Starting a Business

Your First 30 Days as an Entrepreneur: Complete Checklist

Updated: 2026-05-27 Checklist Starter First Month

The first month sets the tone for everything that follows. Done well, you start with clean foundations: registered, banked, organised and ready to invoice. This guide is a concrete day-by-day checklist for your first 30 days.

Days 1–5: the legal foundation

Decide your legal form (sole trader for most starters).
Choose your business name and check availability (KVK and BOIP trademark register).
Book your KVK appointment.
Register at the KVK and receive your KVK number.
Wait for the Tax Authority to send your VAT number (within roughly two weeks).

Days 6–10: banking and admin foundation

Open a business bank account.
Choose simple bookkeeping software (Moneybird, e-Boekhouden or similar).
Set up a separate savings account for VAT and income tax reserves.
Connect your bank to your bookkeeping software.

Days 11–15: tooling and presence

Buy your domain name and set up a basic website or landing page.
Set up a professional email (you@yourbusiness.nl rather than a free address).
Create your business profile on LinkedIn and one other relevant platform.
Draft your terms and conditions, even a simple version is better than none.

Days 16–20: legal and risk

Decide on liability insurance (general and/or professional, matched to your work).
Investigate disability cover (AOV) and decide how to handle the risk of being unable to work.
Read and understand your KVK registration details to make sure they are correct.

Days 21–25: first client and first invoice

Reach out to your first realistic prospects (network first).
Send your first quote, then your first invoice once work is done.
Make sure the invoice has every required element (KVK number, btw-id, sequential numbering, VAT details).
Set aside the VAT and a percentage for income tax the moment money arrives.

Days 26–30: rhythm and reflection

Schedule a weekly admin slot (30–60 minutes).
Start tracking your hours for the urencriterium (1,225 hours per year).
Review what worked and what felt difficult; adjust your plan.
Plan the next 30 days: who to reach out to, what to learn, what to build.

Tip: leave perfection out of month one. Aim for "good enough and started" rather than perfect and stalled. You can improve every part of this in month two.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the single most important step? +

KVK registration. Registration is the key that unlocks invoicing and formal operation. Everything else can be added gradually.

How long before my first invoice? +

For service freelancers, sometimes within days of registration; for product businesses, often longer. The key is keeping preparation brief enough that actual selling starts.

What if I miss something in month one? +

You will, and that is fine. The aim is to start with reasonable foundations rather than perfect ones. Fix and add as you go.

Sources Belastingdienst · KVK · wetten.overheid.nl Last updated: 2026-05-27

Your First 30 Days as an Entrepreneur: Complete Checklist

Days 1–5: the legal foundation

Days 6–10: banking and admin foundation

Days 11–15: tooling and presence

Days 16–20: legal and risk

Days 21–25: first client and first invoice

Days 26–30: rhythm and reflection

Read next

Would you like our team to take a look at your situation?

Frequently Asked Questions