Financial Guide to Starting a Small BusinesS - Start Smart Series Intro
Welcome to the Start Smart Series: A Financial Roadmap for Colorado Entrepreneurs
Starting a business is one of the most exciting—and overwhelming—things you’ll ever do. Between forming your entity, opening bank accounts, tracking expenses, hiring, and staying compliant with tax rules, it’s easy to feel like you’re building the plane while you’re flying it.
That’s exactly why we created the Start Smart Series—a practical, plain-language guide for entrepreneurs across Colorado (and beyond) who want to launch their business with confidence, clarity, and financial control.
Why “Start Smart”?
Because every early decision you make has lasting financial impact.
The structure you choose affects how you pay taxes, take income, and protect your assets.
How you set up your accounting system will influence how easy (or painful) your first tax season feels.
Even something as small as mixing personal and business expenses can create headaches—and risk—later.
At Hiatt Accounting Group, we’ve seen firsthand how early, informed decision-making leads to stronger, more sustainable businesses. This series is built from that experience—real, actionable guidance you can use from day one.
What You’ll Learn
Over the next 10 articles, we’ll cover the critical financial steps every small business owner should take during the startup phase—each explained in clear, approachable terms.
You’ll learn how to:
Understand the financial implications of each major business decision.
Separate your personal and business finances the right way.
Set up bookkeeping and recordkeeping that scale with your growth.
Track and deduct startup costs effectively.
Register for the correct federal, state, and local tax accounts.
Stay compliant when hiring or paying contractors.
Identify deductions and credits that reduce your taxable income.
Prepare for your first tax filing with confidence.
Adjust your structure and strategy as your business grows.
Each post will include checklists, examples, and Colorado-specific insights—but everything applies no matter where your business is located.
Who This Series Is For
This guide is designed for:
Aspiring entrepreneurs still in the planning phase.
New business owners who’ve launched within the last year.
Self-employed professionals and gig workers looking to formalize operations.
Whether you’re forming an LLC in Castle Rock, launching a service business in Denver, or starting a side hustle anywhere in the U.S., this series will help you start right—and stay compliant.
Whats next
At Hiatt Accounting Group, we believe small business owners shouldn’t have to guess their way through financial decisions. We simplify accounting, tax, and financial strategy so you can focus on what matters most—growing your business. The series begins with Part 1: “Before You File – The Financial Decisions That Define Your Business.” We’ll outline the five foundational steps to take before registering your business—so you can start strong and avoid costly do-overs later.
Start Smart - Part 1: Before you file, the financial decisions that define your business.
Let’s Build It Right, Together
Starting a business shouldn’t mean starting alone. If you’re planning to launch—or recently opened your doors—Hiatt Accounting Group can help you build a strong financial foundation from the start.
Schedule your Startup Planning Consultation today, and make sure every decision you make today sets your business up for tomorrow’s success.
Call or text us: (720) 595-9473
Email: ahiatt@hiattaccountinggroup.com
Visit: www.hiattaccountinggroup.com
