Registration
A quick and hassle-free service which helps you get your online rent agreement registration.
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Business Planning & Idea Validation
A business entity is an organisation set-up by the business owners considering the factors such as the size of the business, nature of business, number of members involved, capital requirement, etc.
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Google My Business Listing Management
Assistance in listing on Google My Business page by giving it a professional touch. It also includes content that will improve the visibility of the business on Google and on Google Maps making your business easy to locate.
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Online Starter Pack
Creating a presence on different social media platforms gives your business the ability to reach a larger audience.
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Zoho Business Plan Template
Customizable templates with integration to the Zoho suite (CRM, finance)
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Latest on Start a Business
Effective Guide to Crafting a Business Plan for Success
Covers elements of describe business, study competition, define services, estimate sales, estimate cash needs, and estimate costs when planning a business well
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The Importance of a Well-Prepared Business Plan in Securing Business Loans from Banks
The blog covers all six essential elements, especially in the context of securing a bank loan: - Describe your business idea and objectives clearly - Analyse your market and competitors - Define your offerings within the business narrative - Provide sales forecasts and financial projections - Outline funding requirements, including both capital expenditure and working capital - Budget costs and include operating projections, such as break-even analysis
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Before starting, market research is important
it does not provide structured guidance on describing the business, estimating finances, or defining the service model Through the Camelin example it illustrates how customers may choose new brands over well-known ones, a form of competitive insight. However, it’s not framed as a formal competitive analysis
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How to select a bank for a loan?
indirectly offers guidance on study competition and estimates of cash needs Through the Camelin example it demonstrates how to observe competitors' gaps (design appeal of Natraj vs. Flora). However, it’s anecdotal and not a structured competitor analysis The banking section helps entrepreneurs think about funding needs and matching them with loan options (private, cooperative, or nationalized banks). But it doesn’t guide how to calculate cash needs
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Start Local, Think Global
Estimate of Sales - By emphasising economic cycles (boom/recession) and macro forces (budgets, oil prices), it implies that sales can be impacted, though it doesn't offer tools for estimation Estimate Costs - The impact of inflation, input costs (like fuel), and policy changes on local industries is discussed—implying cost sensitivity, but again without concrete methods
watch the videoConnections to the ecosystem
One-on-One Mentoring
Sessions with business planning experts to personalize your growth strategy.
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FAQs
A business plan is essential because it outlines your goals and strategies, helping you stay organised and focused. It also shows potential investors or banks that you have a solid growth plan, which can make it easier to secure funding.
A small business plan should cover key sections like an executive summary, market analysis, product or service details, financial projections, and an operations plan. These sections give a complete picture of your business and its potential.
Updating your business plan at least once a year is recommended. This allows you to review your progress, make adjustments based on market trends, and keep your goals and finances aligned with current conditions.
Preparing a business plan can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the detail needed and the complexity of your business. The goal is to ensure it’s thorough but also realistic to implement.
Yes, many small business owners prepare their own business plans. However, seeking guidance from business advisors or platforms like deAsra can be helpful for refining your plan and ensuring it covers all necessary aspects.
Start by validating your idea—identify who your customers are, what problem your business solves, and check if there is enough demand. Do a simple market survey if needed.
It depends on the type of business, but the most common are:
- Business registration (Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, or Pvt. Ltd.)
- GST registration (if applicable)
- FSSAI license (for food-related businesses)
- UDYAM registration (for MSMEs)
- Local municipal licenses
This depends on your business model. Some businesses need less than ₹10L to start, while others may need ₹50L–₹1Cr. Prepare a basic budget for setup, working capital, and marketing.
Yes. A business plan helps you stay focused, plan your finances, and explain your idea to investors, banks, or partners. Even a simple one-page plan is better than none.
Yes, many businesses can be started from home—especially services, online stores, consulting, food businesses, etc. Check local regulations if licenses are required.
You can fund your business through:
- Personal savings
- Friends and family
- Bank loans (including Mudra loans)
- Government schemes for small businesses
- Angel investors (for scalable businesses)
You can start solo, but it’s good to have at least basic help in finance, marketing, and operations as the business grows. Build a small, reliable team over time.
Some top reasons include:
- Poor planning
- Lack of cash flow
- Wrong market or product fit
- Weak marketing
- No backup plan or risk management
You can take help from:
- Business mentors
- Startup incubators or NGOs
- Online platforms like deAsra Foundation, MSME portals
- CA or legal consultants for registration and compliance