Resources for starting a small business

Lova_2

I'm doing some research on starting a new business and wonder if some of you who already have a small business can help.

Where can I find:

*ideas for a business, especially if I only want a part-time business in the beginning (one that I can have while I still work full time untill the biz is viable enough to leave my job) with only a limited capital.

* small business mentors (not business coaches who charge a fortune)

* business clubs (beside this forum) where people can exchange ideas and support each other in business

* sites regrouping resources related to setting up and running a small business. I already know businesslink.

Thanks.

tru

This site's quite good

Nelski

Lova wrote:

I'm doing some research on starting a new business and wonder if some of you who already have a small business can help.

Where can I find:

*ideas for a business, especially if I only want a part-time business in the beginning (one that I can have while I still work full time untill the biz is viable enough to leave my job) with only a limited capital.

* small business mentors (not business coaches who charge a fortune)

* business clubs (beside this forum) where people can exchange ideas and support each other in business

* sites regrouping resources related to setting up and running a small business. I already know businesslink.

Thanks.

As an owner of a small business (business coaching!!!!!!!!!) I can highly recommend Business Link for local contacts. They also have a bank of mentors that you can use for a very reasonable price if not free. I also hooked up with one local business on a tything basis - he did some marketing and web stuff in return for the coaching of his team. Maybe you could hook up with someone wanting your services like an accountant or a marketing company. Please avoid the very expensive and in my experience fairly useless breakfast clubs (dont know if I can mention their name so PM me if you want to know who Im talking about) they only really seem to work for small retail outlets. You can also get involved in local womens networking groups (internet search should help you) and make sure you keep asking people for free help - you will be amazed at what you get back.
And finally business coaches only charge a fortune to very profitable businesses who can afford a fortune - so hope you will be using one very soon!
All the best

gonzo10

Here are a few forums that may be of interest to you.

http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/

http://www.youcangetit.co.uk/forum/

http://www.shell-livewire.com/forums/

Lova_2

Thanks everyone. I also found www.startups.co.uk today. They have interviews of some business owners who started up recently and their stories are very inspirationnal.

Nelski, I'm glad to hear you are a business coach. I studied performance coaching and life coaching as well. I have considered getting back to it and combining it with counselling, however another part of me wants to do something completely different as I have already worked as a counsellor for years.

Another question I have in mind is, do any of you know where I can meet up with other people who are considering setting up (or already in business) but want to share premises (a little shop, or an office) with others in order to share costs.

Savvy_Sue

Might be worth contacting your local council: they may be facilitating startups and business shares in your area ...

Finishrich

My Mag was featured in Red Magazine.

Encantador

By that I mean the concept, not the franchise. Can`t see why anyone with a reasonable amount of intelligence would need to pay them £3500 to be led by the nose.

The down side is selling advertising to small businesses, one of the worst jobs in the world. You would probably need to be doing it full time for the first few weeks, at least until the first edition is out.

PM me if you want to chat further.