A state in which to incorporate is selected.
The articles of incorporation are prepared and filed. The articles generally should include the corporate name, duration, nature and purpose, capital structure, internal organization, registration, registered office and agent, and incorporators.
The certificate of incorporation (or charter), which authorizes the corporation to conduct business, is received from the appropriate state office (usually the Secretary of State) after the articles of incorporation have been filed.
The first organizational meeting is held after the charter is granted, the board of directors is elected and other business completed (bylaws passed, stock issued, and so on).