Small Business Resources

Small business resources for starting up a new business or growing an existing small business from successful entrepreneurs.

Starting and running a business is hard work and we always advocate that each small business should write a business plan in the first instance whether they simply want to see if their idea will be a success or need a bank loan.

Work through the articles below that cover topics from finance to marketing and sales to managing costs. If you have further questions please log onto our free business forums for more help and advice.

Small business starting up resource articles

The following articles are for people thinking of starting a new business or have a new start up and need some additional help

• Thinking of starting up a new business ?
  Then just do it - if you are thinking we show you how to start.
  
  
• Environmental Planning
  How your business impacts the environment is important news these days and this article shows how you can minimise this and also what taxes you may have to pay
  
  
• business angels funding
  Are business angels any good for your business ? find out now
  
  
• small business loans for UK startups
  If you need a loan for your small business then check out these tips and places to go to raise that finance
  
  
• Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme
  The Dti runs a scheme to guarantee up to 75% of a business loan. This article shows you what you need to undertake to receive a loan under the scheme guarantee.
  
  
• Government small business grants
  This article contains vital information on government small business grants that are available around the UK. If this doesn't help you simply search for "government grant" in Google, because there are plenty available.
  
  
• Tips for raising finance
  Most small businesses will need to raise finance at some time. Here are our top tips on raising finance with banks.
  
  
• Raise $100,000 for your small business
  There are plenty of ways you can raise finance for your small business - or are there? This article takes you through some of these ways and points you towards areas where you can get this finance from.
  
  
• How to improve your credit score
  To get new credit you'll need a good credit score. If you don't then here are some tips to improve your credit score over time.
  
  
• Small business start up tips
  Starting your own small business is one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences you will ever embark on.
  
  
• Business plan preparation
  Before you start your plan you need to prepare a few things - see what they are.
  
  
• Business plan help
  Additional tips, advice and general help to write a business plan.
  
  
• New business startup checks
  Thinking of starting a business? then see if you are ready and what you need to ensure it's a success.

Developing a small business articles

These articles have ideas and advice to help you develop an existing business.

• keeping sales high in the summer
  The summer months tend to be slow - here are some tips to boost sales
  
  
• Hot business trends
  Want to know what's hot this year - and maybe next year? These trends are vital to at least follow and maybe prepare plans to be ahead of your competition
  
  
• Small Business Growth
  The first in a series of articles to ensure your small business grows. This explains about effectively communicating with your customers.
  
  
• Marketing Development
  Don't just rely on one or two forms of marketing. If you do, you may be in trouble. Spread your marketing risk and reap the rewards.
  
  
• Ineffective advertising
  Advertising is expensive so ensure it's effective.
  
  
• How to reduce overhead cost and marketing costs
  10 tips to reduce your overhead cost and marketing costs and all costs for your small business. The way to make more profit is either to have more sales or reduce costs -- here's half of that equation for you.
  
  
• Sales Management Techniques
  There are many ways to get sales - we discuss them all
  
  
• Quick marketing fixes
  A round up of proven marketing methods to revive a small business in need of new prospects
  
  
• how to improve an existing business
  If you have an existing business in need of more revenues and customers here are some pointers to improving your profits
  
  
• UK VAT registration advice
  Do you need to register for VAT?
  
  

Be sure to check back on these small business resources soon