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Business ideas, planning and naming

Take your first steps in starting a business by choosing a business model, testing if there's a market for your business and creating a name and brand.

Choosing a business model

Your business model is how you deliver your business and how it makes money. You could start from scratch, selling services or products, or buy into an existing business or franchise.

Testing and validating your business idea

Establish that your idea is something that can make money, that there’s space in the market for you and that your finances are solid enough to get you through the first year.

Naming your business

A strong business name makes you memorable to customers and helps you stand out from competitors, but it must comply with naming rules.

Creating your business brand

Your brand is how you will connect with your customers. It sets the tone for how you present your business to the world.

Going full time with your business idea

Making the leap from side hustle to full time business is a big step. Find out what you need to carefully consider.

Support that's shaped around you

Enter your postcode and what your business will do to find:

  • free one-to-one advice
  • funding opportunities for new businesses
  • trade associations who represent people like you
Find the right support for the business you want to build

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