Planning

Without a plan, how do you know where you’re going?

We know you’re ambitious and we know you’re enthusiastic. We know you want to make this work. After all, why else would you be here?

But getting ahead of yourself can be just as big of a problem as falling behind. That’s why we’re here – to guide you through these early stages and to make sure you’re not only doing it, but doing it right.

We want to help you make sense of your ideas and see you turn them into a triving business. We’re here to help you with the intricacies of planning and to help you avoid all the pitfalls that make these early stages so difficult to navigate.

We’ve also bought together a range of business toolkits to help you develop your business idea and get started. You can explore our toolkits below, as well as find relevant support, resources and events.

How to Conduct Start-up Market Research

An overview of key considerations for start-up market research.

Go to How to Conduct Start-up Market Research

How to Write a Business Plan

A business plan will help you set targets and plan for the future.

Go to How to Write a Business Plan

Key Contacts and Organisations for Startups

There are organisations that startups must contact before trading.

Go to Key Contacts and Organisations for Startups

Resource
LBH Content
Business Ready Podcast
A new series of podcasts focused on business resilience.

Resource
Mayor of London Business Support Schemes
Browse upcoming projects and opportunities for your business.

Event
Hatch Talks: Challenges in Building Sustainable Businesses
A panel discussion on building sustainability into your business.

Resource
Business Support for Early Years Providers in Haringey
Business support surgeries and resources for early years providers in Haringey.

Event
How to Start a Business
An overview of key considerations when starting a business.

Resource
Grow with Google
Receive free, tailored one-to-one mentoring via Google Mentoring.

Article
Looking for Finance for Your Business?
Find out what your main options are.

Resource
City of London Early Years Hub
Early years services for practitioners in the City of London.

Event
How to Start a Business
An overview of key considerations when starting a business.

Event
How to Start a Business
An overview of key considerations when starting a business.

Resource
Strong Early Years London – Business Consultancy
Free business consultancy from early years experts.

Resource
Harrow Council Early Years Team
Support for early years providers in Harrow.

Resource
LBH Content
Health & Wellbeing Hub
Resources and support to help promote workplace health and wellbeing.

Resource
Introduction to Childcare – Taster Training Programme
An introduction to working within the early years sector.

Update
LBH Content
London Business Hub – Business Support Programme
Supporting businesses to start, sustain and grow.

Event
How to Start a Business
An overview of key considerations when starting a business.

Resource
DAGILE – Digital Skills and Leadership Training
Free online digital skills and leadership training.

Resource
LBH Content
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Support for Businesses and Employers
Support to help businesses and employers respond to COVID-19.

Resource
Strong Early Years London
An introduction to the Strong Early Years London business support programme.

Resource
Sutton Early Years Advisory Team
Support for early years providers in Sutton.

Resource
LBH Content
Wayfinder
Advice for business owners in Lambeth, Southwark and Wandsworth.

Resource
Business Smart from PACEY
Business advice and ideas for childminders.

Resource
Early Years and Childcare Training and Qualifications with PACEY
Training and continuing professional development for early years professionals.

Resource
Nursery Business Consultancy Services
Business consultancy packages to support early years settings.

Article
LBH Content
How London’s SMEs Can Help Support the Safety of Women Across the Capital
Advice on how to ensure women stay safe across the capital at night.

Resource
Strong Early Years London: Free Business Support
A free dedicated helpline for London's early years providers.

Resource
Information for Childcare Professionals Working in Kingston and Richmond
Resources for early years providers in Kingston and Richmond.

Resource
LBH Content
Glossary of Brexit Terms
An overview of common terms to help you prepare for the end of the transition.

Resource
Dream Bigger
Support for young females to develop entrepreneurial skills.

Resource
NatWest Business Builder
Learn how to take your idea or business to the next level.

Resource
LBH Content
Start Up Step Up London
Support for Londoners to improve their enterprise skills.

Resource
LBH Content
Brexit Ready Podcast
Hear how other businesses have prepared for the end of the transition.

Resource
Bespoke and Up-to-date Training for Early Years Practitioners
Leadership and management training for early years professionals.

Resource
Business Launchpad
Business Launchpad supports young people to start and develop their business.

Resource
Start-ups in London Libraries
The SiLL project supports early-stage and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Resource
Start and Grow Your Business with the BIPC
Resources, support and workshops for startups and growing businesses.

Resource
Electronic Resources from the Small Business Research + Enterprise Centre
City Business Library provides specialist resources for startups and small businesses.