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BUSINESS CREATION GUIDE

Starting a Business: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Every business is unique. Therefore, a general guide to starting a business can only be a simplified version. In reality, the steps may differ in some ways. However, it helps to have an overview to understand what awaits you. Small tip: this is not an insurmountable obstacle, but a path made up of individual, achievable steps.

SE
Business Services Team
SME Financing & Creation Specialists
Reading time: 11 min • Updated in 2026
Start-up and business creation
Starting your own business requires rigorous planning, a proven business model and tailor-made banking support.
The most important points in brief
  • • The steps for starting your own business vary depending on whether it is a new creation, a franchise or a takeover of an existing business.
  • • Generally, you will need a mature business idea, market knowledge, a business plan, structured financing and prior approvals.
  • • Our establishment supports founders: opening a professional account, mobilizing subsidized loans (public aid and development programs), and tailor-made insurance.

1 Develop a suitable business idea

It all starts with a business idea. Develop it and methodically develop your business model. This will make your project a reality. Record all elements in a clear table. Pay particular attention to the following points: product/service offering, location, target customers, benefits, production, key skills, sales and communication, partners, competitors, costs and cost structure, revenue sources, team and values.

From the first steps, seek advice from professionals and your network. If you choose to take over an existing company or start a franchise, your path diverges at this point: the focus is then on finding the right franchise system or companies looking for a successor (for example via business transfer exchanges).

2 Know the market better

Once you have an idea, don't immediately rush into a business plan. Establish a solid foundation first: study your market and the situation in your region. Identify your target group as precisely as possible: how big is it? Who is part of it? Where to find it? What are their values ​​and purchasing habits?

Also analyze your competitors and what differentiates you from them; define your unique value proposition (USP). Find out now about your supply needs, pricing structures and required permits.

Expert tip: Founders are naturally enthusiastic, and that's a great thing. However, make sure that your market research remains strictly objective. You must understand the reality on the ground without embellishing it in order to base solid decisions.

3 Develop a rigorous business plan

The business plan is your operational roadmap and serves to convince investors and bank lenders. It is essential if you are raising external capital.

Basic content of the business plan:
• Business idea and differentiating factors
• Detailed offer of products and services
• Quantified objectives and roadmap
• Location and catchment area
• Target group and competition study
• Distinctive and protected trade name
• Legal form envisaged (e.g. GmbH, UG, AG, sole proprietorship)
• Leadership team and key skills
• Complete financial plan: forecast income statement, cash flow, equity requirements
• Sales, marketing and communication strategy

Tip: Analyze the legal structure with your tax advisor. Taxes, personal liability and administrative obligations vary considerably from one form to another.

4 Clarify financing & public aid

As a leading financial partner of SMEs, we support you in structuring your start-up financing. During the consultation, we study bank loan solutions as well as the integration of public aid programs (in particular loans from the public development bank KfW or regional programs).

Documents to prepare for your bank advisor:

  • Complete business plan with investment plan and estimated quotes
  • Financial statements and supporting documents for equity
  • Credit report and credit score (Schufa or equivalent)
  • Income tax notice for the last two years
  • In the event of a takeover: balance sheets and income statements for the last 3 years
  • Draft contracts (commercial lease, franchise contract, partners’ agreement)

5 Obtain permits and register the business

Once financing has been secured, it’s time for official registration formalities. Depending on your sector, check beforehand whether specific licenses are required (e.g. catering hygiene certificate, professional approval).

Then declare your activity to the town hall or the commerce office. Depending on the legal form, you must register in the commercial register (via notary for capital companies) and with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI). Finally, registration with the tax center is mandatory to obtain your tax identification number (Steuernummer / Intracommunity VAT number).

6 Open a professional account

To manage business transactions transparently and separately from your personal assets, you need a dedicated business account. We offer you complete online banking services with multi-user management, professional cards for your employees and a mobile business application accessible 24 hours a day.

→ Open your professional account online now

7 Take out the necessary insurance

Risks vary depending on the activity. However, almost all businesses need professional liability insurance to cover damages caused to third parties. Depending on your sector, also examine comprehensive insurance for premises and equipment, corporate legal protection and disability/death insurance for the manager.

8 Setting up the workplace and accounting

Set up your professional premises (offices, workshop, shop) or your home workspace. At the same time, implement a rigorous accounting system, in consultation with your tax advisor. Depending on your legal structure, you will either have to keep simplified accounting (revenue-expense / income statement) or double-entry accounting with an annual balance sheet.

Please note: Certain expenses incurred before registration can be deducted as establishment costs. Keep all your supporting documents carefully.

9 Design of commercial documents & identity

Develop your visual identity (logo, graphic charter) and create your commercial supports: professional website, letterhead, business cards and invoice models in compliance with the mandatory legal notices (tax number, legal form, IBAN bank details).

10 Launch marketing and develop sales

The administrative formalities are settled: it is time to take commercial action. Deploy your marketing campaigns, activate your online presence (SEO, social networks) and initiate prospecting to acquire your first paying customers.

11 Develop and maintain your professional network

Grow your network of customers, suppliers, subcontractors and peers. Exchanges within professional associations, on LinkedIn or at trade fairs allow you to identify new opportunities and consolidate your reputation on the market.

Frequently asked questions about starting a business

What do I need to start a business?

It depends on the model considered. For a classic start-up: a business idea with a validated concept; for a franchise or transmission: a proven business model. Added to this is a business plan, equity and/or financing, the required authorizations, official registration (commercial register, tax authorities), a dedicated professional account and appropriate insurance.

When should I contact my bank?

As soon as your business plan and preliminary financial planning are ready. The sooner you involve your advisor, the sooner you will be able to mobilize public aid and structure financing at advantageous rates.

Ready to bring your business project to life?

Meet our SME business managers to review your financing plan and open your business account.

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