Startup

AI Business Startup Checklist: Tools, Costs, and Timeline

The complete pre-launch checklist for starting an AI business — what to set up, in what order, and what it costs.

Most AI businesses fail in the setup phase — not because the idea is bad, but because founders build the wrong things in the wrong order. This checklist fixes that.

Phase 1: Foundation (Week 1, ~$200)

Business basics:

[ ] Choose your business model (agency, SaaS, content, consulting, automation)
[ ] Define your one-sentence offer
[ ] Register your business entity (LLC recommended: $50–$200 depending on state)
[ ] Open a business bank account

Digital foundation:

[ ] Register your domain ($10–$15/year)
[ ] Set up a professional email (Google Workspace: $6/mo)
[ ] Create a simple one-page website or landing page

Cost for Phase 1: ~$80–$250 one-time, ~$20/month ongoing

Phase 2: Core Stack (Week 2, ~$150/month)

[ ] Set up GoHighLevel Starter ($97/mo) — your CRM and automation hub

[ ] Create your Claude or OpenAI API account — fund with $20–$50 to start
[ ] Set up Make.com Core ($29/mo) — your automation platform
[ ] Set up Notion (free or $8/mo) — client ops and internal documentation

Total: ~$154–$180/month

Phase 3: Client Readiness (Week 3, ~$0)

[ ] Write your service offer document (what's included, what's not, pricing)

[ ] Build your intake process (GHL form → CRM → onboarding sequence)
[ ] Create a simple client portal in Notion
[ ] Set up your invoicing (Stripe, $0 setup + 2.9% transaction fee)
[ ] Write a basic service agreement (use a template, have an attorney review for $100–$300)