Business Grand Opening Checklist

Are you overwhelmed trying to organize your grand opening for your business? You’ve already invested a lot of time and effort into getting your business off the ground, and adding all of the planning and preparation involved in hosting a large event such as a grand opening to your ever-growing “to do” list may seem like an insurmountable hurdle. The goal of this article is to take a little bit off of your plate by providing a basic timeline and checklist that you can use to help you plan for your event. While every grand opening is unique, below is a list of items to consider as you plan your business’ event. Need more ideas? Check out How to Host a Grand Opening.

2-3 Months Out

Set a Budget
Meet with your team on ideas
Decide what your grand opening will include (tours, discounts, events for families, etc.)
Choose a date (or days) for your celebration
Research & book any entertainment, special guests, rentals or services
Create flyers and social media graphics
Order extra inventory as you see fit
Explore what your local Chamber of Commerce offers for Grand Openings

1 Month Out

Confirm you have appropriate licenses and permits to open
Confirm you have business insurance coverage
Confirm scheduling with your staff for the day
Send out press release (if applicable)
Design invitation
Post to community calendars
Post to social media
Personally invite neighboring businesses in the community
Order or set aside giveaways or raffle prizes
Order signs, decorations, and supplies you may need
Make a back up plan for weather
Make a schedule for the day

1 Week Before

Confirm with guests and entertainment
Assign staff roles for the day (raffle table, photography, customer engagement, etc.)
Post reminder to social media
Send reminders to those invited

1 Day Before

Pick up any decorations or rentals
Post reminders to social media
Decorate & hang signs
Pick up any refreshments

Day of Grand Opening

Coordinate with any special guests
Take photos and videos
Celebrate!

After

Plan a special thank you for your staff
Send thank you cards to special guests, vendors, and businesses who attended
Post a thank you to social media

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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Cross Insurance shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, insurance, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article are that of its author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cross Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Cross Insurance”) or Cross Insurance’s management or shareholders.