Formation feels overwhelming. Too much information. Too many steps. Too confusing.
Most guides dump everything at once. They overwhelm. They confuse. They don’t help.
7-day course breaks it down. One day at a time. One concept at a time. Manageable chunks.
This guide provides a sequenced 7-day course that drip-feeds the formation process.
Key Takeaways
- Follow daily lessons—complete one day at a time
- Learn progressively—build knowledge gradually
- Take action daily—complete daily tasks
- Build confidence—gain understanding
- Complete formation—finish the process
Table of Contents
Course Overview
7-day course breaks formation into manageable chunks. One day at a time. Progressive learning.
Daily structure: Learn concept. Take action. Build confidence.
Progressive learning: Each day builds on previous. Knowledge accumulates. Confidence grows.
Why this matters: Course structure enables learning. If you follow structure, learning improves.
Day 1: Foundation
Day 1 establishes foundation. Understand basics. Set expectations.
Today’s Learning
Learn formation basics:
- What is business formation
- Why form a business
- What formation provides
- Basic requirements
Why this matters: Foundation learning enables progress. If you learn foundation, progress becomes possible.
Today’s Action
Complete foundation tasks:
- Understand your goals
- Assess your readiness
- Set formation timeline
- Commit to process
Why this matters: Foundation action enables progress. If you take action, progress becomes possible.
Pro tip: Use our TAM Calculator to evaluate market opportunity and inform business formation decisions. Calculate market size to understand growth potential.
Day 2: Planning
Day 2 focuses on planning. Choose structure. Gather information.
Today’s Learning
Learn planning concepts:
- Business structure options
- Structure comparison
- Planning requirements
- Information needed
Why this matters: Planning learning enables decisions. If you learn planning, decisions improve.
Today’s Action
Complete planning tasks:
- Choose business structure
- Gather required information
- Research state requirements
- Plan formation approach
Why this matters: Planning action enables formation. If you take action, formation becomes possible.
Day 3: Preparation
Day 3 prepares for filing. Select name. Prepare documents.
Today’s Learning
Learn preparation concepts:
- Name selection process
- Document requirements
- Preparation steps
- Filing readiness
Why this matters: Preparation learning enables filing. If you learn preparation, filing becomes possible.
Today’s Action
Complete preparation tasks:
- Select business name
- Check name availability
- Prepare formation documents
- Review requirements
Why this matters: Preparation action enables filing. If you take action, filing becomes possible.
Day 4: Filing
Day 4 completes filing. Submit documents. Pay fees.
Today’s Learning
Learn filing concepts:
- Filing process
- Required documents
- Fee payment
- Submission process
Why this matters: Filing learning enables submission. If you learn filing, submission becomes possible.
Today’s Action
Complete filing tasks:
- Complete all forms
- Pay filing fees
- Submit documents
- Track submission
Why this matters: Filing action creates business. If you take action, business is created.
Day 5: Post-Formation
Day 5 handles post-formation. Obtain EIN. Complete registration.
Today’s Learning
Learn post-formation concepts:
- EIN application
- Registration completion
- Post-formation requirements
- Next steps
Why this matters: Post-formation learning enables completion. If you learn post-formation, completion becomes possible.
Today’s Action
Complete post-formation tasks:
- Apply for EIN
- Complete registration
- Update records
- Confirm status
Why this matters: Post-formation action completes formation. If you take action, formation completes.
Day 6: Setup
Day 6 sets up operations. Open accounts. Create systems.
Today’s Learning
Learn setup concepts:
- Bank account setup
- System creation
- Operations preparation
- Compliance setup
Why this matters: Setup learning enables operations. If you learn setup, operations become possible.
Today’s Action
Complete setup tasks:
- Open business bank account
- Set up accounting system
- Create record keeping
- Establish compliance tracking
Why this matters: Setup action enables operations. If you take action, operations become possible.
Day 7: Launch
Day 7 launches business. Begin operations. Start serving customers.
Today’s Learning
Learn launch concepts:
- Business launch
- Operations start
- Customer acquisition
- Growth planning
Why this matters: Launch learning enables business. If you learn launch, business becomes possible.
Today’s Action
Complete launch tasks:
- Launch business
- Begin operations
- Serve first customers
- Plan growth
Why this matters: Launch action creates business. If you take action, business is created.
Pro tip: Use our TAM Calculator to evaluate market opportunity and inform business formation decisions. Calculate market size to understand growth potential.
Your Next Steps
7-day course guides you from confused to confident. Follow daily lessons, learn progressively, take action daily, build confidence, then complete formation to finish the process.
This Week:
- Begin Day 1 foundation using our TAM Calculator
- Complete Day 1 tasks
- Move to Day 2 planning
- Continue through all 7 days
This Month:
- Complete all 7 days
- Finish formation process
- Launch business
- Begin operations
Going Forward:
- Continuously apply learning
- Maintain compliance
- Grow business
- Optimize operations
Need help? Check out our TAM Calculator for market evaluation, our formation roadmap guide for steps, our task ordering guide for sequencing, and our document library for forms.
Stay informed about business strategies and tools by following us on X (Twitter) and signing up for The Initiative Newsletter.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions About From Confused to Confident: A 7-Day Email Course on the Formation Process
What does each day of the 7-day business formation course cover?
Day 1 covers formation basics, Day 2 focuses on planning and choosing a structure, Day 3 is document preparation, Day 4 is filing, Day 5 handles post-formation tasks like EIN, Day 6 sets up operations, and Day 7 launches the business.
Learn More...
The course follows a progressive structure where each day builds on the previous one: Day 1 establishes a foundation by teaching what formation is and setting your timeline, Day 2 focuses on choosing your business structure and gathering information.
Days 3-4 are preparation and filing days—selecting your business name, checking availability, preparing formation documents, and submitting them with the required fees.
Days 5-7 handle everything after filing: applying for your EIN, completing registration, opening a business bank account, setting up accounting systems, and launching operations.
Why does this course break formation into daily lessons instead of covering everything at once?
Most formation guides overwhelm people by dumping all information at once, which causes confusion and inaction—daily lessons keep each step manageable and build confidence progressively.
Learn More...
The daily structure prevents information overload by limiting each session to one concept and one set of action items, which makes the process feel achievable rather than overwhelming.
Progressive learning means each day's lesson builds on what you learned the day before, creating a natural knowledge accumulation that leads to confidence rather than confusion.
The daily action items create momentum—completing one task per day keeps you moving forward and prevents the analysis paralysis that causes most people to stall during the formation process.
What should I prepare on Day 3 when selecting a business name and preparing documents?
On Day 3, you need to select your business name, check its availability with your state, prepare your formation documents (Articles of Organization for an LLC), and review all state-specific requirements.
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Name selection involves choosing a name that meets your state's requirements (typically including an LLC or Inc. designator), then searching your state's business entity database to confirm it's available.
Document preparation means completing your Articles of Organization (for an LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (for a corporation), which requires your business name, address, registered agent information, and member/owner details.
Review all state-specific filing requirements on Day 3 so you're ready to file on Day 4 without delays—each state has slightly different form requirements and fee amounts.
What post-formation tasks should I complete on Days 5-6 after filing my formation documents?
Days 5-6 cover applying for your EIN with the IRS, completing any remaining state registrations, opening a business bank account, and setting up your accounting and compliance tracking systems.
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Day 5 focuses on post-formation essentials: applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS (which is free and takes about 15 minutes online), completing any additional state registration requirements, and updating your business records.
Day 6 shifts to operational setup: opening a business bank account using your EIN and formation documents, setting up an accounting or bookkeeping system, creating a record-keeping process, and establishing compliance tracking to manage ongoing requirements.
These post-formation tasks are critical because without an EIN and business bank account, you can't operate professionally—and without compliance tracking, you risk missing annual filing deadlines.
Can I realistically complete business formation in 7 days following this course?
Yes, you can complete all the filing steps within 7 days, though actual state approval may take 1-2 weeks for standard processing after you submit your documents.
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The 7-day course covers everything from research through filing and post-formation setup, with each day requiring 1-3 hours of focused work—this is realistic for most people with a normal schedule.
The filing itself can be submitted by Day 4-5, but state processing times vary—some states process online filings within a few business days while others take 1-2 weeks or more for standard processing.
While you wait for state approval, Days 6-7 have you preparing for operations so you can hit the ground running once your formation is confirmed, including EIN application and bank account preparation.
If your timeline is tight, many states offer expedited processing for an additional fee that can reduce approval to same-day or 24-hour turnaround.
What happens on Day 7 after the course is complete and my business is launched?
Day 7 focuses on launching operations, serving first customers, and planning growth, plus applying for your EIN online if not already done and beginning to draft your operating agreement or bylaws.
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Day 7 marks the transition from formation to operations—you apply for your EIN online (which takes only 5-15 minutes), begin drafting your operating agreement or bylaws, and set up compliance tracking for ongoing requirements.
After completing the 7-day course, your ongoing responsibilities include maintaining compliance with annual report filings, keeping your registered agent current, filing taxes, and updating your formation documents if business details change.
The course gives you the confidence and knowledge to handle formation, but business success requires applying what you learned continuously—monitoring compliance, growing operations, and optimizing your business structure as it evolves.
Sources & Additional Information
This guide provides general information about the formation process. Your specific situation may require different considerations.
For market size analysis, see our TAM Calculator.
Consult with professionals for advice specific to your situation.
