Essential IT Setup Checklist for New Small Businesses

Every business needs fast, reliable internet.

Your checklist:

• Modern router with strong security
   
• Optional mesh Wi-Fi for larger spaces
   
• Wired Ethernet for critical devices
   
• Backup internet option (hotspot or secondary connection)
   

Specific hardware selection depends on budget, office size, and device count.

Choose devices based on:

• Your industry
   
• Performance needs
   
• How many users you have
   
• Whether work is onsite, remote, or hybrid
   

Small businesses typically choose between:

• Laptops
   
• Desktops
   
• All-in-one systems
   
• Workstations for heavy tasks
   

Specific device recommendations require a quick consultation.

Your business needs a reliable way to store and access files.

Options include:

• Cloud storage
   
• Local storage
   
• Network Attached Storage (NAS)
   
• Hybrid options
   

The right setup depends on how sensitive your data is, how large your files are, and who needs access.

At minimum, your business should have:

• Secure passwords
   
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
   
• Antivirus or endpoint security
   
• Secure Wi-Fi
   
• Firewalls (hardware or software)
   
• Regular device updates
   

Firewalls and security tools vary widely in price and capability — we build recommendations based on your security risk level.

Every business needs:

• Automatic backups
   
• Multiple copies of important data
   
• At least one off-site/cloud copy
   

This protects you from data loss, hardware failure, and ransomware.

Most small businesses use:

• Email & cloud suites
   
• Accounting tools
   
• Scheduling & communication apps
   
• Project management tools
   

The best software depends on your workflow and budget.

Even small teams benefit from a simple IT structure:

• Password policies
   
• Device usage rules
   
• Backup schedule
   
• Security guidelines
   
• Support contact list
   

This prevents confusion later as the business grows.

Every business is different.

Some businesses may need:

• Servers
   
• Managed Wi-Fi
   
• Business-grade firewall appliances
   
• VPN for remote workers
   
• Secure backups
   
• Multi-site support
   
• Onsite hardware installations
   

Others may only need a simple, budget-friendly setup.

That’s why we offer IT Consulting for Small Businesses, where we evaluate your:

• Budget
   
• Workflow
   
• Security needs
   
• Office layout
   
• Device count
   
• Storage requirements
   
• Growth plans
   

And then we create a custom hardware + software plan tailored specifically for your business.

You can book a consultation anytime through our Appointments page.

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