Once you have an idea and a passion, starting a business can feel like a whirlwind. While it might feel like you have to dive in head-first right away, taking a step back to plan and organize can set you up for long term growth.

Before you begin your business journey, here are a few tasks and helpful reminders to check off your list.

Create a business plan. You may think business plans are only for large organizations, but every startup needs to have one. The Small Business Administration has a guide to help you write one yourself. Business plans are meant to serve you, the entrepreneur, so there is no wrong way to write yours.