Guide
Business formation service vs. launch partner: what each does, and in what order
Formation services set up your legal entity; a launch partner takes you to market. What each covers, what they cost, and the order to do things.
Updated October 10, 2026 · 6 min read · For founders setting up a new business in the US or Canada
What each one does
| Formation service | Business Launch System | |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Creates and maintains your legal entity | Takes your business to market |
| Typical work | Name check, filing your articles of organization, EIN, operating agreement and compliance reminders (depends on the package) | Market research, offer and pricing, a five-page website, Google Business Profile, a press release on news sites, a social launch kit and a customer plan |
| Price | LegalZoom: US$0, US$249 or US$299. ZenBusiness: US$0, US$199 a year or US$299 a year. All plus state fees | US$1,997 (CA$2,797), one time; payment plans available |
| Ongoing costs | Optional yearly services, such as a registered agent (ZenBusiness lists US$199 a year) | No monthly hosting fees; your domain renewal is paid to your registrar |
| Legal help | Some packages include attorney consultations (for example, LegalZoom Pro) | Not included; we don't give legal or tax advice |
Formation prices are list prices for an LLC in the US, as of October 2026, from LegalZoom's and ZenBusiness's pricing pages. State filing fees are extra and vary by state. Some included services renew at a cost after a trial period; check the terms before you buy.
Where they overlap
Some formation packages include website tools. As of October 2026, LegalZoom's Pro package includes a customisable Wix website, and ZenBusiness includes a website builder trial with its plans and a domain and business email in its Premium plan.
These are do-it-yourself tools: you choose a template and write the words. The Business Launch System researches your market, shapes your offer and writes and builds the site for you. If you've already bought a domain through a formation package, tell us at intake so we can plan around it.
The order to do things
Every business is different, but this order avoids most rework.
- 1. Check the idea. Research demand, competitors and prices before you spend on paperwork or a website. You can do this yourself or with an Idea Deep Dive (US$147).
- 2. Choose a structure. The SBA notes that your structure affects your liability and taxes and is hard to change later, and suggests talking to a business counsellor, attorney or accountant.
- 3. Choose a name, and check that the domain and social handles you want are free at the same time.
- 4. Register. In the US, most LLCs and corporations register with their state, which you can do yourself or through a formation service. In Canada, you may register with your province or territory, or incorporate federally.
- 5. Set up the basics: tax ID numbers, licences and permits, a business bank account and insurance.
- 6. Launch. Build your website, Google profile and announcement under your registered name, so everything matches.
Do you need a formation service at all?
Not necessarily. You can file directly with your state, province or territory. A formation service saves you time and offers reminders and extra documents, which many owners find worth the fee. Compare what's included, and what renews, before you choose.
The brands named here mainly serve US businesses. In Canada, start with the Government of Canada's guide to registering a business.
Questions
Do I need an LLC before I launch?
Not always. Some owners start as sole proprietors and form an entity later. The SBA explains the trade-offs in liability and taxes; an accountant or attorney can tell you what suits you.
Can I start the launch before my registration is done?
You can start the research and offer work early. It's best to finish the website, Google profile and announcement once your business name is settled, so you don't have to change them later.
Do you form LLCs or corporations?
No. We don't file formation documents or give legal or tax advice. Use a formation service, an attorney or your government's registry for that, and we'll take care of going to market.
My formation package came with a website. Do I still need a launch?
Maybe not. If you're happy to research, write and build it yourself, the included tools may be enough. A launch makes sense when you want the research, offer, words and announcement done for you.
Sources
- LegalZoom: LLC pricing (as of October 2026)
- ZenBusiness: Compare formation plans (as of October 2026)
- ZenBusiness: Pricing for add-on services (as of October 2026)
- U.S. Small Business Administration: Choose a business structure
- U.S. Small Business Administration: Register your business
- Government of Canada: Register your business with the government
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules differ by location; check with your own adviser.
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