Start-up funding
Although winning the lottery to get funding for your start-up might seem like an easier option than getting a bank loan, there are still other forms of finance out there.
Startup Funding and Grants
Advice on how to start your own business, with guides to help you plan, develop and finance a start-up company, plus recommendations on registering the business, its legal structure and finding financial backing for growth. Whether you are just beginning or have already taken the first steps and want to keep everything on track, our expert articles will give you the knowledge to help lead you to success, whilst maintaining a good work-life balance.
Starting a business can initially seem daunting, but with good support and a strong idea you can quickly pass through the key stages of the setting-up process and be able to launch your company with a solid foundation.
Topics covered include: regulations and requirements for company owners, finding and selecting the professional services you may need (such as banking, insurance, accountancy etc.), legal structure options (self-employed person, sole trader, a partnership or a limited company), business planning, UK start up funding sources and finding your first customers.
Although winning the lottery to get funding for your start-up might seem like an easier option than getting a bank loan, there are still other forms of finance out there.
Startup Funding and Grants
Business Ideas & Planning
I have been asked for an 'information memorandum' but am struggling to understand how this differs from the business plan. Could you please advise?
Success stories
It's brave to start a business, but even braver to ditch it in favour of something else. Jo Young did just that and has turned her sofa throw company, Urban Sprawl, into a spreading success.
Business Ideas & Planning
Hairdressing tops other professions for happiness levels and as an industry that attracts 340 million client visits a year, you can see why. So get chopping with our guide and start making waves as a salon owner.
Sole trader
Is it possible to set up as a sole trader while still being employed full-time?
Business Ideas & Planning
Jeff Brehaut set up his company Beach Volleyball in 2007 to build courts and run events.
Business Ideas & Planning
Here, SmallBusiness.co.uk speaks to owner-managers about the qualities that go towards making a successful entrepreneur.
Success stories
67-year-old Dragons' Den contestant Simeone Salik drew Duncan Bannatyne and James Caan to the potential of her product Blinds in a Box, after appearing on the show.
Business Ideas & Planning
Here, SmallBusiness.co.uk speaks to owner-managers about the qualities that go towards making a successful entrepreneur.
Success stories
67-year-old Dragons' Den contestant Simeone Salik drew Duncan Bannatyne and James Caan to the potential of her product Blinds in a Box, after appearing on the show.
Startup Funding and Grants
You don't have to give up your dream of starting your own business just because a bank turns you down. SmallBusiness.co.uk takes a look at the other finance options available for ambitious start ups.
Business Ideas & Planning
Ever since hit TV sitcom Friends reached our shores, lounging in coffee shops has become a national pastime – as seen by Costa’s plans to double its stores over the next five years. So here are some things to consider if you want to start your own coffee shop.
Business Ideas & Planning
I am a sole trader in my eighth year in business and am considering going limited. What are the advantages?
Advice
With everyone feeling the pinch at the moment here's a look at how different industries have been faring, and what lies ahead.
Partner content
Hospitality businesses have faced a number of challenges in the last couple of years. Find out what funding and support is available.
Business Loans
Everything you need to know on what small business loans are and what types of loan are available for your business.
Employing & managing staff
In Aviva’s latest SME research*, 57 per cent of employers surveyed agreed that nowadays employees expect benefits to protect against loss of income or earnings. What do you offer your people?
Partner content
Business broadband offers a host of advantages over standard domestic connections, here’s why you should be considering an upgrade