1. Get creative – find out what idea/s you have for starting a business and start to work out which may be the idea that could fly (can you afford to start it? Do you have the skills needed to run it? Is there a market for your idea?)

2. Analyse – your market place, your current situation, any funding you might need to start up, any advice you need to seek, any legal issues you need to consider

3. Plan – now you’ve got an idea and you have worked out the finances you need to start it you need to make plans.  What specific things do you need to do before you can start the business, including attending any startup workshops such as the free HMRC workshops both online and in person.  Consider writing an action plan of tasks to do (plan the date you want to start the business and work backwards).

4. Check and check again – don’t rush into starting a business, it’s a risky thing to do so you need be sure before you go ahead.  Seek advice from a professional business advisor (check they are a qualified SFEDI advisor), plan your finances, perhaps even save up some contingency budget before you start and discuss it with your partner before you go ahead.

Enterprise As a Life offers workshops on a range of essential business startup topics, free of charge to anyone living in Leicester City.  You can also get access to free mentors to help you in those essential early days of starting a business.

Contact us to learn more on 0116 217 9250 and ask to speak to Kate Cowan.  Or email us at kate.cowan@springtoaction.co.uk

Enterprise As a Life is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Leicester City Council.