Founding checklist: 12 weeks to launch

Many founders underestimate how many authorities and insurers need data one after another. A fixed weekly plan helps you separate parallel prep from registration. In the first four weeks you clarify the model, target customers, and whether you start as Freiberufler or Gewerbetreibender. From week five, registrations and the tax registration questionnaire run. In the last weeks you set up bookkeeping, contracts, and the first invoice.

The plan fits side jobs and full-time founding. If a large order is urgent, do not cut corners on tax and trade registration. Mistakes there cost more time later than a week of buffer. Use the templates in the download area as printouts or a digital to-do list.

Week 1: Write offer, target group, and pricing logic in three paragraphs. Check whether you need a permit or chamber membership. Week 2: Talk to your tax advisor about revenue forecast and whether the small business rule may apply. Week 3: Decide Freiberuf or Gewerbe and read consequences for registration and bookkeeping. Week 4: Fix business name, domain, and a simple six-month budget.

In this phase there are no mandatory registrations yet. Collect documents: ID, certificate of registration, lease for premises if needed, qualification certificates. If you start beside employment, clarify internal rules and non-compete clauses.

Week 5: Register your trade at the local municipality if you are not starting as Freiberufler. Registration forwards data to the tax office and IHK or chamber of crafts. Week 6: Complete the tax registration questionnaire via ELSTER or have your advisor file it. Week 7: Wait for tax number and VAT ID if applicable. Open a business bank account when the bank has your documents. Week 8: Clarify health insurance as self-employed. Contributions depend on income and your fund. Ask your insurer for the exact amount in writing.

In parallel: choose bookkeeping and invoicing software. Jupiter ERP offers 14 days full trial without a credit card. After that the Free plan allows five invoices per month without quotes. Quotes start on Basic.

Week 9: Use template contracts for customers and privacy. Week 10: Set up contacts and number range in Jupiter ERP. Week 11: Create a test invoice PDF and check mandatory fields. Week 12: Send the first real invoice and document incoming payments.

From here a monthly rhythm pays off: collect receipts, book revenue, note deadlines in the calendar. VAT pre-returns may be monthly for new founders in the founding year and the following year. A transition period allowed quarterly filing under conditions. Check current law before you plan deadlines.

Not every week must be full. Add a buffer week between registration and the first customer invoice if the tax office asks questions. Prioritise tax and trade before logo and business cards.

If a large order looms, postpone marketing, not tax registration. An invoice without valid details delays payment more than a simple PDF layout.

Document each milestone with a date in a folder. That helps later with tax audits and talks with your advisor.

The table summarises twelve weeks. Adjust order and buffer for your industry. Crafts and gastronomy often need extra steps.