The new year is a really popular time for people to start new businesses.?? Did you know that, according to Prowess, women set up around a third of new businesses in the UK? And the number of female-owned or managed companies looks set to continue to rise.
We?ve teamed up with Business Link to give inspiration and practical support to all you budding mumpreneurs out there.
To get you inspired read how Rubana Ahmad followed her dream to set up an ethical fashion house and how Malene Stanley set up her business in response to her annoyance that retailers want to dress her children as mini-adults.
Then read some of the top tips from other women who?ve already made a success of their businesses.???
Still feel ready to take the plunge?? Double-check practical tips from Business Link on how to take those first steps.?
1.Do a reality check.? Are you ready for the:
? Personal sacrifice
? Financial insecurity
? Loss of company perks
? Pressure on close relationships
? Isolation?
2.Do you have the right entrepreneurial skills to run your own business? Do you have these qualities?
? Initiative
? Judgement
? Self-confidence
? Self-determination
? Commitment
? Perseverance
3.Do you have the necessary business skills?
? Financial management
? Product management
? People management
? Business planning
? Marketing expertise
? Sales skills
? Supplier relationship management
4.Have you done your market research to check the viability of your idea in the market?
5.Do you have enough money to run your business to survive at least several months without any income?
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RESOURCES
For more detailed advice on setting?up a business, vsit?www.businesslink.gov.uk/startingup. Business Link can to help you:
? Assess if you?re ready to make the move
? Get guidance on writing a business plan, regulations, sales and marketing, finance and accounts
? Find free or subsidised support available locally, including events and workshops
Business Link services are free and can be accessed online at www.businesslink.gov.uk or by calling the national helpline on 0845 600 9 006.
