Setting up my own business. Do I need to provide anyone with references?

[DeliaTrotter]

I have been a SAHM for a no. of years. Before this I held job roles which meant I had to be very resourceful and I have also done some volunteer work where I have done fundraising and made the organisation quite a lot of money. I also come from a family of people who run their own businesses so I do think it is for me.

I have not fully decided on the business yet, but it will be taking an interest to market. My plan is to firstly take advantage of the many indoor markets and events that we have on in my area and sell my products via this and set up my own website and possibly other avenues.

Anyone else set up a business like this and care to share any restrictions on them. This may seem a silly question but one of the things I keep coming across on here is not being able to apply for jobs due to lack of references. I don't have any decent recent references as I was a SAHM and before that I lived and worked overseas for 15 years.

If I set up my own business from scratch do I need any kind of references?

[MoreNougatThanCougar]

Who would want to see them? You?

[MikeUniformMike]

No, but you may find they help. Presumably you will be setting up as a sole trader at some point. There is probably a local business enterprise organisation that can give you advice.

[madmum5811]

Round here we join a market consortium, so are under an umbrella so to speak. Have a FB page. Get folk to share. My friend sells goats milk products she works through the consortium. It is useful they list for you all the markets going on, you make good friends. Her FB page is liked and shared.

[justbeginit]

firstly you have to ask yourself what the references would be for then work back. For example

1 funding - definitely would want references for it. This could be from banks, they charge for this or the obvious credit reference.
2 suppliers - maybe but if your paying in advance (which generally you have to at start up) they wont care.
3 customers - the product needs to sell to get the testimonials then you shout about it whenever and wherever you can.

I'm sure there are more examples but the fundimental is to ask what its for then would you want a ref if you where in that position.