> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://market-launchpad-com.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://market-launchpad-com.gitbook.io/docs/create/before-you-launch.md).

# Before you launch

A Market project starts with a real physical business and a story people can recognize. A meaningful launch gives that story accurate attribution, a clear token identity and a disclosed path for the business's planned fee share.

> Public launches are closed. You can prepare a draft; the launch guide describes the intended journey once launching is enabled.

## Choose a place with something to say

A shop's mascot, a distinctive owner, a local ritual or a documented comeback can give a project an identity. Bring the original source and the precise place, rather than a generic business category or an unrelated trending name.

Confirm the business name, address, location and source. Check whether the story concerns the specific branch you selected. An illustration, a search result or a popular name alone does not establish an eligible place.

## Understand your relationship to the business

You may discover a place without owning it. State your role accurately. Do not present a community project as an official business announcement unless you have the authority to do so.

The business's existence, a project's review, the representative's authority and a claim's payment are different checks. A token's existence does not demonstrate that the business endorsed it. See [business verification](https://market-launchpad-com.gitbook.io/docs/business/verifying-your-business).

## Prepare the essentials

Before submitting a project, gather:

* The exact business identity and a public source that supports the story.
* A clear token name, ticker and suitable image. A description is optional.
* Any business relationship or permission you can substantiate.
* A Citizen account and the wallet that will actually create the token when launches open.
* Enough SOL for the costs displayed in the eventual transaction preview.

Use images and names you are entitled to use. Avoid impersonation, misleading ownership claims, personal information about staff or customers, and claims of guaranteed returns.

## What launching does and does not establish

An original finalized launch can become an eligible Citizen result. Saving a draft, being approved for review or sharing a project is not an on-chain launch.

A business token is a crypto asset associated with a story. It does not automatically represent business equity, ownership of the premises, a claim on the business's profits or an entitlement to its goods.

Review [fees](https://market-launchpad-com.gitbook.io/docs/fees/trading-fees) and [token risks](https://market-launchpad-com.gitbook.io/docs/trust/token-risks) before committing to a launch. The token's actual record and transaction preview must match what you expect.

**Next:** [Prepare a draft](https://market-launchpad-com.gitbook.io/docs/create/prepare-a-draft)