The ROBS Process
Here’s exactly what happens from your first click to a funded business.Phase 1: Eligibility Screening
You answer questions about your retirement accounts, capital needs, and employment plans. The screening is quick (about 2 minutes) and tells you immediately whether you qualify. What you’ll provide:- Retirement account types and balances
- Total capital needed and cash available to invest
- Business type (new, acquisition, or franchise)
- Full-time employment commitment
- Whether you’re eligible, potentially eligible, or not eligible
- How much of your funding gap ROBS can cover
- Next steps if you qualify
Phase 2: Full Application
Once screened, you complete the detailed application. Progress is auto-saved — you can leave and come back anytime.Retirement Plan Details
For each retirement account: plan type, custodian, current balance, vested amount, outstanding loans, and in-service rollover availability.
Business Information
Business name, incorporation state (Delaware or Nevada), industry, business address, initial capitalization amount, and intended use of funds.
Document Upload
Most recent retirement account statement (required), government-issued ID (required), and business plan (optional).
Compliance Certifications
Five acknowledgments covering prohibited transactions, ROBS requirements, contribution obligations, employment commitment, and distribution rules.
Phase 3: Expert Review
After submission, our team reviews your application with AI-assisted compliance analysis.- Automated compliance audit checks your application against IRS regulations, case law, and audit guidance
- Human expert review verifies eligibility, documents, and business plan feasibility
- You’ll receive an email confirmation and can track status from your dashboard
Phase 4: Consultation
We schedule a consultation call to discuss your specific situation, answer questions, and finalize your plan structure. This typically covers:- Jurisdiction selection rationale (Delaware vs. Nevada vs. home state)
- Capitalization structure and share pricing
- Compliance requirements and ongoing obligations
- Timeline expectations
Phase 5: Entity Formation
With your plan confirmed, we guide the formation of your C-Corporation:- Name filing — you submit 3 name preferences, we confirm availability
- State filing — C-Corp formed in your chosen jurisdiction
- EIN — IRS Employer Identification Number obtained
- Corporate governance — bylaws, initial board actions, and stock certificates generated
Phase 6: Payment
After your application is approved, you’ll be prompted to pay the $5,000 setup fee through our Stripe-powered checkout. No payment is required before approval.Phase 7: Plan Documents & Approval
Once payment is confirmed, the system generates your complete document package:| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Adoption Agreement | Formalizes the C-Corp’s adoption of the 401(k) plan |
| Trust Agreement | Establishes the trust that holds plan assets |
| Plan Highlights | Summary of plan terms for participants |
| Funding Policy | Investment policy for plan funds |
| Stock Purchase Agreement | Agreement for the plan to purchase C-Corp stock |
| Board Resolutions | Corporate authorization of the plan and stock issuance |
Phase 8: Rollover & Funding
The final stage — getting your business funded:- Rollover initiation — your existing retirement custodian transfers funds to the new 401(k)
- Stock purchase — the 401(k) plan purchases shares in your C-Corporation at par value
- Capital deployment — the corporation now has working capital from the stock sale proceeds
- Compliance monitoring begins — deadline tracking, Form 5500 preparation, and quarterly reviews
Check Your Eligibility
Ready to start? Check your eligibility first.