Getting someone to review business idea

CocoPopsLover

Does anyone know where I can get help to review a business plan. Business Link said they can only send me on courses, not help me review my plan so now I don't know where to turn.

I could think my business plan is great but it could be the crappiest around lol!

Any help highly appreciated!

paddyrg

Therein lies the problem - you might be right and have the best idea in the world, and nobody else has the experience to be able to comment! And 'advice' would be dangerous - if you followed it and things went wrong, you might sue!

You could get an NDA/no-compete agreement written up and find some venture capitalists/business 'angels' for investment - they will quickly rip your business plan apart if it is weak.

paulwf

Business Link reviewed my business plan for me...maybe their policy has changed? You could also see if there are any regional enterprise agencies and business groups that can help, they can usually offer a more personal service.

The important question is what is your aim when getting it reviewed? If it is to get bank funding then take your plan to banks you don't actually want on board and pitch to them first and use their comments to improve before you approach the banks you do want.

If your aim is to make sure your figures stack up then ask an accountant. If your aim is to make sure the business has an actual market then do a trial run and so on.

The problem you will have with any advisor is that unless they know the business inside out they can only offer generic advice. This is still incredibly useful but don't rely on the advice too much, I knew my market inside out and knew it would work but because a lot of advisors weren't the target market they hadn't heard of it and were skeptical. Still, I got the bank manager on board and that's all that matters

CocoPopsLover

All I want someone to do is make sure my business plan is clear and self explanatory and I need help with making sure that I have completed my tables correctly. I don't really require bank funding right now but it is a possibility that this is something I might look at later.

paulwf

If it is for internal use only then as long as it is clear and self explanatory to you that is all that matters at this stage

I would probably suggest getting an accountant so they can review all the figures with you. If you just want a business mentor why not join one of the many business networking groups and see if someone will give you their experience?

lazymoezy

A business plan would only work if you 100% believe in it. If you're just simply looking for a brief conclusion to your plan i.e. layouit, key points and so on, the I won't mind having a look at it for you (you can take out jey info for obvious reasons if you want!)

Im no expert but I have done a few, studied business in college and uni and have a good idea of how one should be out to together.