Hi, I'm looking for some guidance from others who have started their own business from scratch.
I’ve recently launched a small business called Maple Path, creating calm, emotionally‑safe resources for children who struggle with anxiety, school avoidance, or communication overwhelm. I used to work in mainstream and special schools (TA, 1:1, attendance support, anxiety practitioner), and I’m now building tools aimed to be accessible and genuinely helpful for families, such as communication cards, parent guides, and booklets children can use at home or school. I’m really proud of what I’m making, but I don’t have a big budget for ads. I’ve contacted a few local schools and have had some positive conversations, including one order, as well as one order through my website, but I’d love to hear how others managed those early stages of visibility.
If you’ve built a small business, especially anything child or parent‑focused, how did you promote it in the beginning? Did anything work particularly well for you (local groups, partnerships, email newsletters, community events, etc.)? And is there anything you wish you’d done sooner?
Any advice or experiences would be massively appreciated. Thank you.