Governance Toolkit / Board essentials
Board essentials · Editable Word document · FreeFounder's First Board Checklist (Word)
What to set up as you form your first board: composition, cadence, information rights, board papers and outside directors.
Version 1.0 · Last updated
What it is
What to set up as you form your first board: composition, cadence, information rights, board papers and outside directors. It is a plain Word file you can edit, brand and adapt.
Who it's for
Founders.
When to use it
Use it when forming a first board or preparing to add outside directors.
How to use it
- Work through each section before the meeting or event the checklist covers.
- Mark what is in place and assign an owner and date to anything that is not.
- Keep the completed checklist with the board's records and revisit it at the next review.
Preview of contents
- Structure: ☐ Confirm board seats and who appoints them under your financing documents
- Cadence: ☐ Agree a regular schedule (often every 6–8 weeks early on)
- Information: ☐ Agree a standard monthly or quarterly metrics update
- Governance basics: ☐ Keep minutes and a resolutions log from the first meeting
- Getting value from the board: ☐ Tell each director what you want from them
Get the template
Download the templateWord (.docx), 37 KB
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Review with counsel before adoption. Templates are general resources, not legal advice.