Frequently asked questions
Straight answers. No hype.
What exactly does the platform do?
FirstBearing helps you start and grow a small business with a personalized roadmap, plain-English guidance, and tools for planning, compliance, funding readiness, and customer acquisition.
Can you form my LLC for me?
We guide you through the process and point you to official filing options. We do not file on your behalf unless a specific service explicitly offers that—and we always show official state options first.
Do I need an LLC?
It depends on your situation, location, liability, and goals. We help you understand common options and when professional advice may be worthwhile. We do not provide individualized legal advice.
Do you provide legal advice?
No. We are not a law firm. We explain steps, point to official resources, and tell you when an attorney may be appropriate.
Do you provide tax advice?
No. We are not a CPA firm. We explain common tax-related steps and when a tax professional may be appropriate.
Do you guarantee funding or grants?
No. We help you understand funding readiness and prepare materials—we do not guarantee approval.
Can you help me find customers?
Yes, after launch. We help you think through customer acquisition based on your business type and budget. Results depend on your market, offer, and execution.
Does the platform work after my business launches?
Yes. Goals, growth planning, lead tracking, and ongoing next steps continue after launch.
What if I do not know anything about business?
That is exactly who we built this for. We explain steps in plain English and show you what to do next.
What if I am still working full-time?
Many customers start part-time. Your plan can reflect available hours and a realistic timeline.
How much money do I need to start?
It varies widely by business type and location. Your assessment helps estimate startup costs for your situation.
Is it free? Do I need a card?
Building your plan is free, no credit card required. You sign up with just an email and password. We don't ask for a card unless you decide to subscribe to keep FirstBearing running for you. (An account that never gets that far locks after 7 days as a safeguard — nothing is ever charged automatically.)
What happens if I don't subscribe?
Your account switches to read-only — everything you built stays and you can keep reading it. Subscribing ($19.99/month) unlocks the Operator, new document generation, market research, and growth tools again. Nothing is ever charged automatically.
How does payment work?
Only if you choose to subscribe: $19.99/month, billed monthly through Stripe, one plan, no tiers. See Pricing for what's included.
Can I cancel?
Yes, anytime from Billing. You keep access through the end of the month you already paid for. Before you subscribe there's nothing to cancel — no card, no charge.
What if it's not for me?
Then don't subscribe — nothing happens and you're never charged; your plan stays saved and readable. If you're already a paying member, there's a 14-day money-back guarantee on your first payment — email support@firstbearing.org within 14 days of that charge and we'll refund it in full, no questions asked.
Is advertising included in the subscription?
Planning and guidance for customer acquisition are included. Your actual ad spend is separate—you choose and authorize your own budget. We do not take a percentage of your ad spend.
What happens after I start?
As soon as you sign up, we build your personalized roadmap and guide you to your first next step on your Today page.
Still have questions? Contact us