In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen and April Smith get back to basics. They break down the key steps for setting up your ABA business the right way — from licensing and ownership rules to credit card strategies and company naming pitfalls.

It’s a practical, down-to-earth conversation full of lessons learned and advice every ABA business owner should hear — whether you’re just starting out or getting ready to grow.

Key Takeaways

• Get your licenses in order. Many ABA businesses need multiple permits depending on their services and state. Don’t skip this step — it can save you big headaches later.
• Check ownership laws. States like New York (and soon Illinois) require practices to be owned by licensed professionals. Always confirm with an advisor before registering your business.
• Pick a smart name. Your business name and professional email setup can shape first impressions and help you stand out.
• Use credit cards wisely. When insurance payments lag, a business credit card can help you smooth out cash flow.
• Plan for growth. As your business expands, your systems, policies, and even your insurance coverage need to evolve too.
• Document your changes. Keeping notes on what’s working and what’s not makes it easier to delegate and improve operations as you grow.

Sponsored by Live Oak Bank

This episode is sponsored by Live Oak Bank — the go-to financial partner for ABA providers. Live Oak offers flexible lending and specialized healthcare financing to help your business grow responsibly.

👉 Learn more here: https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/live-oak-bank

Resources & Links

📋 The Essential List for a Successful Business Your checklist for building a strong ABA foundation: 👉 https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24

🎧 ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs Earn CEUs while you learn:

👉 https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

💼 ABA Business Readiness Assessment Find out if your ABA business is ready to scale:

👉 https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment

💡 ABA Billing Tips Simple tips to keep your cash flow strong:

👉 https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

🗓 Book a Consultation with Stephen Smith Get expert advice for your ABA business:

👉 https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page

Want to Get in Touch?

Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline at (737) 330-1432 — they’d love to hear from you!