How much does it cost to start up a business?

The cost of starting a business varies depending on the nature of the business. Some businesses can be started for little or no money at all, whilst others require a large cash investment to start up. If you are thinking of starting up a business, it is crucial that you consider the potential costs involved and how you will fund the cost of starting a business. Here are some of the costs to consider when beginning your entrepreneurial journey.

Guide to funding a new business

If you’re thinking of starting a business, good news! There are lots of ways to finance a start up.

Start Up Loans, business bank loans, personal investment, peer-to-peer lending, equity investment, crowdfunding… even the Bank of Family and Friends! But how do you decide the best option for your business? 

8 Common business finance terms explained

Every industry has jargon - those words and phrases that are specific to that business, sector, skill set, or task. Once you've learned it and become immersed in it, there's no question that jargon can be a useful shorthand.

It's also true, though, that the overuse of these context-specific terms can be a real barrier to understanding some pretty important concepts for anyone who needs to be more casually acquainted with them.

Am I eligible for a business loan?

To be eligible for a loan to start a business, you’ll need to be over 18, resident in the UK and be planning a legal UK-based business.

There will be other criteria depending on your chosen lender, but these are the fundamental criteria that everyone must meet. Other criteria might include your credit history, your trading history and your residency status.

What to expect when applying for a business loan

When you’re applying for a business loan, you might feel anxious, especially if there’s a lot riding on the decision.

However, the process itself isn’t something to be scared of. You’ll need to prove your suitability as a borrower and show how you plan to use – and repay - the money. Follow our step-by-step guide to applying for a business loan, to put you on the path to approval.

Pros and Cons of Bootstrapping Your Startup

Not all entrepreneurs need external funding to start a business. Some of the most successful companies today started with less than $1,000 of capital out of their own pocket.

Bootstrapping, or self-financing, is one of the earliest forms of funding for entrepreneurs and business founders. When done right, it opens far bigger possibilities.

If you’re looking into bootstrapping your startup, then this article is for you. Let’s weigh in on the pros and cons of bootstrapping and help you decide if it’s right for your business.

Getting started with budgets, cash flow and pricing

Building a business from scratch requires hard work, determination and money. It’s not exactly the stuff of daydreams but getting to grips with cash flow and finance is really important.

Cash flow problems cause many startups to go bust within the first 12 months. And often that could have been avoided with some honest, up-front planning. So be prepared to unleash your inner accountant and create a budget that will help your business blossom year-on-year.