Apps

Select online apps from the list at the right. You'll find everything you need to conduct business with us.

Smart Vault

Smart Vault

Document Management

Zoom

Video Conferencing

Zoom

Quickbooks

Online Accounting

QuickBooks Online

Quickbooks

Desktop Accounting

QuickBooks Desktop

BUSINESS FOUNDATION SERVICES

Build your business on solid financial ground from day one

Starting a business or restructuring an existing one? Our business foundation services help you make smart decisions about entity structure, accounting systems, retirement planning, and financial strategies that set you up for long-term success.

Small business startup support that builds a strong foundation

Whether you’re launching your first business or optimizing an existing one, getting the foundation right from the beginning saves time, money, and headaches down the road. Our team ensures you start with clarity and confidence.

THE CHALLENGE

Too many business owners skip the foundation work and pay for it later

Without proper planning, small businesses often face costly problems that could have been avoided:

  • Choosing the wrong business structure and paying unnecessary taxes.
  • Setting up accounting systems that don’t provide useful financial data.
  • Missing retirement planning opportunities that could reduce tax burden.
  • Leaving money on the table with poor credit card reward strategies.
  • Making financial decisions without understanding their long-term impact.
Pesante & Close
Pesante & Close

OUR SOLUTION

Strategic foundation services that grow with your business

Our business formation services address the critical decisions that impact your financial health for years to come:

  • Business structure analysis to minimize taxes and protect personal assets.
  • Accounting system setup that provides clear financial data for business decisions.
  • Retirement plan analysis to maximize tax benefits while building wealth.
  • Credit card rewards strategy to turn business spending into valuable benefits.
  • Ongoing support as your business foundation needs evolve.

Entity Type Analysis

Choose the right business structure for maximum tax savings and protection.

We analyze S corp vs. LLC options, general partnerships, and other entity types to find the best fit for your situation. Our business structure analysis considers personal liability protection, tax burden optimization, and how profits and losses flow through to your personal income.

Key benefits: Minimize double taxation, protect personal assets, optimize tax benefits, and choose between pass-through entities and corporate taxes tailored to your specific needs.

Accounting System Setup

Get organized with accounting software that actually helps you run your business.

We handle chart of accounts setup, configure asset accounts and liability accounts, and ensure your financial system provides useful data. Our accounting system setup services include proper account numbering and categories for your industry.

Key benefits: Accurate financial data, streamlined accounts payable and receivable, better business decisions through clear financial reporting, and proper balance sheet accounts organization.

Retirement Plan Analysis

Maximize tax benefits while building wealth through strategic retirement planning.

We analyze SEP IRA options, 401(k) plan alternatives, and traditional vs. Roth IRA strategies. Our retirement planning services help you understand contribution limits, employer matches, and eligibility requirements for your business.

Key benefits: Tax-deductible contributions, pre-tax savings opportunities, SEP IRA contribution limits optimization, and catch-up contributions for eligible employees.

Credit Card Rewards

Turn business spending into valuable rewards with strategic credit card use.

We develop credit card rewards strategies that maximize points, cash back, and travel benefits. Our analysis includes business credit card rewards, annual fee considerations, and bonus category optimization.

Key benefits: Maximizing credit card points, optimizing cash back, developing a travel rewards strategy, and understanding spend requirements and annual fees to maximize value.

BEYOND THE BASICS

We help with the details others overlook

Starting or restructuring a business involves countless small decisions that add up to big impacts. Beyond the major foundational services, we provide guidance on:

  • State and local business registration requirements.
  • Employer Identification Number (EIN) application.
  • Business banking and credit establishment.
  • Insurance needs assessment and recommendations.
  • Vendor and supplier account setup strategies.
  • Record-keeping systems and document organization.

Perfect for: New business owners who want to avoid common pitfalls and established businesses looking to optimize their financial foundation.

Pesante

FAQs

Get answers to common questions about our business foundation services.
When should I think about my business structure?
Ideally, before you start operating, but it’s never too late to optimize. The right business structure affects your taxes, liability protection, and administrative requirements. If you’re already operating as a sole proprietor or partnership, we can help you evaluate whether changing your structure makes sense as your business grows.
What's the difference between an LLC and an S corporation?
An LLC is a legal business structure that provides liability protection, while an S corporation is a tax classification that can reduce self-employment taxes. Many small business owners set up an LLC and then elect S corporation tax treatment to get both liability protection and tax savings. We’ll help you understand which combination works best for your situation.
How do I know which accounting software is right for my business?
We primarily recommend QuickBooks Online for most small businesses because it’s robust, user-friendly, and integrates well with other business tools. However, we’ll assess your specific needs, industry requirements, and growth plans to ensure you start with the right system. If you’re already using different software, we can evaluate whether to continue or transition.
What retirement plans are available for small business owners?
Options include SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, and traditional 401(k) plans. The best choice depends on your income, number of employees, desired contribution levels, and the administrative complexity you’re willing to handle. We’ll analyze your situation and recommend the plan that maximizes tax benefits while meeting your retirement goals.
What if I've already made decisions about my business structure?
That’s okay. We can review your current structure and determine if it still makes sense for your situation. As businesses grow and evolve, the optimal structure may change. We’ll provide an honest assessment and help you understand whether maintaining your current structure or making changes would benefit you.

Why choose our business foundation services?

We provide the financial foundation expertise that helps your business thrive:

  • Comprehensive analysis: We review all aspects of your business foundation needs.
  • Tax-focused strategies: Every recommendation considers your tax situation.
  • Industry expertise: We understand the unique needs of different business types.
  • Long-term thinking: Our solutions grow and adapt with your successful business.
  • Ongoing support: We’re here as your business foundation needs evolve.

Ready to build your business foundation the right way?

Don’t leave your business success to chance. Get expert guidance on the foundational decisions that will impact your financial health and growth potential for years to come.