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 thriving 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 brought 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
Market research is essential to find out whether there will be enough demand for the products and services you plan to sell.
Key Contacts and Organisations for Startups
There are specific organisations that startups must contact before they start trading.
- Locations
- Sectors
- Needs
Staying Safe Online
Advice and tips to help your business stay safe online.
NatWest Business Builder
Learn how to take your idea or early-stage business to the next level.
Business Enterprise Workshop
Advice on starting your own business or becoming self-employed.
An Introduction to Self-Employment
An overview of what it takes to be self-employed.
Internet of Things (IoT)
Advice and tips to help your business use the Internet of Things safely.
Start Up Step Up London
Support for Londoners to improve their enterprise skills.
EU Transition Business Resource Hub
Support for businesses to prepare for the end of the transition period.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Support for Businesses and Employers
Support to help businesses and employers respond to COVID-19.
Support for Tech Startups from OneTech
OneTech supports underrepresented tech startup founders.
Introduction to Copyright for Business
Learn the basics behind copyright protection.
Introduction to Patents Searching
Learn the basics behind patent protection and registration.
Why You Need a Trade Mark and How to Search for One
Lean how to choose and protect a business name.
The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme
The Prince's Trust Enterprise Programme provides free start-up support to young people.
Business Launchpad
Business Launchpad supports young people to start and develop their business.
Start-ups in London Libraries
The SiLL project supports early-stage and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Edge of the Box Club
The Edge of the Box Club helps job seekers to start their own business.
Start and Grow Your Business with the BIPC
Resources, support and workshops for startups and growing businesses.
Electronic Resources from City Business Library
City Business Library provides specialist resources for startups and small businesses.
London Borough of Westminster
Advice, support and information for businesses in Westminster.
Enterprise Enfield
Enterprise Enfield supports local businesses to start-up and succeed.
Enterprise Steps
Free support for pre-start, startup and established businesses.
Entrepreneur First: Build Your Startup
Support for ambitious individuals to find a co-founder and start their business.
The Startup Accelerator
The Startup Accelerator works with startups to help them launch an idea.
London Borough of Barnet
Advice, support and information for businesses in Barnet.
London Borough of Bexley
Advice, support and information for businesses in Bexley.
London Borough of Brent
Advice, support and information for businesses in Brent.
London Borough of Bromley
Advice, support and information for businesses in Bromley.
London Borough of Camden
Advice, support and information for businesses in Camden.
London Borough of Croydon
Advice, support and information for businesses in Croydon.
London Borough of Ealing
Advice, support and information for businesses in Ealing.
London Borough of Enfield
Advice, support and information for businesses in Enfield.
London Borough of Hackney
Advice, support and information for businesses in Hackney.
London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
Advice, support and information for businesses in Hammersmith and Fulham.
Haringey Business Lounge
Information and support to help startups in Haringey to get going and grow.
Ignite – Support for Tech-enabled Startups
Ignite runs programmes to support technology-enabled start-ups.
New Enterprise Allowance
Support for people on certain benefits to start a business.
London Borough of Haringey
Advice, support and information for businesses in Haringey.
London Borough of Harrow
Advice, support and information for businesses in Harrow.
London Borough of Havering
Advice, support and information for businesses in Havering.
London Borough of Hillingdon
Advice, support and information for businesses in Hillingdon.
London Borough of Hounslow
Advice, support and information for businesses in Hounslow.
London Borough of Islington
Advice, support and information for businesses in Islington.
London Borough of Lambeth
Advice, support and information for businesses in Lambeth.
London Borough of Lewisham
Advice, support and information for businesses in Lewisham.
London Borough of Merton
Advice, support and information for businesses in Merton.
London Borough of Newham
Advice, support and information for businesses in Newham.
London Borough of Redbridge
Advice, support and information for businesses in Redbridge.
The Importance of Market Research
Learn why market research is important and how to get started.
How Important is Networking for Your Business
Discover how networking can help small businesses.
The Importance of IP
This blog looks at the importance of intellectual property.
London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
Advice, support and information for businesses in Richmond upon Thames.
London Borough of Southwark
Advice, support and information for businesses in Southwark.
London Borough of Sutton
Advice, support and information for businesses in Sutton.
London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Advice, support and information for businesses in Tower Hamlets.
London Borough of Waltham Forest
Advice, support and information for businesses in Waltham Forest.
London Borough of Wandsworth
Advice, support and information for businesses in Wandsworth.
