Business Planning
Secure finance to realise your ambitions 
This section provides information on funding sources which will help you market test your idea, launch or grow your business.
To successfully secure finance you need to:-
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Be confident in your business proposition
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Have a fully completed business plan
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Know the size of investment you need and for what purpose
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Have a good quality business pitch and presentation
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Understand the work and results that are expected in return for the investment
Our business coaches can help you:-
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refine your business proposition
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polish your business plan
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prepare your pitch to investors
To enquire about business coaching please email [email protected]
Our coaching and training is provided on a chargeable basis, but we can access funding to provide free business support to certain groups of entrepreneurs who meet the eligibility of the funding provider. Please enquire to find out more.
Manage your Cashflow
Businesses need to manage their finances and keep proper accounts so that they can manage their resources and make sound financial decisions. Poor financial management and understanding the importance of cashflow is one of the main reasons why businesses fail.
It's important to manage your finances to
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Understand the sales targets you need to meet
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Understand your actual costs and outgoings
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Keep on top of income generation and invoicing
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Meet statutory requirements for accounting, VAT, and self assessments
Striding Out works with financial and accountancy experts to give you the support you need to manage your finances:-
Our Financial Experts can provide you with:-
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Financial Director support
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Accountancy Services
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Book-keeping Services
To enquire about our Financial Experts email [email protected]
Looking for an easy to use book keeping and account management system, then check out Kashflow. It offers a 60 day free trial as well.
Please find some Funding Pots detailed below and useful articles
Mini Mogul
This summer, following the huge success of the first show, MINI MOGUL returns to challenge a new group of aspiring young entrepreneurs who will be battling to win over £3,000 to get there business ideas off the ground.
This TV style show gives young entrepreneurs aged 16- 25 the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to our panel of judges as well as a LIVE studio audience. This is a night of pure entertainment, with celebrity guests & prize giveaways.
Mini Mogul are looking for teams/individuals with the drive & ambition to make their business ideas work!
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 9th July 2010
Click here to apply.
Guinness Bring It To Life Awards
The Guinness Bring It To Life Awards, in association with UnLtd and Rathbone, will work with people aged 25 – 35 who have a brilliant urban regeneration idea that will make a difference to their local community. People will receive a Guinness Bring It To Life Award through UnLtd and will have access to funding, training and volunteer support from Rathbone and Diageo Great Britain to bring their social ventures to life. The Guinness Bring it to Life Awards honour Arthur Guinness’ commitment to supporting local communities.
Guinness are looking for 19 driven individuals who are fast-moving social entrepreneurs with an initiative that will benefit people in any of the following cities: London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool and Manchester. They are particularly interested in supporting initiatives in areas of particular need.
Guinness want to support people who have the energy and drive to transform their communities and neighbourhoods by hosting positive activities in community spaces:
You must be:
- 25-35 at the time of submitting your application
- Living and/or working in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham or London
- The founder or lead person driving the initiative
- In a position to apply as an individual or an informal group
- Identify where you would personally benefit from support
Deadline for expressions of interest is 9th July 2010.
Click here for more information and to apply.
Shell Livewire
If you're aged 16-30 and need funding to get your new business idea or project off the ground, the Shell LiveWIRE Grand Ideas Awards offer up to to 5 x £1,000 prizes each month to the most innovative or unusual ideas submitted by new businesses in their first 12 months of trading.
To apply for these awards go to www.shell-livewire.org/awards
Barclays Trading Places
WIN £10,000 with Barclays Trading Places with a runner-up with £5,000 for YOUR business, and also get invited and network at a prestigious black-tie gala dinner at The Savoy in London on Tuesday 30th November to be attended by more than 300 VIP guests.
Entry forms are available in Barclays branches, by calling the Awards Office on 020 8673 2020 or by visiting www.barclays.co.uk/tradingplaces , you until Friday 16th July to compete.
Kick Start!
Kick Start – ROUND 2! - Exciting New Funding Round Announced - Deadline 13th June.
Due to the overwhelming success of Kick Start - our biggest ever start-up competition - we have some very exciting news.There is new money up for grabs!!. You too can win up to £15,000 to Kick Start your internet or technology business.
Click here to apply.