Starting a contracting business? Get walked through it, in order.

The Startup Roadmap is a one-time, step-by-step path from business name to your first paid job. Every step has the official source, the order is built for your trade, and your progress is saved. Go at your own pace: if it takes you six months, it costs the same.

Get the Startup Roadmap: $148

One time, not monthly. Not ready? Build the free Washington roadmap first.

After your first job

Then Operator runs the business with you.

The roadmap gets you to your first paid job. Operator takes it from there: a business audit and plan, an online mentor you can ask any time, team training and deadline reminders. $79/month, any state, cancel anytime.

See what Operator does

Who it is for

Someone who wants to start a contracting business the right way, and wants to be guided instead of piecing it together from agency websites.

You have not filed anything yet

Name, entity, licenses, bond and insurance in an order that does not make you pay twice.

You are part way through

You have an LLC or a UBI, but not the rest. The roadmap picks up where you are.

You are waiting on something

A license, a credit issue, a bond. Your progress waits with you. One price however long it takes.

What is in the Startup Roadmap

Each step comes with your state's requirements and the official source attached.

The startup roadmap. Your guided plan from idea to job one, in the right order.
Business name and domain check. Your state's business-name availability before you file, plus a domain check.
Entity filing and trade classification. Pick the right business structure, file it, and confirm the exact trade classification your work falls under.
State requirement checklist. Licensing, registration, bond, insurance and tax-account steps with sources.
Tax registration and accounts. The state and federal tax accounts to open, and the order to open them in.
Employee and subcontractor setup. Workers' comp, W-2 vs 1099 rules, and what changes the moment you hire.
Contracts, deposits and consumer notices. What your contracts and deposit terms need before you collect a dime.
Permits and first-job checklist. What has to be true before you can advertise, bid or accept payment.
Bond and insurance next steps. What to ask for before you call a bond or insurance agent.
Bookkeeping starter and chart of accounts. A copy-and-use chart of accounts, software or paper options, and receipt retention.
Pricing worksheet. Price your first offer on real break-even math.
Google Business Profile and simple website guides. Get found, step by step.
First-job outreach script. What to say to line up job one.
Invoice and payment setup checklist. Create a payment account and get paid.
Printable startup report. Your trade, bond amount, warnings and next steps in one report.
Saved progress and future updates. Your account keeps your answers, and every future roadmap update is included with no subscription.

Get the Startup Roadmap: $148 Roadmap + 12 months of reminders: $163.50

Free vs the paid roadmap

Free

The free roadmap builder tells you what your state requires and the order. Every guide on this site is free too.

Build the free roadmap

Startup Roadmap

Walks you through doing each step, with the templates and worksheets, through your first paid job. One time.

After you are running

When the business is up and you want ongoing help, that is Operator.

Questions before you buy

How much is the Startup Roadmap?

A one-time payment of $148. It is not a subscription. During launch pricing it is lower; the price at checkout is what you pay.

How long do I have to finish it?

As long as you need. Work through it in a month or over six to nine months while you wait on a license or save for a bond. It does not cost more if it takes longer.

Which states does it cover?

Washington and Oregon today. More states are coming. Every other state has a free requirements guide and roadmap builder.

What if I find out I am not eligible yet?

The roadmap shows what is blocking you and what to do about it, and your progress is saved, so you can come back when the issue is fixed.

Does it file anything for me?

No. It walks you through each filing with the official link. In Washington, a separate filing service can prepare supported filings for you.

Is this the same as Operator?

No. The Startup Roadmap is the one-time path to getting set up and landing your first paid job. Operator is monthly help once the business is running.

Can I get a refund?

Yes, within 14 days if you have not started using the roadmap. See the refund policy for details.

Contractor Lane is self-help information, not legal, tax, licensing or insurance advice. See the disclaimer, terms and refund policy.