ContractorSetup
Fixed Scope · Fixed Fee · 21 Days

The Foundation Install

A structured, 21-day engagement that installs your business entity foundation, financial setup, and operating cadence. Delivered in three phases. Handed off with documentation.

30-min call → We confirm fit → You decide. No commitment.

Not legal advice. Not tax advice. We coordinate and guide — consult your attorney and CPA.

Scope of Work

What we deliver. In what order.

Every deliverable is documented, named, and handed to you at close. Nothing lives in our head.

Learn more about specific phases: starting a contracting business · contractor bookkeeping setup · construction company setup

1

Days 1–7

Structure & Entity

  • Business structure decision worksheet (non-legal framing — we help you understand the options; your attorney finalizes)
  • State formation coordination checklist with step-by-step filing guidance
  • EIN acquisition walkthrough + documentation
  • Business banking setup checklist (account types, separation requirements, initial funding)
  • Payment acceptance setup (credit cards, ACH, checks — selection + activation guidance)
2

Days 8–14

Financial Foundation

  • Accounting software selection + initial configuration (QuickBooks, Wave, or equivalent)
  • Chart of accounts — contractor/service-ready starter template, installed and configured
  • Expense categorization rules documented (what goes where, why)
  • Invoicing structure: standard terms, deposit requirements, retainer policy if applicable
  • Billing cadence rules + collections follow-up process (your first real AR process)
  • Cash flow baseline: simple AR aging tracker, weekly cash review habit
3

Days 15–21

Operating Foundation

  • Weekly owner meeting agenda template (15–30 min, focused)
  • Simple KPI scoreboard (Revenue / Cash / Ops) — configured for your first 90 days
  • Role clarity one-pager for each active role (even if that's just you right now)
  • One SOP template per critical process identified during engagement
  • Issue log + follow-up system (simple, not a project management tool)
  • Handoff package: 90-day maintenance guide, what to review weekly/monthly

Scope Boundaries

Everything that's in. Everything that's not.

No surprises. This is a fixed scope. If you need something outside these boundaries, we'll tell you up front.

Included

  • Entity decision support and formation coordination (non-legal)
  • EIN acquisition guidance
  • Business banking setup checklist + guidance
  • Accounting software selection and initial setup
  • Chart of accounts — contractor/service configured
  • Expense categorization rules
  • Invoicing structure + deposit policy
  • Billing cadence + collections process
  • Simple cash flow tracker
  • Weekly owner meeting template
  • KPI scoreboard (Revenue/Cash/Ops)
  • Role clarity one-pager template
  • SOP template (critical process)
  • Issue log template
  • 90-day handoff + maintenance guide
  • Two scheduled working sessions (kickoff + handoff)
  • Async support via email throughout engagement

Not Included

  • Legal advice, legal filings, or representation (consult a licensed attorney)
  • Tax advice, tax planning, or tax filings (consult a licensed CPA)
  • Ongoing bookkeeping services
  • Software subscriptions (you own your accounts; we guide setup)
  • Payroll setup or HR compliance
  • Financial forecasting, modeling, or fundraising support
  • Staff hiring, management, or HR advisory
  • Fractional COO or ongoing operations leadership (see Contractors COO)

Fit Check

Is the Foundation Install right for you?

This engagement is deliberately scoped. If you're in the right spot, it's exactly what you need. If not, we'll tell you.

A Fit If

  • Starting a contracting or service business and want to build it right from day one
  • Operating 1–3 years with a foundation that needs a proper reset
  • Home services, trades, commercial services, or specialty contractors
  • Owner-operator wearing every hat — revenue under $2M
  • You know you need structure but don't know exactly where to start

Not a Fit If

  • Businesses with dedicated finance or ops staff already in place
  • Companies needing ongoing bookkeeping or accounting services
  • Anyone expecting legal advice, tax filing, or licensed professional services
  • Businesses above $5M where fractional COO leadership is the right fit

FAQ

Common questions.

How long does the Foundation Install take?

The engagement is scoped for 21 days. Most clients are fully handed off with documentation by day 21. Timeline can flex slightly based on responsiveness and third-party processes (e.g., state filing times).

Do you form the entity for us?

We coordinate and guide — we walk you through the decision, provide the filing checklist, and help you navigate the process. We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice. For the final legal decision on entity type, consult a licensed attorney.

Do you do ongoing bookkeeping?

No. We set up the financial foundation — chart of accounts, software configuration, categorization rules, invoicing structure. Ongoing bookkeeping is outside this scope.

What if I already have an LLC?

That's fine. We skip the entity formation phase and focus on financial setup and operating foundation. Often, existing entities still need cleanup — wrong structure, no operating agreement in practice, personal/business still mixed.

What size business is this for?

Best fit for businesses from pre-revenue through $2M. If you're above $2M and need operational leadership, Contractors COO is a better fit.

Is this only for contractors?

No. The install is built around contractors and trades, but the structure applies to any owner-led service business: home services, commercial services, field services, niche B2B. If you're the owner running operations, this was built for you.

More questions? Send us a message or book a call.

What comes next

Once your foundation is set, install job costing — know your actual margin on every job. Contractor Job Costing →

If the real issue is execution and leadership cadence, see the COO engagement. Contractors COO Install →

Ready to get your foundation built?

Book a 30-minute call. We'll confirm fit and answer any questions about the scope.

Book a Call

30-min call → Confirm fit → You decide. No commitment.

Not legal advice. Not tax advice. Consult your attorney and CPA.