5 Things to Do Right After You Form Your LLC (That Most New Entrepreneurs Miss)
5 Things to Do Right After You Form Your LLC (That Most New Entrepreneurs Miss)
Introduction:
Congrats — you’ve formed your LLC! 🎉 But don’t celebrate just yet... because the real work begins after you register your business.
At Carter & Co. Consultants, we’ve helped hundreds of new entrepreneurs not only launch but actually build functional businesses — and we’ve seen a common pattern: most people miss some critical steps after formation.
This guide will walk you through the 5 most important (and most overlooked) actions you should take right after forming your LLC to ensure your business is legally compliant, fundable, and ready to grow.
1. Get Your EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Why it matters:
Your EIN is like a Social Security Number for your business — you need it to open a bank account, file taxes, and apply for credit or funding.
How to get it:
You can apply through the IRS website for free, or let Carter & Co. handle it as part of your business formation bundle.
Pro Tip: Even if you’re a single-member LLC with no employees, you still need an EIN to separate your business and personal finances.
2. Open a Business Bank Account
Why it matters:
Mixing personal and business money is one of the fastest ways to ruin your LLC’s legal protections — and make tax season a nightmare.
What you’ll need:
Articles of Organization
EIN Confirmation Letter
Operating Agreement (even if it’s a single-member LLC)
Carter & Co. Bonus: We guide our clients through the exact bank account setup process with bank-ready documentation to avoid rejections.
3. Create an Operating Agreement
Why it matters:
This internal document outlines how your LLC operates — even if you’re the only owner. It adds legitimacy to your business and may be required by banks or funding providers.
What’s inside:
Ownership structure
Roles & responsibilities
Profit distribution
Exit and dispute procedures
Tip: We provide a customizable Operating Agreement template with all our LLC formation packages.
4. Set Up a Virtual Business Address & Phone Number
Why it matters:
Lenders, credit bureaus, and vendors check for professional details. A real business address (not a P.O. box or your home) and a separate phone number instantly boost your credibility.
Carter & Co. Solutions:
We offer virtual address + business phone bundles that make you look professional and keep your personal info private — essential for building business credit and setting up your Google listing.
5. Start Building Business Credit (Separate from Personal Credit)
Why it matters:
Most new businesses rely on personal credit — which limits funding and puts your assets at risk. Business credit gives you access to real capital without personal guarantees.
Your first steps:
Get your DUNS number (for reporting to Dun & Bradstreet)
Open vendor accounts that report (we show you how)
Pay bills on time and keep utilization low
Carter & Co. Can Help: Our business credit program walks you through this process and even connects you with tradeline opportunities.
Bonus: Don’t Forget These!
Register for necessary licenses/permits (varies by industry & state)
List your business on Google to attract local clients
Set up a basic website or landing page to build trust
Track expenses from day one (use tools like Wave, QuickBooks, or a spreadsheet)
Final Thoughts
Forming your LLC is just the first move — but it’s what you do next that builds momentum.
At Carter & Co. Consultants, we go beyond paperwork. We help you structure your business, protect your income, build credit, and prepare for growth — from day one.
Don’t just own a business on paper. Let’s build one that earns, grows, and lasts.
