Plan your business
If your business idea is going to succeed, you will need a well thought out plan. A business plan lets people know that you’re serious and have something to offer. A good plan will unlock the door to funding and support by demonstrating that you’ve thought about many aspects of your new company including its outgoings and profit.
A business plan will help you:
- manage your finances
- assess whether your idea is realistic and feasible
- raise money and financial backing
- gauge the success of your business on an ongoing basis.
Our favourite links
startups.co.uk Visit the Startups website for articles which will help you understand what's involved in writing a business plan, as well as the latest news on the topic of business planning.
businesslink.gov.uk Business Link offers practical advice and lots of links to assist with writing your business plan.
shell-livewire.org Shell LiveWIRE has a comprehensive guide to everything you'll need to write your plan. If you get stuck you can always ask a mentor.
smallbusinessadvice.org.ukThe Small Business Advice has a number of free business planning templates for you to download.
Other useful links
bplans.co.uk Bplans provides articles, resources and tools to help you write your business plan.
teneric.co.uk The UK's largest business planning site. Visit this website to get sample business plans, planning wizards and useful templates written by industry experts and planning professionals.