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Your business markets and competitors
Define your market, identify your target customers and main competitors and look to the future to anticipate change.
What a business plan should include
How to make a clear and simple plan for how your business will move through the startup and growth phases.
Business plan: marketing and sales
Sectors covering price, customers, your sales channels, distribution methods, promotional strategy and sales plan.
The audience for your business plan
Your business plan will need to be ready for an external audience to view if you're seeking finance or investment.
Succession planning in family businesses
How to balance family relationships and business needs to draw up a fair, effective and tax-efficient exit strategy.
Financial forecasts for your business plan
What to include in your business sales, cashflow and profit and loss forecasts, including financial forecast examples.
Tips for presenting your business plan
Tips for business plan presentation, such as appendices, proofreading and further advice and support.
Managing conflict in family businesses
Using family constitutions and encouraging good communication to manage conflict and channel it as a driver for change.
Download a business plan template
Free downloadable business plan template with tips and guidance to help you write a successful business plan.
Business plan: your operations
Information to include about how you will source, procure, create and deliver the goods or services you will be selling.
Identify how much money your start-up business will make
Concentrate on cashflow estimates in the first year, not expected profit, to help ensure your business stays afloat
Forecast your personal financial needs when starting a business
How to make a realistic assessment of your personal financial needs for the first year of your new business
Cut business costs to increase start-up cashflow
Some simple, common-sense steps to consider when trying to make significant start-up business cost savings
Alternative income sources for start-ups
How you can find other sources of income during the critical early days of running your start-up business
How to assess your transport needs for international trade
Speed, cost, regulation and other requirements that may influence your choice of transport mode for your goods.
5 things to do before you start your business
Consider your business idea, business name, market research and how you will finance your business venture
Selling fireworks
Fireworks retailing rules and responsibilities for businesses in Northern Ireland including how to apply for a licence to sell fireworks legally and safe storage.
How to transport goods out of the UK by road: step-by-step
Checklist for transporting goods commercially by road from the United Kingdom to an international destination.
How to become a successful woman in business
Tips, guidance and support for potential women entrepreneurs on taking the rights steps when starting a business
How entrepreneurial are women in NI?
Overview of female entrepreneurship in Northern Ireland and support available to help women get started in business