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

Event
Strong Early Years London: Business Connect – Key Elements for Effective Budgeting
Budget management for early years providers.

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

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

Event
Innovating for Growth: Get Started (Part Two)
Key considerations when starting your own business.

Event
Innovating for Growth: Get Started (Part One)
Key considerations when starting your own business.

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

Event
Start Up Essentials
An overview of what's involved when starting a business.

Event
Start Up Essentials
An overview of what's involved when starting a business.

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

Resource
LBH Content
Step Four and Working Safely During COVID-19
Advice on working safely during COVID-19.

Resource
LBH Content
Step Four and Easing COVID-19 Restrictions
Overview of changes following the move to step four.

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

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
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
LBH Content
EU Post-Transition Business Resource Hub
Support for firms to adapt to new rules for business and trade.

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

Resource
LBH Content
Easing of Lockdown Restrictions
An overview of the Government's plan to ease lockdown restrictions.

Resource
LBH Content
Strong Early Years London: Business Support Helpline
A 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.

Event
Becoming A Childminder in Enfield (Pre-registration Session)
Help to decide if becoming a childminder is right for you.

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
Timeline of COVID-19 Restrictions in London
A timeline of restrictions in London.

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

Event
Introduction to Business Start-up
Advice and tips on starting your own business.

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.