Starting Your Own Business

You are considering starting up your own business. If it works out it could change your lifestyle (and any family you have) forever.

Online Screening
First, as it's such an important decision, you may like to complete our unique online screening questionnaire to determine a little about who you are and your background. It will take around 10-15 minutes to complete but could be time well spent! It is completely confidential and you will receive feedback within 3-5 days.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE.

Alternatively, you can complete online and print your own copy.

Business Plan
Depending on the feedback and your enthusiasm, you may then decide to draft a Business Plan to provide structure and substance to what you want to do.

Should you be thinking of seeking a bank loan to start up your business, they will almost certainly ask to see a business plan.

A typical business plan can be downloaded at
www.becauseyoucan.com/downloads/15_5abusiness_plan.doc

We have also developed a workbook to help you develop your business plan.

CLICK HERE TO PRINT YOUR WORKBOOK COPY.

Raising Funding for Your Business
Your personal circumstances and the nature and scope of your business will largely determine who you approach for external funding. The two principal ways new businesses are financed are bank loans or someone investing money in return for a stake in your business.

All the major banks have online services through which you can download templates of business plans and financial forecasts. Clicks links for relevant web sites.

Depending on your locality and other criteria, your start-up may also qualify for grants which aim to stimulate enterprise in disadvantaged communities. There are local council grants, government grants and European monies available.

The web site www.dti.gov.uk can help you identify sources and criteria. Your local council can help as does the web site www.j4b.co.uk which provides updated databases on grants and loans.

There are special schemes aimed at supporting women in business, ethnic businesses and other minorities. Where you have a sound relationship with a bank, then it is worthwhile asking them to review your business plan.

The government's national network of business links and nine regional development agencies can also help: www.businesslink.org/cgi-bin/bv1/home_page.jsp Tel: 0845 6009006. www.consumer.gov.uk/rda/index.htm.

In Wales, the Welsh Development Agency offers a range of services to start ups and existing businesses www.wda.co.uk/en/start_your_own_business/index.cfm. In Scotland, Scottish Business in the Community provides support www.sbcscot.com. For Northern Ireland, visit www.detini.gov.uk.