Free business accounting basics and bookkeeping support for small business

Starting a Small Business

New Business Often when starting a small business you have a great idea, but your skills will need to be developed. So many small businesses fail due to planning not being done. It could be that you know where your work will come from for the first three months, but have you planned for the future.

There is lots advice available. If you know someone who has already started their own company, talk to them. Find out how they started, how they organised their company, how they complete their accounts. It is also worth getting advice from an accountant, bank manager and business advisor.

There are many questions you will need to answer before starting up your company.

Have a look at each of our guides for further tips on starting a small business.

Incorporation

One of the first things to consider when starting is how you are going to organise your business, several options are available including being self employed and starting a company registered at companies' house. You may even buy into a franchise, which is already set up. Have a look at our company formations guide.

Registering for VAT

Many small companies may not need to register for VAT, but for some it will be an advantage to register.

Grants for starting a small business

There are many starting grants available for starting a small business; we have provided contacts for getting a business grant.

Business Banking

There are so many bank accounts available. How do you choose which one? If you are looking for money for starting a business the bank may be the right place to apply. Look at the Company banking guide.

Web Site

Will you benefit from having a web site? A good quality web site can be an excellent way to get customers to come to you, offering you a way of presenting your business to prospective customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Insurance

You will need insurance, but which types of insurance are right for your small business.

Planning

Every small business needs a plan, especially when starting, without a plan there is more chance that the business will fail. These can be from the simplest of plans to a full cash profit and cash forecast required to raise finance.

How to find professional help?

There are many professionals who can advise you on business; this is a short guide on how to find accountants and solicitors.

Starting an eBay business.

Many successful businesses sell on eBay; here is a short guide on starting to sell on eBay.

More Guides

If you are starting a new venture, you should also take a look at our small business guide.

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