Practical template
Small Business Risk Checklist Template
Small Business Checklist Template
Use this small business checklist template to evaluate risks before buying, opening, renewing a lease, or taking over a shop.
When to use this template
- Buying an existing business
- Opening a shop
- Renewing a lease
- Evaluating a franchise
- Paying a transfer fee
Risk checklist
Cash flow
Calculate conservative revenue, gross margin, fixed costs, owner pay, working capital, break-even, and survival through weak months.
Lease
Review total occupancy cost, term, increases, assignment, renewal, guarantees, repair duties, permitted use, and exit restrictions.
Location
Observe visibility, access, parking, nearby demand, traffic quality, competition, construction, and neighborhood change.
Demand
Separate measured demand from estimates. Test seasonality, channel dependence, price sensitivity, and local alternatives.
Customer return
Measure repeat behavior, concentration, churn, referrals, complaints, refunds, and dependence on one person or platform.
Owner dependency
List the skills, hours, relationships, approvals, and undocumented knowledge required from the current or future owner.
Hidden costs
Include repairs, compliance, taxes, deposits, fees, inventory loss, staffing changes, financing, transition, and exit costs.
How to use the template
- Write the decision and the irreversible commitment it creates.
- For each risk area, separate verified facts from assumptions.
- Record the evidence required to resolve each assumption.
- Stress-test downside rather than relying only on the expected case.
- Decide whether to proceed, delay, renegotiate, or reject.