The first 100 days of a startup are chaotic, exciting, and overwhelming. Having a clear roadmap for this period can mean the difference between productive momentum and expensive confusion. This checklist is based on patterns I’ve observed across dozens of successful startup launches through Startup Grind Calgary.
Days 1-30: Foundation
Legal and Administrative
- Register your business (incorporate federally or provincially in Canada)
- Open a business bank account — keep personal and business finances separate from day one
- Set up basic accounting (Wave, QuickBooks, or Xero)
- Register for applicable tax accounts (GST/HST if revenue will exceed $30K)
- Secure your domain name and set up a professional email
Product/Service
- Define your minimum viable product or service offering
- Identify and talk to 20+ potential customers
- Build or outline your MVP
- Set pricing based on market research and customer conversations
Days 31-60: Launch and Learn
Go to Market
- Launch your website (it doesn’t need to be perfect — it needs to exist)
- Set up basic analytics (Google Analytics, Search Console)
- Make your first sales — even if it’s at a discount or with a beta group
- Collect feedback obsessively from every early customer
Marketing Foundation
- Claim your Google Business Profile
- Set up social media profiles (LinkedIn at minimum)
- Start building your email list
- Join relevant professional communities and networking groups
Days 61-100: Iterate and Scale
Product Refinement
- Analyze customer feedback and identify patterns
- Make your first major product/service improvements based on real usage
- Document your processes so they’re repeatable
- Identify your best customer segment and double down
Growth
- Identify your top 2-3 customer acquisition channels
- Ask your best customers for referrals and testimonials
- Establish a content marketing cadence (blog, LinkedIn, or both)
- Network intentionally with potential partners, mentors, and advisors
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I quit my job before launching a startup?
Not necessarily. Many successful founders started their businesses as side projects while employed. The first 100 days can happen evenings and weekends. Quit your job when you have enough traction (revenue, customers, or funding) to justify the risk.
How much money do I need to start a business in Canada?
Service businesses can start for under $5,000 (incorporation, website, basic tools). Product businesses typically need $10,000-50,000 depending on inventory and development costs. Tech startups vary widely. The key is to start as lean as possible and reinvest revenue.