New business idea - where to start?

[springbabydays]

I realise a business plan would have to be put together before approaching a bank for a loan. Are there any good books anyone could recommend to guide us through?

We have big ideas but just need some direction as to what to do with them!

Thanks in advance.

Hoping someone will come along and comment!

Ahh thanks Nelly

I liked the book written by the women behind 'not on the high street.com'- I think it is called 'Start a business from the kitchen table' or something. I used their template for my P and L. You could also look at Enterprise Nation website. They have 'start up Saturday' courses where they will help you get started and help with business plan etc- your local chamber of commerce or council might have similar.....

Look up your local Business Enterprise Centre, they will guide you through the whole process. It's free! Business experts tell you all you need to know such as registering as Ltd co or Sole Trader, Business Plans, Forecasts paying your taxes!!!!!! This is very important - we must pay!

Do you have any clients? If you can show signed contracts which promise future earnings it helps.

Good luck!

Thank you both! I've started by ordering that book rightsaidfred

No potential clients as yet but I'm sure it'll all start slotting into place once we start working our way through.

there is a good basic guide published by the times. online there are lots of resources and templated for business plans. i found Wenta really good too

There are other ways of raising funds - Banks are being a bit tightfisted with our money at the moment but there are credit unions, crowd funding and lots of other options although all will require a good business plan, market research, cashflow forecasts.....(and yawn.....The tedious side of self employment!)

But a good Business Enterprise centre or Wenta's as Liberty mentions are the same thing, they'll help you with all that as well as Social Media marketing and website building.

Thanks I shall take a look.